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review
2024 Velocite Hyperdrive Carbon 50mm Disc Wheelset.jpg£699.00
VERDICT:
Well built, light and aero – all for not a lot of cash
Aerodynamic benefits
Hardly affected by crosswinds
Impressive weight
Well priced
Quite a narrow rim width for a modern wheel
Weight:
1,449g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
- Exceptional
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Quite good
- Average
- Not so good
- Poor
- Bad
- Appalling
Velocite's Hyperdrive Carbon 50mm Disc wheelset is a really good blend of performance, low weight and value, all boosted from an aesthetics point of view by the high gloss finish. It's an impressive set of all-rounders to ride and live with.
If you're interested in some new rolling stock, check out our guides to the best road bike wheels and the best gravel wheelsets.
> Buy now: Velocite Hyperdrive Carbon 50mm Disc wheelset for £699 from Velocite
As the name suggests, the Hyperdrives use a 50mm-deep carbon fibre rim as their key ingredient, with the main focus being on aerodynamics.
It's a job they do well, with a noticeable wind-cutting boost when above 17-18mph, and a sweet 'swooshy' noise when you are flying along on the tarmac.
Wheels of 50mm and deeper can be a bit of a handful on windy days, the cause often being the shape of the rim itself. The rim profile used here doesn't suffer, though, with the Hyperdrives remaining easily controllable regardless of where the wind is coming from.
Riding past a gap in a hedge with a full-on sidewind was probably the only time I found it noticeable, but even then it didn't affect the front end of the bike or the steering at all.
Another trade-off that deep-section rims can have is weight, but that isn't a problem here as the Hyperdrives are a svelte 1,449g – 674g front, 775g rear – which is especially impressive when you consider the price.
Lateral stiffness is also impressive, so getting out of the saddle to accelerate up to cruising speed is met with no rotor rub or feeling of flexibility, which makes them just as capable as a set of climber's or sprinter's hoops too.
The ratchet system freehub is very quick to engage, giving instant bite under acceleration either from rolling or a complete standstill.
In fact, from a performance point of view I really can't find anything to criticise.
Nor can I in terms of durability. Velocite says there is a level of 'all road' elements to the build, so you can use them for light gravel riding too. I spent a couple of months hammering them around the poorly surfaced back lanes and took in a couple of dry, compacted byways for good measure and didn't have a single issue with trueness or spoke tension.
Although the review period is relatively short, the Hyperdrives' build quality is so good I'm confident they should remain reliable. The wheels are hand-assembled in the UK, and Velocite offers a three-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
The rims are manufactured from high-modulus carbon fibre and have an internal width of 17mm, an external width of 26mm.
Velocite says the rim is aerodynamically optimised for 25mm to 30mm tyres, but they are compatible with wider should you wish.
It can supply the wheels with tyres fitted for another £130 (as it did with our set), but if you don't choose this route I can confirm that fitting and removing a couple of different road tyre sizes saw no hardship. Things were tight enough that I'd not be worried about a tyre popping off the rim at high pressure, but I'd still be able to fix a puncture at the side of the road.
A hooked rim means they're compatible with tubeless setups and standard clinchers if you want to run inner tubes.
Velocite has specced Pillar's Wing spokes for low weight (4.3g each) and a bit of aero boost from their flat shape.
These are mated to Hyperdrive X hubs fitted with steel bearings and that rachet system I mentioned above, which offers 32-tooth engagement.
As I said earlier, the whole build feels well specced and reliable. The wheels feel solid, too, and offer a great ride quality. Considering how stiff and deep the rims are you might expect some harshness or 'buzziness' but there's none.
Value
For this depth and weight, the Hyperdrives offer decent value for money, too. The Fulcrum Speed 42 wheelset that Aaron reviewed earlier this year is similar on both counts but costs more than double.
Matt reviewed the Ere Research Genus II CL45 wheelset at the beginning of the year and was very impressed, and at 1,425g they are light too. And price-wise they are a reasonable £1,399, but that's still more than double the Velocites.
With the Hyperdrives being 'optimised for mixed terrain', the Scope R5.A All-Road wheelset is a near direct competitor. I was impressed with the way they rode and that they coped with sidewinds well. But again, they're nearly twice the price at £1,386.45 and much weightier, too, at 1,820g.
Conclusion
Overall, the Hyperdrives are very good, offering a lot of performance for very little money, backed up by a feeling of longterm reliability.
