Princeton Wake 6560 Evolution II: the deep aero wheels worth choosing

Some wheels change the look of your bike. The Princeton CarbonWorks Wake 6560 Evolution II is for riders who want to change what happens when the pace rises. Think fast group rides, open roads, hard pulls on the front and the final kilometres of a race. When you are already working hard, a well-chosen aerodynamic wheelset can help you use your effort more efficiently. Wake is Princeton’s deep-section answer for riders who love riding fast.

It also solves a familiar compromise. Traditional deep carbon wheels promise speed but can add weight, feel demanding in gusts and make tyre setup more complicated. Wake Evolution II combines a variable 60–65 mm rim depth with a 22 mm internal hooked rim designed around a 28 mm road tyre. Princeton’s lightest published build is 1,250 g per wheelset. That is a manufacturer's specification for a particular hub combination, not a guarantee for every configuration.

Explore the Wake 6560 Evolution II wheelset and current configurations →

Why choose a deeper wheel when you already have good wheels?

At higher speeds, overcoming aerodynamic drag becomes an increasingly important part of road cycling. A deep, well-matched wheel-and-tyre shape is one way to reduce that demand. The Wake’s alternating 60–65 mm profile is made for riders whose priority is speed on flatter or rolling roads, road races, triathlon training, and fast group rides. Its shape is a distinctive part of the bike, too: purposeful, aggressive, and instantly recognisable.

Princeton describes the Evolution II as its most aerodynamically efficient mass-start-compliant road wheel and reports improved aerodynamic performance compared with its previous generation in its own testing. Actual savings depend on your tyre, speed, wind direction, rider position and existing wheels. We do not promise a particular watt or minute saving without a controlled comparison.

The practical benefit: if much of your riding is fast, the Wake puts a greater emphasis on aerodynamic performance while keeping the quoted weight unusually low for its depth. If most of your riding is steep climbing or gusty mountain descents, the shallower Peak 4550 may be a better fit.

What changed with Evolution II?

Princeton did more than redesign the graphics. According to the manufacturer, Wake Evolution II reduces rim weight from 470 g to 420 g while retaining a fully hooked, tubeless-ready rim and exceeding 120 J in its stated impact testing. Its non-drilled tyre bed does not need conventional tape to cover spoke holes. The manufacturer also states that the rims are pre-balanced to work with the included tubeless valves.

Those are useful details for anyone investing in premium wheels. Weight matters when accelerating or climbing; compatible tyre installation and routine maintenance matter during years of ownership. Neither rim weight nor impact-test figures, however, replace checking the complete wheel build and the tyre maker’s requirements.

Wake 6560 Evolution II specifications

Weights and test results are Princeton CarbonWorks specifications for named builds. Confirm the exact version, freehub, tyre clearance, component compatibility and current offer before ordering.

Which hubs and freehub should you choose?

Tactic Racing TR01 v2: choose this configuration if the lightest manufacturer-stated Wake build is your priority. DT Swiss 240: a compelling alternative if you value an established hub platform and familiar servicing options. Princeton lists other hub choices, including DT Swiss 180, Tactic TR02 v2 and Chris King; the total wheelset weight and price vary. The lightest advertised number does not apply to every hub.

For Shimano road cassettes, SRAM XDR or Campagnolo drivetrains, choose the freehub that matches your cassette, not simply the one that looks best in a product selector. We can help you verify the freehub, disc-brake/rotor interface, axles and tyre clearance before you commit.

Are 60–65 mm wheels too deep for everyday riding?

Not necessarily. A deep wheel is not reserved for professional racing. If your favourite route mixes quick flats, rolling hills and fast descents, the Wake can be your main road wheelset. Its weight makes the usual “deep means heavy” trade-off less stark. However, crosswind sensation depends on your weight, front-wheel steering, tyre choice, wind strength and experience. No deep wheel is immune to strong gusts.

If you frequently ride exposed mountain passes in unpredictable wind, value a more conservative front-wheel profile or simply prefer a versatile single wheelset, look at the Princeton Peak 4550 Evolution II instead. Choosing the right wheel for your roads beats buying the deepest number in the catalogue.

Wake 6560 or Peak 4550: which is right for you?

Choose Wake when your priority is fast road riding, racing, and spending meaningful time at higher speed. Choose Peak when your riding is more climb-heavy, technical or variable, and you prefer the shallower, all-round Peak rim profile. Both have 22 mm internal rim width, hooked tubeless-ready construction and premium hub choices. In their lightest listed builds, Peak is just 50 g lighter per wheelset than Wake; that small difference alone should not decide your purchase.

See the full Wake 6560 vs Peak 4550 Evolution II comparison →

Frequently asked questions about Wake 6560 Evolution II

What is the Wake 6560 Evolution II weight?

Princeton lists 1,250 g for its lightest complete build with Tactic Racing TR01 v2 hubs and 1,345 g with DT Swiss 240. The 420 g figure is the weight of one rim, not two finished wheels.

What tyre width works best?

The Wake Evolution II was developed around a 28 mm road tyre on a 22 mm internal hooked rim. Exact mounted tyre width changes by tyre and pressure; check tyre-maker approval, frame/fork clearance and rim compatibility before installation.

Can I use tubeless tyres or inner tubes?

Yes, the hooked, tubeless-ready rim can support compatible tubeless setups and suitable clincher tyres with tubes. The non-drilled bed removes the need for ordinary rim tape over spoke holes; follow the valve, tyre and rim installation instructions.

Are they good for climbing?

Yes, they are light relative to their 60–65 mm depth, but the Peak 4550 places more emphasis on a shallower, climbing-friendly package. Your route profile and riding speed matter more than a single weight figure.

Will Wake make me faster than my current wheels?

It may provide an aerodynamic advantage, particularly when riding quickly, but the result depends on what you already ride and your complete setup. This is a manufacturer-specification buyer’s guide, not our own measured wind-tunnel or road-test comparison.

What is the price, and are they in stock?

Price depends on the selected hub and freehub. See the current Wake product page for configuration and order status. “Available to order” is not the same as being physically in stock; ask us to confirm the lead time.

Make the upgrade that fits your riding

A wheelset at this level should be a deliberate choice, not a guess. At Approved Cycling in Ljubljana, we help riders match wheel depth, tyres and hub selection to their bike, their roads and how fast they actually ride. Tell us what you ride now and what you want to change; we will help you decide whether the Wake really is your next set of wheels.

Explore Wake 6560 Evolution II and choose your build →  ·  Ask Approved about your setup →

Specification source: Princeton CarbonWorks — Wake 6560 Evolution II. Performance descriptions distinguish manufacturer claims from independent measurements; configuration and availability can change.