Bontrager Race XXX Lite Carbon

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Akuna Bay in Sydney, Australia

Bike Setup:
2007 Trek Madone SSL 6.9
Shimano 10 Speed Dura Ace Groupset
Fizik Aliante Carbon Ti saddle
Look Keo Carbon Cro-Mo pedals
Michelin Krylion Carbon 700c x23 tyres (training)
Bontrager Race XXX Lite 700c x22 tyres (race day)
Swissstop Flash Yellow brake pads

Summary:
I’m an ex-gym based 200lb rider and have had these wheels for 1 month now. Initially I was skeptical if these carbon wheels could cope with my weight and power under acceleration. Beyond just a little flex at the rear (they just touch the brake pads either side under full acceleration), they have proved to be absolutely fabulous. They’re noticeably faster and lighter that my previous Bontrager Race X Lite Aero wheels and actually allow me to roll 10-15% faster than my other cycling buddies down most hills. I particularly like the shock absorbing aspect of carbon fiber > it instills a higher sense of confidence when descending on not so smooth surfaces that are prevalent in Australia. On the flip side, these wheels struggled to pull me up (read… allow me to adjust entry speed for corners) when descending hard down some steep familiar hills. Both the Bontrager cork and the Kool Stop carbon specific brake pads struggled with my weight and proved absolutely inferior to the Swissstop Flash Yellow pads. They now stop 50% BETTER than my old Dura Ace pad/alloy rim combination. I’m in heaven …. I now have the best of both worlds. My secret is now out … so go out and grab this combo and your buddies won’t know what hit em!!

Strengths:
Fast spin up speed
Easy to lube DT Swiss HUBs
Silky smooth and shock absorbing
Powerful stopping with Swissstop Flash Yellow pads

Weaknesses:
Price
Requirment for expensive special brake pads
....but well worth it!

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lite Clinchers
Bontrager Race X Lite Clinchers
Bontrager Rax X Lite Aero Clinchers

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at San Diego Trek

Favorite Ride:
Mammoth Mountain Area, CA

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Archon, SRAM Force, FSA light cranks, Easton fork and seat stem. 14.95 lbs, with pedals!

Summary:
Simply put...I love these wheels. They've exceeded my expectations. Stiff, aero and stupid light. I went for these wheels because I got tired of the hassle of changing brake pads for races (Zipp 404 tub's) and ended up falling in love. They were highly recommended by a fellow masters champion. I'm a 185 lb sprinter and have difficulty staying with the stick men (and women) on those darn hills, training rides and of course racing. These wheels have made all the difference. Very nice ride too.

Strengths:
Stupid light carbon clincher. Great for all all-around riding and racing.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SL's, Zipp 404 (clincher & tubulars), Shimano DA 7801 SL.

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Gimbels Long

Bike Setup:
Trek Madone

Summary:
I upgraded to the Bontrager XXX Lite carbon clinchers from the stock Bontrager X Lite aluminum that came on my bike, and WOW, what an immediate difference, especially on the hills. The very first group ride with these wheels I was able to keep with the group when the road got steep, instead of my usual suffering at the back or getting dropped. It was like my bike sprouted wings. With each pedal stroke you can really feel the bike accelerate up hill. The same is true on the flats, but I am 145 lbs. and more of a climber than a sprinter.
I use these wheels as my everyday wheels from April to November, and put the aluminum wheels back on my bike for winter riding when there is sand, salt, and gunk on the roads.

Strengths:
Light weight and durable. Great for climbing. Totally revolutionized my riding. Almost as good as getting a new bike.

Weaknesses:
Carbon rims can get scratched up by brake pads when there is gunk (sand and salt) on winter roads, so you will need another set of wheels for winter riding if you live in a snowy part of the world.

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager X Lite aluminum

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Action Sports

Favorite Ride:
Casitas Lake Loop

Bike Setup:
2006 Specialized Tarmac SL, XXX Lite Carbon Clincers(duh), SRAM Force group, FSA K-Force bar and OS-115 stem, Bontrager Race X-Lite Pro saddle with XXX seatpost, Bontrager Grippy bartape,Bontrager carbon cages, Look Keo pedals cro-mo come to 14.99 lbs total.

Summary:
Bontrager XXX Lite carbon clinchers are an unreal wheelset. This is a wheelset you can use daily if you choose to. Especially noticed when climbs are steep and excelleration is quick. Carbon rims have a damping quality which is positive. The wheelset is exactly 1350 grams which is quoted by manufacturer sans skewers.

Strengths:
Light, durable, reasonable cost for product and you're able to run any clincher you like. Ride feel is smooth, absorbing of road vibrations and rolls clean with Hugi Swiss hubs. No road rubber from pads when cleaning rims b/c or cork pads. Stealth look, appear mildly deep dish b/c no seperation of color at braking surface from other section.

Weaknesses:
Cost my be difficult and turn off for many. Must use cork or carbon compatible brake pads which do not brake as smoothly or quickly as rubber, but fairly well, esp. for lighter riders.Must not ride over 120 psi with this wheelset, which I did not formerly so not a drawback for myself.

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race X Lite, VeloMax, Mavic, etc. The similarily is that they are all round and run 700c tires, but carbon clincher is steps above the others