Drive Helix 57D CS
The Drive Helix 57D CS was designed to be the ultimate all-round performance wheelset. Being part of our first ultra-premium wheel series, it is the best choice for riders who want a balance of aerodynamics and lightweight for both the climbs, the flats, and everything in between.
– Carbon Spoke Wheelset
– Disc Brake Wheelset
– Brake Interface: Center Lock by default
– Axle: Thru axle by default (Need QR adapters?)
*Availability Status: Out of stock
US$1,499.00
Out of stock
Which freehub should I choose?
| Rim | |
| Wheel Sizes | 700C |
| Tire Compatibility | Clincher/ Tubeless |
| Bead Type | Hooked |
| Rim Depth | F:47-52mm R:52-57mm |
| Inner Width | 21mm |
| Outer Width | F:31.8mm R:30.8mm |
| Other | |
| Rim Finish | Glossy Marbling Black |
| Extras | Pre-installed Rim Tape & Tubeless Valves |
| Rider Weight Limit | 275lbs/125kg |
| Compatible Tire Sizes | 700 x 25-38C |
| Recommended Tire Sizes | 700 x 28-30C |
| Weight (Pair) | 1370±30g (without tubeless valves and rim tape) |
| Certification | UCI Approved |
| Hub | |
| Front Hub Spacing | 12x100mm |
| Rear Hub Spacing | 12x142mm |
| Brake Compatibility | Disc (Center Lock) |
| Freehub Compatibility | Shimano / SRAM XDR |
| Bearing | S&S Ceramic |
| Freehub Type | Star Ratchet |
| Spoke | |
| Front Spoke Pattern | 2X/Radial (2:1) |
| Rear Spoke Pattern | 1X/2X (1:2) |
| Spoke Count | 21F/24R |
| Spoke Type | Carbon Spoke (5.2mm) |
| Nipple Type | Alloy Secure Lock |
| Spare Spokes | 4PCS |
RIMS
In designing the Drive Helix 57D CS wheelset, the goal was to create something that ticked all of the boxes. 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 57D CS’s mixed depth wheels allow for the best of both worlds when it comes to aerodynamics, weight, and control.
SPOKES
No stone was left unturned when designing the Drive Helix 57D CS wheelset. Newer, more aerodynamic carbon spokes were selected without sacrificing weight or durability, allowing them to remain approximately 3 grams each. These 5.2mm spokes are the most aerodynamic of their kind available.
What makes our spokes special is that unlike bonded carbon fiber spokes, these are replaceable just like traditional steel spokes. Using a more advanced design, Drive Helix CS spokes do not experience spoke twist, so they are always in the most aerodynamic orientation and do not lose spoke tension over time.
HUBS
What makes the Surface hub unique is its star ratchet freehub mechanism, which has been tried and tested for years on our MTB and TT wheelsets. Just like all of our other designs, the Surface hub is made by us using 5-axis CNC machines. High-grade precision S&S ceramic bearings were chosen to improve their lifespan and reduce rolling resistance, saving you precious watts. While having high quality bearings is important, a perfect bearing seat fit is essential for optimal performance. Our CNC machines precisely machine bearing seats to 0.02mm tolerances, guaranteeing exceptionally low rolling resistance and improving longevity.
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 CS wheelsets?+
Which cassettes require the 1.85mm spacer?+
Why don’t our disc brake wheelsets come with thru-axles?+
Can I use disc brake wheels on my QR (quick release) compatible frame?+
Is there an internal nipple option?+
Are ceramic bearing easily broken?+
What does the rider weight include?+
What tire pressures should I run?+
How strong are the carbon rims? What happens if I break one?+
Where can I find information on ordering and shipping?+
Essential Safety Information+
What happens if a carbon spoke breaks?+
Are carbon spokes covered under warranty?+
4 reviews for Drive Helix 57D CS
Related products
US$1,399.00
US$1,399.00
US$1,399.00
-
US$1,189.00
Roberto Ciriolo (verified owner) –
Ordine effettuato l’1 agosto e ruote consegnate il 27 agosto, tutto nei tempi previsti. Ottimo imballaggio. Ruote davvero belle esteticamente e di ottima fattura, fornite con nastro e valvola tubeless. La facilità di montaggio è stata impressionante, cassetta, rotori e copertoni montano alla perfezione, basta avere un minimo di manualità.
Per ora le ho solo montate, devo ancora provarle e non vedo l’ora. Aggiornerò la recensione appena le avrò provate.
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!
Ray Halliwell (verified owner) –
Very well packaged and delivered on time. The wheels look great with a glossy finish and gold decals which are tastefully sized. Rim tape and tubeless valves are included. Spare spokes supplied in a nice protective box.
