Bontrager Race X-Lite Carbon

Price Paid:  $7000.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Anything fast

Bike Setup:
Klein Qpro XX full Dura Ace

Summary:
I purchased these nearly new off ebay and use them on my Klein Q-pro for racing and triathlons. The wheels are super fast, particularly with a good set of tubs on them. The noise they make seems to psyche you into pedalling faster. The are super stiff and great for sprinting, they are lighter than the Race x-lite non aero wheels and are great for climbing. When these wheels are on my bike, I know I'm going to race fast.



With regards to the wet weather performance, I use Dura Ace carbon pads and I have the newer version of the wheels. Whilst the breaking isnt as good in the wet as alloy rims, its good enough. You dont really want to be slamming the breaks on when you're sat in the pack at 30mph in the wet anyway.

Strengths:
Stiff, light, fast, look very cool. Compared to other carbon wheels they are pretty affordable. @ $7000

Weaknesses:
Very stiff and a little harsh on less than perfect roads, but what do you expect with deep dish carbon wheels? easy to edit other people review

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager race x lite non aero and aero versions

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Employee discount

Favorite Ride:
Any and all

Bike Setup:
Kona JTS
Easton CT2
Ultegra/Dura Ace mix gruppo
San Marco ASPide FX

Summary:
One word: badass.

Bombproof and aero. I've hit potholes that would be rim-killers on even deep section alloy rims without so much as a groaning sound from the Carbons. Braking performance is superb, and the aero advantage can't be denied.

Strengths:
Light, aero, stiff, and durable. Super easy to spin up on flats and descents.

Weaknesses:
Don't climb as well as similar products. Superlight rims (350-380g ballpark) don't hold speed as well as heavier rims once they're spun up.

Similar Products Used:
Zipp 303, 404. Feels most like a Cosmic Carbone.

Price Paid:  $1350.00 at Ada Bike Shop; info@

Favorite Ride:
anything w/high misery index

Bike Setup:
2003 Klein Carbon Pro 61cm, RaceXLite wheels w/rubino pros, Carbon's w/corsa pro tt tires

Summary:
After racing these wheels for the entire '03 and partial '02 season they have gained a permanent place in my arsenal of speed weaponry. Fast, agile, quick acceleration and smart looks give these Carbons the edge over similar deep dish wheels. These wheels offer a measurable time savings in TT's (my favorite race type). I also use these wheels in crits, road races and the local weekly circuit race. I own a set Bontrager Race X Lites as well and have been converted from a Mavic to a Bontrager devotee.

Swiss bearings are top notch. Hold these spinning wheels and prepare to smile. Freehub is very smooth as well. Solid and strong and always ready for warp speed.

Now lets face it, deep dish wheels tend to be unstable in cross winds. True, these 44mm rims will get jerked around. I am 6'5", 170lbs. and ride these wheels with no trouble in +25mph winds. In my opinion, the wheels add very little to the amount of force you may feel from a strong sideways gust of wind.

Cheers to Bontrager/Trek on replacing, at no charge, the rear rim after I noticed a soft spot on the braking surface. The rear has even held up well after I managed to roll the rear tubular. Vittoria's base tape came unglued causing the roll off. I still ride the Vit's, they did the right thing post crash.

A word about stiffness. There might be a Phizer label under the Bontrager decal. Awesome for cornering and stomping on the pedals to get off the front. So watch it if your off camber turns hold some minor bumps. You will find your rear wheel suddenly airborne with the possibility of landing 1 almost 2 inches out from your original line. Heart stopping the first few times but like the caged animal these wheels are, I learned control and now use it to my advantage.

These wheels are right for so many more applications than just your flat TT. They kick glutus maximus up hill too. I'd say they act like a tow rope going up hill except there is never anyone in front of me when I've got my Carbon's on.

High end wheels do deserve special consideration though. Leave 'em at home for those wet races. Unless of course you like the feel of grease between your brake pads and the rim. I've raced them in the rain before but it's just not worth it.

Strengths:
Light-these days what does that mean? It means quick spin up, hill happiness and a sub 1400g reason to boast.

Solid construction backed up by a company willing to do the right thing.

Aero as all git goin'. They will produce a unique hum at +25mph. I find it speed inducing to my psyche. My fastest TT is 28.2mph over 15 mi.

All your buddies will have Carbon envy.

Weaknesses:
Did I mention how stiff they are? Yeah, they're that stiff. Not necessarially a weakness but a for-warned shopper is a happy owner.

Brake pad issues. Cork pads included w/wheels are junk.

Braking surface needs some work. Bontrager-are you listening? I'm picking at nits here but for what these babes retail for...

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium

Mavic Cosmic Elite

Zipp 404

Price Paid:  $9000.00 at Race Pace

Favorite Ride:
To work through Ellicott City

Bike Setup:
Trek 2300 Dura Ace, Easton carbon handlebars, USE carbon seatpost

Summary:
Very stiff, very fast! Great set of wheels, nice look, and fast!

Strengths:
Stiff, they get up and go when you are off the saddle hammering or climbing.

Weaknesses:
The valve extender clicks a bit.

Similar Products Used:
Zipp 404

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Chelsea Bikes

Bike Setup:
Trek 5200, Ultegra, Easton C90 bar

Summary:
Very fast wheels. I have put about 300 miles on these and have had no problems so far. I'm using them as everyday wheels and have increased my average speed by 1-2 mph.

Strengths:
Looks, performance

Weaknesses:
Higer maintenance wheels than clinchers. Crosswinds tend to throw you around a little due to the deeper wheel design.

Similar Products Used:
bontrager race lights