Lún HYPER vs. Elitewheels DRIVE: Which Ones Are Better?

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This is my comparison of ever so popular Lún (Winspace) HYPER 2020 50mm vs. Elitewheels DRIVE 45mm, which are getting more and more traction.

I rode both these wheelsets throughout 2022 and carefully marked down their differences to help people like you decide, which ones to invest in.

Both belong among the best Chinese carbon road bike wheels you can buy. So, which ones are better?

In short:
Lún HYPER are better all-rounder wheels – they feel stiffer, more durable, and can better maintain their speed on flats or in hilly terrain. But they have worse stability in crosswinds and are heavier.
Elitewheels DRIVE are better climbing wheels – they are super lightweight, responsive, stable in crosswinds, and fun to ride. But they don’t feel as fast on flats due to their lower inertia.

Continue reading for more info, or:

Features Comparison

I’ve used both wheelsets with the same tires (Tufo Comtura 4 TR), the same tire pressure, and the same bike to make the comparison as comparable as possible.

The following table summarizes the scoring of individual features. I will explain them more below.

Responsivity

I see responsivity as the ability of the wheels to start spinning. It’s mainly influenced by weight, its distribution, and stiffness.

Both wheels are stiff – you might have even heard that HYPERs are too stiff. I can confirm that. HYPERs feel great on smooth tarmac but not so well on rougher roads. They transfer too many vibrations.

Anyway, are they more responsive than DRIVE? No. DRIVE are more responsive because they are about 150g lighter and probably also have slightly more centered weight distribution.

They are like sports cars. Once you start pedaling, they immediately react. You will love them if you like attacking or accelerating out of the saddle.

Winner: Elitewheels DRIVE

Speed Maintenance

Low weight may not always be a benefit. This especially applies to the terrain. People living in flat or hilly areas should choose HYPERs.

They have better inertia, so they can maintain their speed better than DRIVE. I assume that the aerodynamics is similar. Unfortunately, I can’t scientifically verify this claim.

This is also one of the most significant differences between these two wheelsets. I noticed immediately that DRIVE wheels are not as “fast” on flats and during steady efforts. They tend to lose their momentum faster than HYPERs.

Winner: Lún HYPER

Crosswind Stability

I tested 45mm DRIVE wheels and 50mm HYPER wheels. I honestly don’t know what difference these 5mm make because I haven’t had the opportunity to test the same 45mm and 50mm deep wheels side-by-side.

In theory, the shallower the wheels, the more stable, and vice versa. Another thing that could contribute to the better crosswind stability of DRIVE wheels is their external width. HYPER 2020 are only 26mm wide, while DRIVE have 29mm.

Crosswind stability is also one of the weaknesses of the first generation of HYPER wheels. So, keep this in mind.

Winner: Elitewheels DRIVE

Serviceability

Winspace and Elitewheels use in-house designed hubs and spokes on their wheels.

They include spare spokes in the packing, so you (or your local wheel builder) can replace them if they fail. With bearings, it’s a little more complicated.

HYPER 2020 disc brake wheels use 6803 and 6903 ceramic bearings in the front hub. The rear hub uses two 6803 and two 6903 ceramic bearings. This info was not available on the Winspace website, and I had to ask their support.

DRIVE disc brake wheels use two 6803 ceramic bearings in the front hub. The rear hub uses one 6903 and three 6803 ceramic bearings. This info is available on the Elitewheels website.

You can buy these bearings from manufacturers like NTN and SKF (these two belong among the best ones). Unfortunately, neither Elitewheels nor Winspace sells them as a replacement.

The same applies to the hubs; if something happens to them, you have to contact their customer support. It won’t be as easy as going to a store, buying DT Swiss 350 hubs, and rebuilding the wheel.

But it depends on the scenario. Either way, both manufacturers still lack a stronger distribution network.

Winner: It’s a draw

Tire On and Off

Both wheels now come with applied tubeless-rim tape, so you only have to put the tires on.

I remember struggling a little to put Tufo Comtura 4 TR tubeless tires on DRIVE wheels. I had to use tire levers. I could put the same tires on HYPERs without tire levers.

When I tried seating the tires for the first time, I struggled with DRIVE wheels more than with HYPER wheels. But that was in days when I didn’t have too many experiences with tubeless tires.

Nowadays, I can seat them easily with an air compressor. However, Lún HYPERs seem to be more beginner-friendly when seating TL tires.

Winner: Lún HYPER

Design

Evaluating design is a highly subjective category. Those who read CyclistsHub.com regularly know that HYPERs were my dream wheels. I think they are the best road bike wheels ever designed.

The butterfly rim pattern is unique and turns heads. I got a lot of compliments from my friends.

Elitewheels took a slightly different approach. They went for a raw glossy carbon finish.

It’s original, but I don’t like it as much as HYPERs. It also depends on your bike finish to make things work together.

Which one do you like more? Let me know in the comments below.

Winner: Lún HYPER

Price

DRIVE and HYPER wheels are in the same price range of slightly over $1000. Both come with (applied) tubeless rim tape, tubeless valves, and spare spokes.

The only difference is that HYPER wheels have a 2-year warranty, while DRIVE have a 3-year warranty.

HYPER 2020 wheels cost $1200, and with the CYCLISTSHUB10 discount code (10% off), you get them for $1080.

DRIVE wheels cost $1189, and with the CYCLISTSHUB discount code (15% off), you get them for $1010. It’s not much difference, but you can buy new tires with it.

Winner: Elitewheels DRIVE

Total score: Lún HYPER (3) | Elitewheels DRIVE (3) | It’s a draw (1)

Technical Specifications

The following table shows the technical specifications of Lún HYPER 2020 (and 2023), vs. Elitewheels DRIVE.

Lún HYPER vs. Elitewheels DRIVE FAQ

My Verdict

Before you decide on one of these wheelsets, think about the terrain you ride most often and your riding style.

If you live in a mountainous area or even in the mountains, choose the Elitewheels DRIVE. You’ll appreciate their low weight and high responsivity.

Consider the Lún HYPER if you ride more flat or rolling terrain and enjoy steady efforts.

Personally, I prefer the DRIVE more in ride characteristics, but the HYPER in appearance.

You can’t go wrong with any of these wheelsets. Both models offer great value for money.

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