Elitewheels Marvel II Carbon Wheels Review: Best Carbon Wheels for $700?

Elitewheels Marvel II Carbon Wheels Review: A Smart Investment for Serious Cyclists

If you're hunting for mid-range carbon wheels that won't obliterate your bank account, the Elitewheels Marvel II (also known as Marvel 2) might just be the sweet spot you've been searching for. After putting these wheels through their paces for several weeks, I can tell you they're impressive – but they're not perfect.

The Big Question: Are These Wheels Worth the Hype?

The big question everyone's asking: are these Chinese-made carbon wheels actually worth the hype, and can they compete with established Western brands costing twice the price? Having tested both the budget Elitewheels ENT 2.0s ($350) and these more premium Marvel IIs ($700) on the same bike with identical tires, the difference is genuinely noticeable.

Quick Verdict: 4.5/5 Stars

The Elitewheels Marvel 2 carbon wheels deliver exceptional performance and build quality for around $700-800. They're significantly lighter and more responsive than their predecessor, with improved aerodynamics and premium components. While the price increase from the original Marvel wheels is steep, they still offer outstanding value compared to Western competitors.

Best for: Serious cyclists, triathletes, and racers who want premium performance without the premium price tag.

Skip if: You're a casual rider who prioritizes budget over performance, or you need immediate warranty support from local dealers.

What Makes the Marvel II Special

Complete Redesign from the Ground Up

Don't let the "II" fool you – these are essentially brand new wheels. Elitewheels completely reimagined the Marvel line with significant upgrades across every component. The rim profile has been redesigned with curved sidewalls instead of flat surfaces, allowing air to flow more smoothly around the wheel when crosswinds hit. This translates to better stability during high-speed descents and windy conditions.

The hub system received a major overhaul too. The new Motion hub offers incredibly low rolling resistance and that satisfying engagement sound that makes every pedal stroke feel purposeful. During my testing, the ceramic bearings provided noticeably smoother rotation compared to standard steel bearings.

Weight Reduction That Actually Matters

Here's where the Marvel 2 really shines. The 50mm depth version weighs just 1,500 grams – that's almost 200 grams lighter than the original Marvel wheels. When I weighed my 65mm test set, they came in at 1,560 grams, actually 20 grams under Elitewheels' claimed weight.

This weight reduction isn't just marketing fluff. Out on the road, you genuinely feel the difference during accelerations and climbs. The wheels respond more eagerly when you put the power down, making sprint efforts feel snappier and more immediate.

Premium Components Throughout

The Marvel II carbon wheels feature Alpina Ultralight Aero steel spokes, which contribute to both the weight savings and improved aerodynamics. The hookless rim design provides the aerodynamic benefits of modern wheel technology while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of tire pressures and types.

At 31mm external width and 23mm internal width, these rims create an excellent tire profile with Continental GP 5000s or similar performance tires. The wider rim bed also improves cornering confidence and contact patch optimization.

Real-World Performance

On the Road Experience

After 300 kilometers of testing, including everything from flat time trials to rolling hills, the Elitewheels Marvel 2 wheels consistently impressed. The most noticeable improvement over budget carbon wheels is the immediate response to power input. When you accelerate out of corners or sprint for road signs, these wheels feel alive rather than dead weight you're dragging along.

The ceramic bearings make a genuine difference in rolling efficiency. While it's hard to quantify exact watts saved, the wheels definitely feel like they maintain momentum better than standard bearing setups. This becomes most apparent during longer rides where every bit of efficiency compounds.

Aerodynamic Performance

Testing the 65mm depth version specifically for upcoming triathlon events, the aerodynamic improvements are subtle but present. The redesigned rim profile does seem to cut through air more efficiently, and crosswind stability is notably better than expected for such deep rims.

Paired with 32mm Continental GP 5000 S TR tires running tubeless, the combination delivers exceptional comfort while maintaining speed. The wider rim optimizes tire shape for both aerodynamics and rolling resistance.

