The Incident
My bike, a Canyon Endurace CF 7, has been an absolute workhorse. It came stock with DT Swiss Endurance LN wheels, which have served me well on everything from long endurance rides to spirited weekend spins.
Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in focus led to a curb strike that cracked my front rim. Clean break, no room for denial. After reaching out to Canyon, I learned that—unsurprisingly—rim damage from impact isn’t covered under warranty. Ouch. Both emotionally and financially.
Looking for an Upgrade
I’ve been eyeing carbon wheels for a while now, and this felt like the perfect nudge to pull the trigger. After some obsessive research, comparison videos, and YT/Reddit lurking, I landed on the Elitewheels Drive 36D II.
Lightweight, aero without being extreme, optimised for 30c, and solid build reviews across the board. Then I saw the clincher: they were on sale—$300 USD off. They aren’t as expensive as name brand sets in the first place, so that pretty much sealed the deal.
Order & Delivery Timeline
Here’s how it went down:
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Ordered: June 9, 2025
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Shipped: June 20, 2025
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Delivered: June 24, 2025
I initially thought there was a delay on dispatch seeing as my order “on process” for a week in the site, but it was fast once it got shipped. The whole process was within that 10-20 business day timeline that was indicated in the site. What I didn’t like though, was that the tracking number/link did not work, or atleast I never got it to work
First Impressions
The packaging was impressive—secure, thoughtfully laid out, and protective.
Inside the box:
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The wheelset, looks pristine and true.
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A set of extra spokes (a nice touch for peace of mind)
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Printed documentation including specs and care guide
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A small branded bag—a nice freebie I wasn’t expecting
Everything arrived in perfect condition, no scratches or warping, and the build quality out of the box already feels premium.
@iamt2vi New wheelset day! Elitewheels Drive II 36D. Can’t wait to set these up and ride! #elitewheels #wheelset #cycling #roadcyclist #cyclinglife #cyclingtiktok #cyclingvideos ♬ Chill Day - LAKEY INSPIRED
What’s Next?
Right now, they’re still sitting in the box, waiting for the rest of the puzzle: tyres and sealant. Once everything’s here, I’ll be setting them up tubeless with the help of a friend while documenting the process—and of course, sharing a proper ride review after they’ve had some road time.
Real-world ride feedback soon!