Drive SL
A road wheelset with a masterful balance of aerodynamics and stiffness, engineered for riders who demand maximum efficiency and a competitive edge.
With a 25mm internal rim width, the Drive SL unlocks the full potential of modern 29-32mm tires, allowing lower tire pressures for exceptional comfort, grip, and control while reducing aerodynamic drag for higher speeds. At its core is an integrated one-piece titanium freehub featuring a 60T ratchet system with 6° engagement, delivering instant power transfer and long-term durability. A carefully optimized hub design with a ≤7kgf spoke tension difference between drive and non-drive sides, combined with increased lateral stiffness, ensures more of your watts are translated directly into forward motion.
All of this is packaged in a lightweight 1330g wheelset, featuring a 36mm external front rim width and 34mm external rear rim width for the ideal balance of stability and aerodynamic efficiency. The Drive SL has been validated through 20+ laboratory tests, wind tunnel development, and real-world testing to deliver proven performance where it matters most.
See the product specifications below for further details.
Productspecifications
Rim:
- Series: Drive
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Tire Compatibility: Clincher / Tubeless
- Rim Type: Hooked
- Rim Depth: 48mm / 58mm
- Internal Width: 25mm
- External Width: 36mm Front / 34mm Rear
Hub:
- Front Axle Standard: 12 × 100mm
- Rear Axle Standard: 12 × 142mm
- Bearings: TPI Steel Bearings
- Brake Compatibility: Disc Brake (Center Lock)
- Freehub System: Titanium 60T Ratchet
Spokes:
- Front Lacing Pattern: 3X / Radial (2:1)
- Rear Lacing Pattern: 1X / 3X (1:2)
- Spoke Count: 21 Front / 24 Rear
- Spoke Type: 3.2mm SL Aero Blade Carbon Spokes
- Nipples: Alloy Secure Lock
- Spare Spokes: 4 Included
Other:
- Finish: UD Semi-Matte
- Included: Pre-installed Rim Tape, Pre-installed Tubeless Valves, 4 Spare Spokes
- Wheelset Weight: 1330 ± 30g (without tubeless valves and rim tape)
- Maximum Rider Weight: 120kg
- Compatible Tire Sizes: 700 × 29-58C
- Recommended Tire Sizes: 700 × 29-32C
- Certification: UCI Approved
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Eliminating the Barriers Between Wide-Tire Comfort and Aerodynamic Efficiency
25mm Internal Width
The Drive SL features a 25mm internal rim width, paired with a profile specifically optimized for 29–32C tires. This design effectively eliminates the “lightbulb effect” after inflation, providing superior sidewall support during cornering and out-of-the-saddle sprinting.
The Drive SL adopts an front/rear rim architecture: the 36mm external width of the front wheel prioritizes crosswind stability and precise handling, while the 34mm external width of the rear wheel reduces drag and enhances aerodynamic efficiency within the turbulent airflow behind the rider.
A wider internal width enables greater air volume. The 25mm internal width supports lower tire pressures, delivering enhanced vibration damping and long-distance comfort—every kilometer, more composed. Through continuous optimization of the rim layup, the Drive SL 58D CS achieves an ideal balance of low weight and aerodynamic performance within this high-volume platform, with total weight reaching just 1330g.
Lightweight and Durability, No Compromise
One-Piece Titanium Freehub (60T / 6°)
Titanium naturally offers excellent corrosion resistance and impact resistance. Elitewheels has gone a step further—mastering the thermal management challenges of titanium processing to machine the ratchet teeth and freehub body as a single piece (60T ratchet, 6°engagement angle).
This design reduces the weight of the ratchet system, delivering direct and decisive power transfer—a manufacturing standard rarely seen in the industry. Paired with super-light carbon spokes weighing just 2.2g in a 3.2mm flat profile, along with titanium alloy components that resist acids and alkalis, the Drive SL CS significantly improves service life while reducing weight.
Explosive Sprints, Solid Stability
Tension Difference ≤ 7kgf + Increased Lateral Stiffness
The Drive SL precisely controls the tension difference between both sides of the hub within ≤7kgf, far superior to the ≥15kgf commonly seen in most 2:1 spoke pattern products on the market. Spoke tension is more evenly distributed, resulting in less deformation and greater stability under dynamic loads—this is not just impressive data, but a guarantee of long-term reliability.
Compared to its predecessor, the Drive SL features increased lateral stiffness. Sprinting out of the saddle? Less power loss, Less brake rub, Less wasted watts.
Beyond the Lab, Validated at Silverstone
Testing & Validation
Each Drive SL wheelset undergoes over 20 laboratory tests at our facility—covering durability, longevity, and stiffness— and passes the UCI Vertical Impact Test, certifying it for top-tier professional racing.
Beyond laboratory testing, we validated the Drive SL series at the Silverstone Engineering Hub in the UK. The results confirm that the Drive SL — purpose-built for high-speed performance and demanding crosswind conditions — delivers exceptional aerodynamic stability.
Riding resistance is optimized at small yaw angles (0–15°), accompanied by excellent crosswind stability. Under severe crosswinds at yaw angles ≥15°, handling and composure reach an even higher level.
For everyday riding conditions (0–15°yaw angle), its superior crosswind performance helps riders unlock a 1–6W power advantage. This translates not only to higher riding efficiency but also to enhanced safety at high speeds (≥28km/h).
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HENRIK NORDERHAUG
NORVELO
I’ve spent many years on the bike – learning, testing, and obsessing over the details.
NorVelo is built on that passion.
The vision is simple:
High-performance bikes and components – without the traditional price tags.
This is just the beginning.