Carbon Wheel Finder

Head to head

Elitewheels Drive 50DvsShimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36

Both sections drawn to one scale, from each maker's published geometry. The differences you can see in the drawing are the differences that exist.

vs
Fig. — rim sections, one scale
Elitewheels Drive 50DShimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
503629.528
Depth
14 mm apart
50 vs 36 mm
External
1.5 mm apart
29.5 vs 28 mm
Internal
Identical
21 vs 21 mm
Claimed weight
103 g apart
1,385 vs 1,488 g
UK RRP
£650 apart
£750 vs £1,400

Rim depth

50 mm

36 mm

14 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.

Internal width

21 mm

21 mm

Identical — both suit the same tyre widths.

External width

29.5 mm

28 mm

Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.

Elitewheels

Drive 50D

RRP £750

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess

Shimano

Ultegra WH-R8170 C36

RRP £1,400

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess