36 DRIVE 2 wheels
The DRIVE2 wheels are great, starting from this marble effect finish. The details on them are aesthetically gorgeaous, and looking into depth the way they are made, the inner with is at least 23mm as promised, and it is very even, I didn't see any traces of excess material on the inside walls, in addition, they are perfectly true.
The 36Ds look like thay are deeper, although I measured, to the eye they don't seem to be less than the previous 40Ds but the wide flat spokes makes the wheels even more pleasant to the eye, they look thicker and more solid.
The hubs are cone shaped which allows room for very generous bearings, thus there is no flexing, very high responsiveness and no disc rub at all, without compromising comfort.
As said, what hits you while riding, is how responsive they are, especially on the climbs when you need them the most, and, as silly as it could sound, how good and agressive the freewheel sounds. On +8% climbs I really feel they fly, and in my case I am comparing to Giant SLR0 wheels which had around 1400 grams. These Drive2 help me a lot when the climb is steep as I am a rather heavy rider !
With 28mm Continental GP5000 Tubeless tires they are extremely comfortable, and you can take into account that at 3,5 bars the measured width of the tires on these wheels is of at least 29 mm, more like 29,5 !
The outer width is around 31 as promised, I'd say they absolutely deliver what promised.
The 4,5 mm carbon spoke wheels make them perfect as they are not subject to turbulence during crosswinds as some other similar wheels may be, for example the Farsport EVO S, which quite a bit more expensive and would be more difficult to maintain given the no rim bedhole design, to my opinion. At the same time, in spite of the spokes made of carbon they are very, very comfortable, as mentioned.
The overall packaging of the Drive 2 is awesome, and the total weight with Shimano freehub, with tubeless tape and valves already installed was 1280 grams !
The delivery was very fast and customer service was flawless all the time, even proactively looking for you to check you are satisfied and that the deliveries have been according to customers' expectations.
Could not recommed them more, they are a no brainer, most probably I will order a new pair of gravels for my titanium gravel bike.
Thank you for your attention.
Reply from Elitewheels
Hi Ottaviano,
Wow—thank you for this incredible, detailed breakdown of your DRIVE 2 36D wheels! We’re over the moon to hear they’ve exceeded your expectations in every way, from that stunning marble effect finish to their performance out on the road.
It means so much that the little details shine: the even 23mm inner width (no excess material!), perfectly true rims, and the cone-shaped hubs with generous bearings that eliminate flex and disc rub—all while keeping comfort intact. We love that the 36Ds look deeper than their size, and that the wide flat spokes add that solid, premium feel.
Hearing they help you “fly” on +8% climbs (even as a heavier rider, compared to your Giant SLR0 wheels!) and that the freewheel sounds just right? That’s exactly the ride experience we design for. And the 28mm GP5000s stretching to ~29.5mm at 3.5 bars, plus the crosswind stability of the 4.5mm carbon spokes (especially next to pricier options like the Farsport EVO S)? That’s the kind of real-world performance we’re proud of.
We’re also thrilled the fast delivery, flawless customer service (and proactive check-ins!), and 1280g total weight (with freehub, tape, and valves) hit the mark. Your plan to order gravel wheels for your titanium bike? That makes our day.
Thank you for trusting EliteWheels—and for such a thoughtful review. Here’s to many more smooth, fast rides ahead!