Drive Helix 46D SS

The Drive Helix 46D SS was designed to be a lightweight, high-performance climbing wheelset. It is our most crosswind resistant wheelset, giving you excellent control no matter where you ride. Drawing inspiration from our popular steel spoke gravel Drive wheelset, the 46D SS uses Sapim CX-Ray spokes, which are not only lightweight but are also aerodynamic. The wheelset also features our own UNI carbon fiber as well as TPI steel bearings. What sets these new wheels apart isn’t just our tried and tested ratchet hubs and high quality steel hubs and bearings, but also our innovative undulating rim design, whose unique profile results in helical-shaped laminar flow when out riding.

– Sapim CX-Ray Steel Spokes
– Disc Brake Wheelset
– Brake Interface: Center Lock by default
– Axle: Thru axle by default (Need QR adapters?)

*Availability Status: Usually shipped in 7-10 days.

US$1,189.00

(4 customer reviews)

Which freehub should I choose?

Optional accessories
46D SS-gold
This item: Drive Helix 46D SS
US$1,189.00
US$1,189.00
Center-lock to 6-bolt Adapters
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Original price was: US$16.00.Current price is: US$12.00.
Rim
Wheel Sizes700C
Tire CompatibilityClincher/ Tubeless
Bead TypeHooked
Rim DepthF:39-43mm R:42-46mm
Inner Width21mm
Outer WidthF:31.8mm R:30.8mm
Other
Rim FinishGlossy Marbling Black
ExtrasRim Tape(Installed), Tubeless Valves(Installed)
Weight (Pair)1345±30g (without tubeless valves and rim tape)
Rider Weight Limit275lbs/125kg
Compatible Tire Sizes700 x 25-38C
Recommended Tire Sizes700 x 28-30C
CertificationUCI Approved
Hub
Front Hub Spacing12x100mm
Rear Hub Spacing12x142mm
BearingTPI Steel
Brake CompatibilityDisc (Center Lock)
Freehub TypeStar Ratchet
Freehub CompatibilityShimano / SRAM XDR / Campagnolo
Spoke
Front Spoke Pattern3X/Radial
Rear Spoke Pattern2X/2X
Spoke Count21F/24R
Spoke TypeSapim CX-Ray
Nipple TypeSapim Secure Lock
Spare SpokesNone
Drive Helix 57D SS-rim

RIMS

In designing the Drive Helix 46D SS wheelset, the goal was to create something that ticked all of the boxes, but at a more competitive price. It had to not only be aero, light, laterally stiff, strong, but also crosswind resistant. To accomplish this, we used our in-house UNI carbon fiber, which is a mixture of our custom resin and genuine Japanese Toray T800 and T1000 carbon fiber. It allows our wheels to be stiff, light, and strong enough to go far beyond the UCI’s vertical impact test. Our patented undulating rim design draws inspiration from the tubercle effect found widely in nature, allowing for a significant improvement in stability in windy conditions.

The wheels are aerodynamically optimized for 700 x 28-30c tires. The front wheel’s wider 31.8mm external width improves airflow around the rim, offering further stability in crosswinds. Both the front and rear rim depths were also chosen specifically to meet the needs of road riders. The Drive Helix 46D SS’s mixed depth wheels allow for the best of both worlds when it comes to aerodynamics, weight, and control.

Drive Helix 57D SS-rim
Drive Helix 57D SS-Spokes

SPOKES

No stone was left unturned when designing the Drive Helix 46D SS wheelset. Lightweight Sapim CX-Ray aero bladed spokes are excellent when it comes to performance and strength, while weighing just 4.4 grams each on average.

What makes our spokes special is that they are not only ubiquitous at bike shops around the world, but also trusted and raced by professional road, gravel, and MTB riders around the world. They have a proven track record, and when it comes to steel spokes, Sapim CX-Rays are simply the best.

Drive Helix 57D SS-Hub

HUBS

What makes the Surface hub unique is its star ratchet engagement system, which we have been using for years on our MTB and TT wheelsets. Just like all of our other hubs, the Surface hub is made by us with 5-axis CNC machines.

High grade precision TPI steel bearings were chosen to improve longevity and reduce rolling resistance. TPI bearings are precise and have low rolling resistance, making them on par with even some ceramic bearings. While having high quality bearings is important, bearing seat fit is also essential. Our CNC machines can precisely machine our bearing seats with extremely low 0.02mm tolerances, guaranteeing a perfect bearing fit, decreasing rolling resistance and further improving the lifespan of the bearings.