Climbing and Acceleration

While my local terrain is predominantly flat, the few climbs available revealed the weight savings in action. Maintaining momentum uphill required noticeably less effort compared to heavier wheelsets. The real benefit shows during repeated accelerations – traffic lights, group ride attacks, and sprint intervals all feel more responsive.

What Could Be Better

Price Increase Sting

The biggest disappointment is the significant price jump from the original Marvel wheels. Going from $599 to $839 represents almost a 40% increase. Even with available discount codes bringing them down to around $713, that's still a substantial investment for many cyclists.

This price increase moves the Marvel line from budget-friendly territory into serious mid-range competition with established brands. While the improvements justify some increase, the jump feels steep for existing Elitewheels customers.

Aesthetic Choices

The Marvel II wheels feature a glossy finish that, while premium-looking, shows scratches and scuffs more readily than matte alternatives. After just three weeks of normal use, minor wear marks are already visible. The budget ENT 2.0 wheels' matte finish proved more forgiving in this regard.

The logo design remains admirably subtle – no billboard-style branding here – but the gloss finish might concern riders who prioritize long-term aesthetics.

Chinese Import Considerations

Buying direct from China means dealing with longer shipping times (typically 2-4 weeks), potential customs charges, and more complicated returns processes. While my experience with Elitewheels customer service has been positive, you can't simply return these to a local bike shop if issues arise.

Marvel II vs ENT 2.0: Which Should You Choose?

Having extensively tested both wheelsets, the choice depends on your priorities and budget. The Elitewheels Marvel 2 costs roughly double the ENT 2.0 price but delivers meaningful performance improvements.

Choose Marvel II If:

• You're training for competitive events or races
• Weight and responsiveness matter for your riding style
• You want the latest aerodynamic and bearing technology
• Your budget can accommodate the $700-800 price range

Choose ENT 2.0 If:

• You prioritize value over peak performance
• You're a recreational rider who doesn't need racing-level equipment
• Budget constraints make the Marvel II stretch too far
• You prefer matte finishes over gloss

The performance difference is real but not revolutionary. Both are excellent wheels that will significantly upgrade most riders' experience over aluminum or budget carbon options.

How They Compare to Western Competitors

At around $700-800, the Marvel II carbon wheels compete directly with offerings from DT Swiss, Bontrager, and entry-level Zipp wheels. The value proposition remains strong – you're getting premium features and performance at roughly half the price of equivalent Western brands.

For comparison, Trek's Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 wheels are about 90 grams lighter but cost $600-700 more. DT Swiss AR 1600 SPLINE wheels cost similarly but are significantly heavier. The trade-off for choosing Elitewheels remains longer shipping times and more complex warranty processes.

Who Should Buy the Marvel II

The Elitewheels Marvel 2 makes most sense for serious recreational riders, competitive cyclists, and triathletes who want premium performance without premium pricing. If you're training for events, racing regularly, or simply want the best performance per dollar, these wheels deliver.

Skip them if you're a casual weekend rider who prioritizes immediate local support, can't justify the price increase over budget options, or prefer buying from established Western brands regardless of value proposition.

Final Thoughts

The Elitewheels Marvel II review reveals wheels that successfully bridge the gap between budget carbon and premium racing equipment. While the price increase stings compared to previous generations, the performance improvements are substantial and measurable.

These aren't perfect wheels – no wheelset is – but they represent exceptional value in the crowded mid-range carbon market. For cyclists seeking race-level performance without race-level pricing, the Marvel 2 wheels deserve serious consideration.

The combination of reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, premium bearings, and refined aesthetics creates a package that punches well above its price class. Just be prepared for longer shipping times and ensure you're comfortable with the import process before ordering.

Interested in the Marvel II wheels? Check current pricing and availability through authorized dealers, and consider discount codes that may be available for additional savings.

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