Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II

As light as 1200 g, the Peak 4550 Evolution II is Princeton CarbonWorks' most versatile all-round road wheelset — light and explosive on the climbs, composed and precise on the descents, still fast and stable in the valleys.

Who it's for

Road riders and racers who spend serious time going uphill but refuse to give up aero, stability, or descending confidence. If you want one wheelset for spring classics, alpine climbs, chaotic bunch sprints, and rolling gran fondos — this is it.

What's new in Evolution II

• Wider rim, lower weight. Internal width up to 22 mm and external to 32 mm, while rim weight drops to 390 g. Modern tyres sit at their designed shape, so you keep the aero gain and gain real comfort — without the pressure guessing game hookless rims force on you.
• Pre-balanced rims + tubeless valves included. Every rim is balanced against the supplied valve at the factory. Less high-speed vibration on descents, no more hunting for a spot to add stick-on weights.
• Hooked, hole-less, tubeless-ready tyre bed. Run tubes, tubeless, or clinchers with no rim tape and no tyre-pressure ceiling. Competing hookless rims are lighter and cheaper to make but restrictive and unforgiving with tyre choice — Princeton keeps the hooked bead for safety and long-term reliability.
• 1200 g in its lightest build. Passes 120 J impact testing so it survives the same potholes that snap fragile hookless race wheels.

Why riders choose them

• Sinusoidal wavy carbon profile. Traditional deep rims get shoved around in gusty crosswinds and feel nervous on exposed ridgelines. The Peak's varying rim depth disrupts crosswind loads before they reach the steering axis, so you hold a straight line through gaps in mountain passes and trust the bike at 80 km/h descents.
• 45 mm front / 50 mm rear split. Shallower front means less steering fatigue on long climbs and rough tarmac; deeper rear holds speed on the flats between climbs — the balance suits real Slovenian roads, not just wind-tunnel charts.
• Alpina Hyperlite spokes + Sapim SecureLock nipples. Cheap bladed spokes loosen after a few thousand kilometres of rough surfaces and force re-trues every winter. Hyperlite + SecureLock stay true through cobbles, gravel sectors, and full seasons — less time at the workshop, more time riding.
• Six hub choices, one wheel. White Industries for lifetime serviceability, DT Swiss 240/180EXP for legendary reliability, Chris King R45D Ceramic for the classic engagement sound, Tactic TR02 for fast pickup at a fair price, Tactic TR01 for the lightest race build. Pick the hub that matches how you actually ride, not how the brand wants to sell.
• Hand-built in the USA, individually tensioned. Mass-produced wheelsets cut corners on lacing tension and rim QC. Princeton hand-builds and individually tensions every wheelset — you feel it in the stiffness under hard efforts and the trueness after 10,000 km.

Wheelset weights by hub

• Tactic Racing TR01 — 1200 g
• DT Swiss 180EXP — 1270 g
• Tactic Racing TR02 — 1270 g
• DT Swiss 240 — 1295 g
• Chris King R45D Ceramic — 1385 g
• White Industries CLD — 1405 g

Specifications

• Rim depth: 45 mm front · 50 mm rear (sinusoidal profile)
• Internal rim width: 22 mm hook-to-hook
• External rim width: 32 mm
• Recommended tyre width: 25–30 mm
• Rim weight: 390 g each
• Wheelset weight: from 1,200 g (Tactic TR01)
• Construction: hand-laid carbon, hand-built and individually tensioned in the USA
• Spokes: Alpina Hyperlite
• Nipples: Sapim SecureLock alloy
• Brake type: disc only (centre-lock)
• Freehub bodies: Shimano HG · SRAM XDR · Campagnolo
• Tubeless ready: yes — no rim tape needed, tubeless valves included
• Impact tested: 120 J
• In the box: front + rear wheelset, tubeless valves, thru-axle end caps for chosen hub standard, padded wheel bags, Princeton CarbonWorks warranty documentation

Available finishes

Ten paint options: Matte Black, Gloss Black, Matte White, Gloss White, Gloss Chrome, Gloss Gold, Gloss Cobalt, Gloss Red, Gloss Sand, and Gloss Chameleon. Colour is confirmed with you by email after order — write your preference at checkout or reply to your order confirmation.

Compatibility & intended use

Designed for modern disc-brake road bikes with clearance for 25–30 mm tyres. Ideal for climbers, mixed-terrain road riders, gran fondos, and racers who want one wheelset to cover the whole season. Climbing focus 5/5 · Aero focus 4/5 · Stability in crosswinds 5/5 · Stiffness under power 5/5.

Why buy from Approved Cycling

Princeton CarbonWorks wheels are a 3,000-euro decision. We've ridden every depth across every road surface in Slovenia, and we'll walk you through hub choice, freehub spacing, tyre compatibility, and rotor spec before you order — not after. Slovenian-based EU shipping, full warranty support, and direct contact at hello@approvedcycling.com.