Elitewheels' new Helix range brings wavy rims to a budget-friendly price point

Fresh from Sea Otter are some new wheels from Elitewheels. The new Drive Helix wheels feature a variable depth wavy rim profile aimed at improving the wheel's composure in crosswinds.

The new Helix range is available in three different depths with the number associated with each rim referring to the maximum depth of the rim. Interestingly, the front and rear wheels are different in more ways than one. Not only are the front rims one millimetre wider externally than the rear they also have a slightly different rim profile. The shallowest of the new Helix range, the 46D, has a front wheel rim depth that sits between 39 and 43mm whereas the rear wheel oscillates between 42 and 46mm.

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The wavy rim profile is aimed at increasing crosswind stability

As the latest edition to the brand’s premium Drive range, the wheels come fitted with ceramic bearings as standard and the 46D wheelset comes in at a feathery 1,280 grams. This low weight has partly been achieved through the use of carbon fibre bladed spokes that are lighter than traditional steel spokes and have a higher torsional strength. The brand claims that each spoke weighs just three grams which is around half the weight of a typical steel spoke.

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It is not just the rims that are new. The Helix range also features a new patented hub design that uses a double-sided ratcheting system to provide a three-degree angle of engagement through a 120-tooth ratcheting system.

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The new patented hub design uses a double sided ratcheting system

The rims retain their hooked profile and sport a 21mm internal rim width across the range with Elitewheels saying that the Helix is designed for use with tyres from between 25-38mm in width. Although able to accept a wide range of rubber, the wheels have been specifically optimised aerodynamically for use with 28-30mm tyres.

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Retailing for $1,599, the wheels represent remarkable value for the technology that has gone into their design. The Helix wheelsets have already proven popular with Eiltewheels now quoting a 60-day lead time on new orders.

What do you think of the Helix range from Elitewheels? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Elitewheels

Elitewheels is a Chinese company that designs and manufactures carbon wheelsets for a range of disciplines, including road, gravel and mountain biking. Despite only being founded in 2015, it has quickly built up a reputation for its high-quality and high-performing products.