Both wheels were true radially and laterally within 0.2mm which is impressive. Dishing was perfect. Spoke tension on both wheels was good with all spokes within 10% variance.
Elite are producing top quality products that can compete with any of the established US and European brands. Highly recommended
Elitewheels (store manager) –
Hi Ray,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thorough and positive review! We’re thrilled to hear that your wheels arrived well-packaged and on schedule, and that you appreciate the glossy finish and tasteful gold decals.
Thanks again for recommending Elitewheels. We’re honored to have you as part of the Elite community!
HV –
Ook ik vond het wat akelig om een setje te kopen op 9000km afstand.
Maar besloot om ze via een invoerder aan te schaffen.
Deze set is bomb-proof verpakt en kwam toe, via een invoerder.
Na een valse start met de body, contact gehad met beiden, de invoerder deed wat moeilijk, maar binnen de 4 dagen werd het onderdeel rechtstreek opgestuurd door Elitewheels, dadelijk vervangen en na een testritje, werd het goed bevonden !
De wielen voldoen nu volledig naar mijn verwachtingen.
Zijwindgevoeligheid is minimaal.
De stijfheid van de carbon spaken is merkbaar hoger. Bij het stevig versnellen, schuurt de schijf niet meer tegen de remblokken.
De overgang van een 28mm Conti 5000 band naar de velg is zeer vloeiend te noemen.
Wielen voelen ook zeer snel op de weg, dat zie je in een afdaling, als je in groep, zonder te trappen, de snelheid hoger ligt dan je collega’s.
Deze wielen heb ik vergeleken met men Fulcrum Speed 44, die trouwens duurder zijn en die in alle opzichten onder moeten doen voor deze Elitwheels Helix Drive 57 D CS.
Ik ben wel benieuwd hoe ze het uithouden, op de langere termijn.
Nu zeer tevreden en bedankt Team Elitewheels voor de service.
Andy Olson (verified owner) –
TLDR, the Elitewheels Drive Helix 57D CS are awesome!
Part 1, Service
One of the things I was concerned about was dealing with a company on the other side of the world. I will tell you Elitewheels has excellent customer service! I originally ordered the Drive 50D on 2/16/2024 but then 3 days later I saw the ‘coming soon’ announcement for the new Helix wheels. I was so intrigued by them I canceled my order and they issued me a full refund, no problem at all. I emailed several questions about the Helix wheels and they were all answered within 24 hours. I ordered the Helix 57D CS as soon as they were available on 3/29. The wheels shipped 5/7 and arrived 5/13. On 5/17 Elite Wheels sent me an email stating that some wheels were above the 30 gram threshold they advertised, they offered either a full refund if I wanted to return the wheels or a $50 refund and keep the wheels. I told them my wheels weighed in at 1462 grams (with tape and valves) which was fine with me but they sent me the $50 refund anyway. Great customer service!
Part 2, The wheels
Packaging was excellent, they looked gorgeous coming out of the box. Spokes were tight, wheels were true. I mounted a couple brand new Continental GP5000S tubeless tires, they were tight but I got them on without using any tire levers. I have an air compressor but thought I’d try the regular floor pump first. That worked! I was able to inflate them and heard a nice pop as they set to the rims. The fit was so good I (almost) considered not adding sealant. After mounting them to the bike and a little adjustment to the disk brakes and I was riding. I have now ridden over 750 miles and they are flawless. These wheels are a joy to ride, they are smooth, fast, and handle well. When I am riding 18 mph or faster is when I can really tell how these wheels slice through the air. They just seem to want to go faster! I also don’t notice any crosswinds unless they are really strong and even then it’s not an issue.
These wheels checked all the boxes for me:
– Undulating aero carbon rims
– Carbon spokes
– Ceramic bearings
– Ratchet hub
– Mid-depth front rim, deeper back rim
– Hooked rims
– Wider profile optimized for 28mm tires
– Lightweight
Great wheels, great service, what more do you want?
Elitewheels (store manager) –
Hello Andy. Thank you for sharing your experience with our customer service and your 57D CS wheelset. We are glad that you put your trust in us when ordering your wheels. As for the order, we were happy that you were able to get a wheelset that was more suitable for your needs and that it all worked out. We apologize for the difference in weight, and appreciate your understanding. For us, customer service is just as important as the wheels we offer.
Regarding the wheels, we are glad you are satisfied with packaging, the wheel aesthetics, the ease of tubeless setup, as well as their performance on the road, strength, and resistance to crosswinds. It is nice to see that they were able to check all of the boxes.
Thanks again for taking the time to review our wheels and customer service.
Happy riding!