> Buy now: Velocite Hyperdrive Carbon 50mm Disc wheelset for £699 from Velocite
Verdict
Well built, light and aero – all for not a lot of cash
road.cc test report
Make and model: Velocite Hyperdrive Carbon 50mm Disc Wheelset
Size tested: 700C
Tell us what the wheel is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Velocite says, "The Hyperdrive 50mm disc brake wheelset, a meticulously engineered marvel that seamlessly integrates aerodynamic efficiency, dynamic handling, and superior comfort. This wheelset stands as a game-changer, redefining the expectations for high-performance road wheels and transforming every ride into a dynamic pursuit of speed, all while ensuring a luxuriously comfortable journey."
They offer great performance, for a good price.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the wheel?
From Velocite:
HYPERDRIVE 50MM TECH SPECS
Rims | Superior 700c Design Crafted with passion and precision by our dedicated data team. Drawing inspiration from cutting-edge aerodynamic principles, the Hyperdrive 50mm showcases unparalleled stability, even in demanding wind conditions. This is achieved by using our Hyperdrive technology using a combination of its 17mm internal and 26 mm external width alongside a defining 50mm profile.
Bearings | The Heartbeat of Smoothness At the core of our wheelset's efficiency is key this is achieved by the Ldrag bearing system. Tested for its low-friction, it ensures that every ounce of your effort is transformed into forward motion. This isn't just about speed it's about redefining the riding experience. More miles and less maintenance allow for cheaper running costs for your performance addition.
Tyres | Tailored Flexibility The beauty of our Hyperdrive technology lies in its versatility. While the rim is aerodynamically tailored for 25-30mm tyres, its adaptability doesn't end there. Whether you're looking for the sleek efficiency of a 28mm or the ruggedness of a 45mm, the Hyperdrive 50mm has you covered. Additionally, its tubeless-ready design ensures compatibility with both clincher and tubeless tyres, offering riders a spectrum of choices.
Hubs | The Nexus of Performance Our Hyperdrive X hubs are the epicentre of wheel performance. The straight-pull rachet hub is a testament to this. Crafted with a robust low-drag freehub body, it perfectly balances power delivery and weight. From ensuring a firm grip through our circular dropout interface to enabling rapid 36-tooth engagement every aspect has been refined for peak performance.
Aero-Optimised Spokes In our quest for perfection, even the spokes were analysed. We chose Pillar wing extra light spokes (4.3g) known for their low drag profile ensuring that they cut through the air, minimising resistance and enhancing wheel performance.
Axles | Universally Adaptive Understanding the diverse needs of riders our axles are designed for 12mm thru-axles with the use of our in-house adaption kit they can accommodate quick release and 16mm thru-axles with the use of a conversion kit. Regardless of your equipment, our axle design promises a snug fit, enhancing stability and ride confidence.
Hand-Crafted Precision The Hyperdrive 50mm wheelset is not just machine-made, It's artisan-crafted. Each set is hand-assembled in the UK, ensuring every detail is perfect and undergoes rigorous quality checks to guarantee peak performance. We back this with our 3-year guarantee see T&Cs here.
Rate the wheel for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the wheel for performance:
8/10
Rate the wheel for durability:
8/10
Rate the wheel for weight
9/10
Rate the wheel for value:
7/10
Did the wheels stay true? Any issues with spoke tension?
Yes, the wheels stayed true and tight throughout the review period.
How easy did you find it to fit tyres?
No problems at all.
How did the wheel extras (eg skewers and rim tape) perform?
Our setup worked very well indeed.
Tell us how the wheel performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's a fast-rolling set of lightweight wheels, versatile for all kinds of terrain.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the wheel
Low weight and aero.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the wheel
Nothing really.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
They compare very well, coming in at less than half the price of some very good competitors.
Did you enjoy using the wheel? Yes
Would you consider buying the wheel? Yes
Would you recommend the wheel to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
This is a very complete package – a wheelset that is hugely versatile, will lower the weight of your stock wheelset on all but the most high-end of machines, and will do it without breaking the bank.
About the tester
Age: 44
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.
With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.
He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.
Latest Comments
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Theres not one scrap of self-help among drivers is there, it's always someone else's issue.
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15 comments
Hello, I need references. I am looking for a set of wheels to change my hookless slr1 on my 2022 TCR advanced pro 1 disc. The hookless wheels and low pressures have not convinced me in terms of performance or comfort. I'm looking for a good pair of quality-price wheels with a depth of 50 mm. I have seen options from hunt, scribe and these velocite hyperdrive that fit the budget and quality. but I also look for them to be as stable as possible in windy conditions, since here where I live in the north of Spain the wind blows most of the year. It seems that this is the weak point of the hunt from the comments I have read. These velocite seem to defend themselves well but I have not seen comments in that sense from anyone who has them, and I have no references from the scribes either. Anyone who owns them and wants to provide information? thank you
How is this not a 5* review? There's not a negative point in there. Great performance at a great price. What's not to like? I might get myself a pair.
