Princeton Peak 4550 Evolution II: lightweight carbon wheels for every climb

There is a moment every road rider knows: the gradient kicks up, the group accelerates, and you want the bike to respond immediately. The Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II is built for that kind of riding—and for everything that comes after the climb. It combines a lightweight carbon wheelset with an aerodynamic, variable-depth profile, so you do not have to choose between climbing wheels and wheels you still enjoy on a fast road.

Peak is the Princeton we would start with for a rider whose calendar includes Alpine passes, rolling training routes, technical descents, gran fondos and spirited group rides. Its variable-depth, all-round carbon profile is the more all-round option beside the deeper Wake 6560. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 1,200 g complete wheelset in its lightest Tactic Racing TR01 configuration. That is the weight of a specific build, not every Peak wheelset.

Explore Peak 4550 Evolution II and the current hub options →

Why Peak 4550 Evolution II feels like the right upgrade for a climbing rider

You might already have a very good bike. What you want now is a setup that makes sense every time you ride: eager when the road rises, composed when a descent gets technical, and still rewarding when your friends put the pace on along the valley. That is the point of the Peak. Instead of taking a dedicated lightweight climbing wheel out only for mountainous events, you can choose a premium all-round race wheel that also carries aerodynamic intent.

The appeal is not a promise that you will suddenly climb at a different power output. It is having the right combination of low complete-wheelset weight, useful depth, modern tyre support and a serviceable hub build. Princeton describes the Evolution II as lighter and more composed than its predecessor, based on the manufacturer's own design and testing. Your actual experience depends on your current wheels, tyres, pressure, road surface and bike.

What makes the Evolution II different from older Peak wheels?

The Peak 4550 Evolution II uses an updated carbon layup and a 390 g manufacturer-stated rim weight, with a 22 mm internal hooked channel and up to 32 mm external width. The tyre bed is non-drilled and tubeless-ready, and Princeton states that its rims are pre-balanced to work with the supplied tubeless valves. The manufacturer also reports impact testing above 120 J.

Unlike an older Peak model, this is a specific new-generation wheelset with its own fit and build specification. The attractive number on an older review—or a picture of an earlier wheel—is not evidence that the hub, spokes, tyre bed or finished weight is the same. Choose the Evolution II product listing and confirm the exact current build. That is how you buy the wheel you think you are buying.

Peak 4550 Evolution II specifications

These are Princeton CarbonWorks figures, not measurements of your order. Exact weights vary by selected hubs, freehub and configuration. Check compatible tyre and rim pressure limits.

What does a 1,200 g wheelset really mean?

It means the manufacturer lists one particular complete Peak build at 1,200 g—not that every Peak is a 1,200 g wheelset. The 390 g rim weight describes one bare rim and should never be confused with the weight of a finished wheel. Choosing DT Swiss 240 hubs, for example, changes the quoted complete-wheelset weight to 1,295 g.

There is no reason to pay for the lightest figure if another hub is the better match for how you own and maintain your bike. Decide what matters most: absolute weight, familiarity with a hub system, access to servicing, cassette compatibility, and cost. At this level, getting the configuration right is part of getting value for your money.

Peak or Wake: which Princeton wheelset should you buy?

This is the comparison that matters more than a catalogue of materials. Choose Peak 4550 Evolution II if you ride climbing-heavy routes, often descend on technical roads, encounter changing wind or want one set of wheels for a wide range of road riding. Its variable-depth profile is an appealing middle ground.

Choose Wake 6560 Evolution II if your riding is more speed-focused—hard fast group rides, races and open roads—and you want the deeper 60–65 mm aerodynamic profile. Wake is designed around a 28 mm tyre and the lightest manufacturer-quoted build weighs 1,250 g, only 50 g more than the lightest quoted Peak build. That small weight difference does not prove which one will be faster on your route.

For a rider wanting one excellent set for long mixed rides, Peak is often the more straightforward recommendation. For a rider whose main objective is performance at higher road speed, Wake deserves the first look. Read our full Wake 6560 vs Peak 4550 Evolution II comparison before deciding.

Which hub and drivetrain configuration should you order?

Tactic Racing TR01 is the hub paired with the 1,200 g headline figure. DT Swiss 180 EXP and DT Swiss 240 have their own quoted wheelset weights and offer alternatives for riders with different servicing or budget preferences. Princeton also offers other premium hub choices on the manufacturer’s range; your retailer's current product options determine what you can order through Approved.

Freehub choice depends on the cassette: Shimano, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo are not interchangeable. Confirm rotor mounting, axle standard and frame clearance as well. Tell us the exact bike and groupset you use and we can help you avoid ordering the wrong build.

Hooked and tubeless-ready: what about tyres?

Both Evolution II road models use a 22 mm internal hooked rim and are designed for compatible modern road tyres. You can use suitable clinchers with tubes or approved tubeless tyres. The hole-less tyre bed means no conventional tape is needed to cover spoke holes. Tyre inflation limits are still governed by the tyre, rim and bike compatibility instructions; “hooked” is not a reason to ignore safety limits.

Tyre selection and pressure strongly influence comfort, rolling resistance, grip and actual mounted width. For a premium wheel upgrade, these details deserve as much attention as the carbon rim itself.

Frequently asked questions about Peak 4550 Evolution II

How much does Princeton Peak 4550 Evolution II weigh?

Princeton quotes 1,200 g for the lightest complete wheelset with Tactic Racing TR01 hubs, 1,270 g with DT Swiss 180 EXP and 1,295 g with DT Swiss 240. The 390 g figure is the weight of one rim.

Is Peak better than Wake for climbing?

Peak's shallower variable-depth profile and low weight make it a strong choice for climb-heavy and varied routes. But lighter does not automatically mean faster overall: aerodynamics, route speed, tyres, wind and your riding style all matter. Wake is deeper and more aero-biased.

Are Peak 4550 Evolution II wheels good for everyday riding and gran fondos?

Yes, they are designed as performance road wheels rather than a mountain-only special. Their depth and weight balance is well suited to a rider who wants one premium set for training, long events, climbing and fast group rides.

Do Peak 4550 wheels support tubeless tyres?

Yes. The hooked, non-drilled rim is tubeless-ready and also accommodates compatible clincher-and-tube setups. Confirm your exact tyre model, tyre width, inflation limit and bike clearance.

Is this an independent ride-tested review?

No. This is our buyer’s guide based on current manufacturer information and fit advice. The quoted mass and impact figures come from Princeton; we do not invent power savings or claim we performed independent lab measurements.

What do they cost, and can I order them now?

The price depends on the selected hub and freehub. Review the current Peak Evolution II product options. Stock and lead times can change, so please request confirmation rather than assuming immediate shipment.

Should you upgrade to Peak Evolution II?

If your favourite days involve a long climb, a confident descent and a fast ride home, this is exactly the kind of wheelset worth considering. Peak does not promise free speed everywhere. It offers a beautifully focused combination of low weight, modern tyre fit and enough rim depth to be more than a pure climbing wheel. It is a purchase you can appreciate every time your ride changes character.

At Approved Cycling in Ljubljana, we help you decide on the actual wheelset—not just the headline number. Tell us your bike, cassette, usual terrain, riding speed and the wheels you are replacing. We will tell you whether Peak or Wake is the smarter upgrade and help select the correct hubs.

Explore Peak 4550 Evolution II and check available builds →  ·  Ask Approved for a personal wheel recommendation →

Specification source: Princeton CarbonWorks — Peak 4550 Evolution II. Stated weights and tests are manufacturer claims; actual configuration, tyre fit, price and availability must be checked for your order.