Drive SL 48D CS
US$1,399.00
A road wheelset with a masterful balance of aerodynamics and stiffness, delivering top-tier performance for riders pursuing ultimate efficiency and a competitive edge.
Built with a 25mm internal width, it unlocks the true potential of 29–32C tires — lower pressure for unmatched ride quality, yet reduced drag for higher speeds. Inside, a one-piece titanium freehub (60T/6°) delivers instant engagement and long-term durability, while a precisely tuned hub with a tension difference of ≤7kgf between both sides and an increase in lateral stiffness ensures that much more watt is transferred directly to the road.
All of this is wrapped in a lightweight 1290g package (36mm front / 34mm rear external widths), validated by over 20 laboratory tests and wind-tunnel-proven real-world performance.
– Intended Use: Road
– Carbon Spoke Wheelset
– Disc Brake Wheelset
– Brake Interface: Center Lock by default
– Axle: Thru axle by default
*Availability Status:
1) Black decals, Preorder, usually shipped in 20-30 days ;
2) Fusion gold decals, Preorder, usually shipped in 20-30 days ;
Description
| Rim | |
| Series | Drive |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
| Tire Compatibility | Clincher/ Tubeless |
| Bead Type | Hooked |
| Rim Depth | 48mm |
| Inner Width | 25mm |
| Outer Width | F 36mm / R 34mm |
| Other | |
| Rim Finish | UD Semi-matte |
| Extras | Rim Tape(Installed), Tubeless Valves(Installed), Spokes(4) |
| Weight (Pair) | 1290±30g(without tubeless valves and rim tape) |
| Rider Weight Limit | 270lbs/120kg |
| Compatible Tire Sizes | 700 x 29-58C |
| Recommended Tire Sizes | 700 x 29-32C |
| Hub | |
| Front Hub Spacing | 12x100mm |
| Rear Hub Spacing | 12x142mm |
| Bearing | TPI Steel |
| Brake Compatibility | Disc (Center Lock) |
| Freehub Type | 60T Ratchet (Titanium) |
| Freehub Compatibility | Shimano HG / SRAM XDR / Shimano MSR |
| Spoke | |
| Front Spoke Pattern | 3X/Radial (2:1) |
| Rear Spoke Pattern | 1X/3X (1:2) |
| Spoke Count | 21F/24R |
| Spoke Type | 3.2mm SL Aero Bladed Carbon Spoke |
| Nipple Type |
|
| Spare Spokes | 4PCS |

25mm Internal Width
Eliminating the Barriers Between Wide-Tire Comfort and Aerodynamic Efficiency
The Drive SL 48D CS 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 48D CS achieves an ideal balance of low weight and aerodynamic performance within this high-volume platform, with total weight reaching just 1290g.


One-Piece Titanium Freehub (60T / 6°)
Lightweight and Durability, No Compromise
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).

Tension Difference ≤ 7kgf + Increased Lateral Stiffness
Explosive Sprints, Solid Stability
The Drive SL 48D CS 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 48D CS features increased lateral stiffness. Sprinting out of the saddle? Less power loss, Less brake rub, less wasted watts.


Testing & Validation
Beyond the Lab, Validated at Silverstone
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 58D CS — 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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