Discover the Hub Sound Here

Drive Helix 57D SS-Hub
Drive Helix 57D SS-areodynamic

AERODYNAMIC TESTING

At Elitewheels, we see value in ensuring what we offer performs rather than just looking good on paper. In addition to the 20+ laboratory test at our factory, we also employ CFD testing as well as real world testing by our pro teams and riders.

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) allows us to aerodynamically optimize wheelsets before even producing the first prototype. During the design phase, we conduct a series of advanced computer simulations that take hundreds of hours each. After our engineering team is satisfied, we are ready for stress testing in our lab.

Once the development of our wheels is finished, we not only test the wheels out ourselves, but we also send them to professional cyclists. We are working with our sponsored UCI continental pro teams and riders, getting their feedback. Their experience riding hundreds of thousands of kilometers each with a large number of wheelsets gives us a unique perspective.

Which brands’ freehubs are compatible with Drive Helix SS wheelsets?+

Since the hubs used in Drive Helix SS wheels are manufactured in Elitewheels’ factory, freehubs from other brands are incompatible. The hubs used in Drive Helix SS wheels have passed our 20,000km test. As long as you ride in normal conditions, the possibility of the freehub getting damaged is very low. If you ride in extreme conditions, we recommend you clean the freehub every 3000km.

Can I use disc brake wheels on my QR (quick release) compatible frame?+

Yes. Please click the link and add the Thru-axles to QR Adapters to your cart with the wheelset.

Can I change to 6-bolt?+

Yes. Drive Helix SS wheels use center lock hubs by default, but if you want to use 6-bolt, please click the link and add the Center-lock to 6-bolt Adapters to your cart with the wheelset.

Which cassettes require the 1.85mm spacer?+

1.85mm spacers are required for Shimano 9/10-speed cassettes fitted on Shimano HG freehubs. Spacers are also required when pairing most SRAM XD MTB cassettes with SRAM XDR freehubs.

Why don’t our disc brake wheelsets come with thru-axles?+

Unlike quick releases, there are many thru-axle standards. What you need depends on your frame's make and model. There are many thread types, such as M12x1.0mm, M12x1.5mm, M12x1.75mm, etc... For example, M12 means the outer thread diameter is 12mm, and 1.0mm means the thread pitch is 1.0mm. Because of the variety of standards, we do not provide thru-axles. If you need a new thru-axle(s), please contact your frame brand for more information.

Is there an internal nipple option?+

There is currently no internal nipple option available.

What does the rider weight include?+

The rider weight limit includes the total weight of the rider, bike, gear, and any other accessories. Please do not exceed this weight.

What tire pressures should I run?+

The best tire pressure for you depends on many factors: the rim width, type of bike and tires, rider weight, road conditions and weather conditions. Please see our user guide for more information.

How strong are the carbon rims? What happens if I break one?+

Every one of our carbon rims has been strictly tested before shipment. We are so confident in the quality of our rims that we offer a 3-year warranty on every one. To learn more, please refer to our warranty page.

Where can I find information on ordering and shipping?+

Please visit our FAQ page here.

Essential Safety Information+

For essential safety information, please read our Consumer Advice.

4 reviews for Drive Helix 46D SS

  1. ocediis (verified owner) –

    Great wheels in crosswind conditions.I mounted these onto a Time Alpe D’Hues with a SRAM Force E1 groupset. I wanted a light climbing bike that is fairly solid when the climbs turn to downhills. My typical ride is between 8,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level in the Colorado high-country where the wind can pick up unexpectedly. These wheels have proven the perfect addition to my light-weight setup. The wheels and the frame work together to very well to really apply the power on the climbs while soaking up road vibrations on fast downhill sections without sacrificing solid and agile handling. My first time riding these wheels, I was going at about 40mph when a hefty crosswind blew across me. I tensed up to brace against wheel movement. But the wind influence against the side of my front wheel was minimal. As the crosswinds repeatedly hit, I repeatedly tensed up. But that was unnecessary. Where wind would yank my old wheels into an unintended turn, on the Helix wheels it was more like a gentle push that was easily countered. Overall, I’ve fallen in love with these wheels and would recommend them to anyone who regularly rides hilly terrain with regular crosswind conditions.

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    • sunny@elite-wheels.com (store manager) –

      Hi Ocediis,

      Thanks for your genuine review!

