Elitewheels 50D Carbon Road Wheels Review: Lighter and Half the Price of Even Hunt Wheels
When it comes to upgrading your road bike, few components can make as significant an impact as a new set of wheels. Lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic wheels can transform your ride, making you faster, more efficient, and more confident on the road. But high-performance wheels often come with a hefty price tag, leaving many cyclists wondering if they’re worth the investment. Enter the Elitewheels 50D Carbon Road Wheels—a set of wheels that promises top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Hunt Wheels. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Elitewheels 50D stand out, how they compare to more expensive options, and whether they’re the right choice for your next upgrade.
Overview of the Elitewheels 50D Carbon Road Wheels
The Elitewheels 50D Carbon Road Wheels are a mid-depth carbon wheelset designed for road cyclists who want a balance of aerodynamics, weight savings, and affordability. With a 50mm rim depth, these wheels are versatile enough for climbing, rolling terrain, and even flat-out sprints. They’re constructed using high-quality Toray T700 carbon fiber, which is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, and feature a hooked rim design for added durability and compatibility with a wide range of tires.
One of the most striking aspects of the Elitewheels 50D is their weight. At just 1,380 grams for the set, they’re lighter than many wheelsets that cost twice as much. For comparison, the popular Hunt 50 Carbon Aero Disc Wheelset weighs in at 1,530 grams, making the Elitewheels 50D a clear winner in the weight department. And with a price tag that’s roughly half of what you’d pay for Hunt wheels, the Elitewheels 50D are an enticing option for budget-conscious cyclists who don’t want to compromise on performance.
Key Features of the Elitewheels 50D
- 50mm Rim Depth
The 50mm rim depth strikes a perfect balance between aerodynamics and weight. It’s deep enough to provide a noticeable aerodynamic advantage on flat roads and during sprints, but not so deep that it becomes a liability on climbs or in windy conditions. This makes the Elitewheels 50D a great all-around wheelset for a variety of riding conditions. - Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Construction
The use of Toray T700 carbon fiber ensures that the wheels are both lightweight and strong. This high-quality material is commonly used in aerospace and automotive applications, and it’s a testament to the durability and performance of the Elitewheels 50D. - Hooked Rim Design
Unlike some carbon wheels that use a hookless design, the Elitewheels 50D feature a hooked rim. This design allows for higher tire pressures and better compatibility with a wider range of tires, including clinchers and tubeless setups. It also adds an extra layer of safety, as the hooked rim helps keep the tire securely in place during hard cornering or descents. - Ceramic Bearings
The Elitewheels 50D come equipped with ceramic bearings, which reduce rolling resistance and improve overall efficiency. While ceramic bearings are often found on much more expensive wheelsets, their inclusion here is a testament to the value proposition of the Elitewheels 50D. - Aero Spoke Design
The wheels feature bladed spokes that are optimized for aerodynamics. These spokes not only reduce drag but also contribute to the overall stiffness of the wheelset, ensuring efficient power transfer and responsive handling. - Tubeless Compatibility
The Elitewheels 50D are tubeless-ready, allowing you to run lower tire pressures for improved comfort and grip without the risk of pinch flats. Going tubeless also reduces rolling resistance, making these wheels even faster.
Performance on the Road
So, how do the Elitewheels 50D perform in real-world conditions? In a word: impressively. Whether you’re climbing, descending, or sprinting on flat roads, these wheels deliver a level of performance that rivals wheelsets costing twice as much.
Climbing
Thanks to their lightweight construction, the Elitewheels 50D feel incredibly responsive on climbs. The reduced rotational weight makes it easier to accelerate out of the saddle, and the stiff rim ensures that every watt of power you put into the pedals is transferred directly to the road. Compared to heavier wheelsets, the Elitewheels 50D make climbing feel almost effortless.
Descending and Cornering
The hooked rim design and stiff construction inspire confidence when descending and cornering at high speeds. The wheels feel stable and predictable, even on technical descents, and the bladed spokes contribute to the overall stiffness, reducing flex and improving handling.
Flat Roads and Sprints
On flat roads, the 50mm rim depth really shines. The aerodynamic profile of the wheels reduces drag, allowing you to maintain higher speeds with less effort. During sprints, the stiff rim and efficient power transfer make it easy to accelerate quickly, giving you an edge in competitive situations.
Comfort
Despite their stiffness, the Elitewheels 50D don’t sacrifice comfort. The carbon construction helps absorb road vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride than you might expect from such a performance-oriented wheelset. And if you choose to run them tubeless, you’ll enjoy even greater comfort and grip.
Comparison to Hunt Wheels
Hunt wheels are often seen as the gold standard for affordable carbon wheels, but the Elitewheels 50D give them a run for their money—literally. Here’s how the two stack up:
- Weight: The Elitewheels 50D are 150 grams lighter than the Hunt 50 Carbon Aero Disc Wheelset, making them a better choice for climbers and weight weenies.
- Price: The Elitewheels 50D are roughly half the price of Hunt wheels, offering incredible value for money.
- Aerodynamics: Both wheelsets feature a 50mm rim depth, so there’s little difference in aerodynamic performance.
- Build Quality: While Hunt wheels are known for their excellent build quality, the Elitewheels 50D are no slouch in this department. The use of Toray T700 carbon fiber and ceramic bearings ensures that these wheels are built to last.
In short, the Elitewheels 50D offer comparable—if not superior—performance to Hunt wheels at a much lower price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight at just 1,380 grams
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Excellent aerodynamics and stiffness
- Tubeless-ready and compatible with a wide range of tires
- Ceramic bearings for reduced rolling resistance
- High-quality Toray T700 carbon fiber construction
Cons
- Limited brand recognition compared to established players like Hunt
- May not have the same level of customer support or warranty as more expensive brands
Who Are the Elitewheels 50D For?
The Elitewheels 50D are ideal for road cyclists who want high-performance carbon wheels without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a competitive racer looking for an edge or a recreational rider who wants to upgrade your bike, these wheels offer exceptional value for money. They’re also a great option for riders who prioritize weight savings, as they’re lighter than many wheelsets that cost twice as much.
The Elitewheels 50D Carbon Road Wheels are a game-changer for cyclists who want top-tier performance at an affordable price. With their lightweight construction, aerodynamic design, and high-quality components, they rival wheelsets that cost twice as much. While they may not have the brand recognition of more established players like Hunt, their performance and value for money are hard to ignore.
If you’re in the market for a new set of carbon road wheels, the Elitewheels 50D should be at the top of your list. They’re proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a wheelset that’s fast, lightweight, and reliable. So why pay more when you can get the same—or better—performance for half the price? Give the Elitewheels 50D a try, and you might just find that they’re the best upgrade you’ve ever made to your bike.