Only 7/10 for value, because they're, er, less than half the price of competitors...
And yet still 3 times more expensive than the real cost.https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Super-Lightweight-Carbon-Wheels-5...
The fact that people buy a product at a price , it doens't mean automatically that any cheaper is a bargain.
There is a difference between a UK-built three year warrantied wheel and something sourced direct from China.
Given the wheelset is literally all that's between me and the road I'd rather at least my wheels were supplied by a UK company that actually cares and has some responsibility under UK law.
Plus, if that was the basis on which they were being assessed, you'd think that might be, I dunno, mentioned in the review, rather than just the much more expensive options.
Built in UK, you mean components manufactured somewhere in Far East and assembled in UK?
In general, I have never bought additional warranty, as nowadays very few times things will go bad in products, so had I paid all these additional warranties I would still have lost money even I was compensated in a failure. I understand that there is a safety issue here, but branded failures with health damages have been mentioned in this site, so you can never really be sure.
Agree, except that the rims, and probably hubs (they look a lot like Elite hubs) will have been sources from China. UK assembly perhaps adds additional local level of reashurance, especially piece of mind re the warrenty, but to suggest that they are better because of it is doing a massive disservice to the expertise in the far east or anywhere else.
Similar alternative, not same.
I was wondering the same thing - no negative points at all!
More generally, the re-appearance of the ~£600 carbon wheelset (these, the new Scribe Inception range, Cero's wheelsets) begs the question: where does the other £600-1000 go on the 'typical' wheelset?! I know that hubs and spokes can get fancier, but really, £600 of fancy for 40 spokes and a pair of hubs is hard to believe!
To be honest, for me personally, I would rather have a better spec hub as that is always the issue on these and most of the "direct" wheelsets. My Token's for example would only get around 6-12 months use before either the freehub or bearings would go despite servicing them monthly. I paid to rebuild the wheel with Sapim spokes and a Hope RS4 hub and I've now had two years without servicing and no issues.
The main money for the more expensive wheels goes into testing and development. These for example have no claims of testing, improvments over other wheels and they actually claim a 300g reduction over the previous generation just from changing spokes which probably shows the quality of the spokes on their previous iterations.
The website does reference CFD development and testing. Would be good if someone from Velocite could come on and put a bit more flesh on the bones!
I'm very tempted by these. I've got some Prime RR50s on my other bike and really miss the deeper section on my disc-brake bike.
My Token's for example would only get around 6-12 months use before either the freehub or bearings would go despite servicing them monthly
Off topic because it's about alloy wheels, but I seem to be leading a charmed life with hubs while others are suffering failures. Bought the Vitus Sustance gravel for £650 in October 19. The front cheapo wheel has cartridge bearings and is still fine despite me doing nothing at all to it. It's been used in all weathers all the time, on the Pennine Bridleway etc etc.. I did have trouble with a crap rear wheel which I attributed to it being a no-eyelets (this is probably simplistic) rim which cracked in many places by the spoke holes, and the cone bearings became rough- I thought there were 2 balls missing. Anyway, the wheel was replaced and, as I anticipated, the no-eyelets rim failed again. This replacement hub had cartridge bearings and still seemed good so I asked Paul Hewitt to rebuild it with a rim he was confident in which turned out to have eyelets. Anyway, 3 years later I haven't done any servicing of this no-doubt cheapo hub and freewheel and bearings are still fine- I've been waiting for it to fail so I can have a bombproof alloy wheel built on a Hope hub- unless I go barmy and have a KOM Xeno (I like the idea of it) where the wheel would cost more than the bike did originally- anybody got a Xeno?
Sometimes cheap bearings aren't an issue if the wheels are otherwise good. I had a pair of Hunt 4 Seasons on a winter bike a few years ago, it was barely 3000km before the (seemingly made of chocolate) OEM bearings started rumbling, and as they're standard cartridge bearings (6902-2RS and 15627-2RS in this case of these Hunts), it's cheap and easy to replace them with SKF or similar ones.
Wow that's some bad luck with bearings! For me the OEM, cheap as chips hubs on my Prime RR-50s, and the (fairly) cheap hubs on a set of Scribes have done over 10,000km each in UK weather with zero servicing and still run smooth! Maybe I'm just lucky.