      These wheels perform excellently against crosswinds. They boost climbing power, dampen road vibration and ensure steady agile handling. Perfect fit for hilly and windy high-altitude rides.

      Happy cycling!

  2. Georget Didier (verified owner) –

    Bilan de ma commande d’une paire de roue EliteWheels Drive Helix 46D SS. J’ai demandé une expédition dans les meilleurs délais pour pouvoir essayer ces roues avant une compétition nationale dans les alpes. J’ai bien été écouté, car commandé le 14/08, j’ai reçu le 29/08, donc 15 jours avec la fabrication et la livraison. Bon emballage, bonne qualité de finition jante et rayons, poids respecter à 5 grammes, roulements fluides, roue libre précise et assez silencieuse, valves et fond de jante de qualités, montage des pneus faciles, bonne étanchéité tubeless, aucun réglage à faire pour passage des vitesses Shimano DI2. Monté sur mon ancien vélo professionnel FDJ de 2020, les roues se sont montrées suffisamment rigides et agréables à rouler. Assez explosives dans les montées, mais également réactives sur les relances à 35/40 kmh. Cette paire de roue est de qualité identique à mes Shimano Dura-ace C46. Pour des roues de cette qualité, dommage qu’il n’y est pas quelques rayons de rechange de fourni, mais également une housse de transport pour des roues de cette qualités (et pas de housse de disponible à la vente sur le site)
    Bilan positif : Tarif, Garantie 3 ans, Communication, Emballage, Livraison, Finition, Poids, Roulements, Roue libre, Valve, Montage, Etanchéité et Rendement générale des roues.
    A confirmer : Garantie, Service après-vente et fiabilité.
    Bilan négatif : Rayons de rechanges et housse de transport.

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  3. didier georget (verified owner) –

    Bilan de ma commande d’une paire de roue EliteWheels Drive Helix 46D SS. J’ai demandé une expédition dans les meilleurs délais pour pouvoir essayer ces roues avant une compétition nationale dans les alpes. J’ai bien été écouté, car commandé le 14/08, j’ai reçu le 29/08, donc 15 jours avec la fabrication et la livraison. Bon emballage, bonne qualité de finition jante et rayons, poids respecter à 5 grammes, roulements fluides, roue libre précise et assez silencieuse, valves et fond de jante de qualités, montage des pneus faciles, bonne étanchéité tubeless, aucun réglage à faire pour passage des vitesses Shimano DI2. Monté sur mon ancien vélo professionnel FDJ de 2020, les roues se sont montrées suffisamment rigides et agréables à rouler. Assez explosives dans les montées, mais également réactives sur les relances à 35/40 kmh. Cette paire de roue est de qualité identique à mes Shimano Dura-ace C46. Pour des roues de cette qualité, dommage qu’il n’y est pas quelques rayons de rechange de fourni, mais également une housse de transport pour des roues de cette qualités (et pas de housse de disponible à la vente sur le site)
    Bilan positif : Tarif, Garantie 3 ans, Communication, Emballage, Livraison, Finition, Poids, Roulements, Roue libre, Valve, Montage, Etanchéité et Rendement générale des roues.
    A confirmer : Garantie, Service après-vente et fiabilité.
    Bilan négatif : Rayons de rechanges et housse de transport.

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    • Elitewheels (store manager) –

      Hi Roberto, Thank you very much for sharing your detailed feedback! We’re happy to hear that the delivery was on time and that the wheels arrived safely with everything included. It’s great that the installation went smoothly. We look forward to your update once you’ve had the chance to ride them, and we hope you enjoy every kilometer with your new wheels!

  4. Phil Ber (verified owner) –

    I give you a quick report on the wheels(Helix Drive 46 SS) I’ve been using for the last 2 weeks.
    First of all, the installation on a Specialized Roubaix Shimano 105 went very well. Everything fitted perfectly.
    In terms of use, I’ve saved almost 1kg compared to my previous wheels, particularly by removing the butyl inner tubes. The result is excellent, the bike is more comfortable, more agile and easier to relaunch.
    In short, I’m very happy, it’s a success.
    Well done, great job.

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    • Elitewheels (store manager) –

      Hi Phil,

      Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Helix Drive 46 SS! It’s great to know the wheels have made your bike feel more comfortable, agile, and quick to accelerate. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing where the new wheels take you. Hope you enjoy every mile!

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