Bontrager is much more than just a label. While other companies are increasingly turning to making their own brand of components, particularly wheels, by sourcing them from the Far East (nothing wrong with that tbh), Bontrager has been making some fine carbon hoops right here in the States for quite some time. It’s no small feat considering the amount of both physical and financial investment required for domestic manufacturing. But Bontrager/Trek proved that it’s possible.
Bontrager is bringing what the Wisconsin-based company calls their “fastest, lightest and most stable carbon road wheels” with their latest revamp. Okay, just about every company claims that whenever they launch some new wheels, but Bontrager is also releasing a very informative white paper for those who like to dig deep. The short version, however, goes through three years of development and include: 1) An even wider rim shape (21mm interal) that’s as stable in the wind as it is fast; 2) A laser-machined braking surface (for rim brakes) that is said to improve on braking performance in all weather; 3) Is individually handmade with Trek’s own OCLV xxx carbon fiber in Waterloo, Wisconsin; 4) Is tubeless compatible.
Three rim depths will be available: Aeolus XXX 2 (28mm), XXX 4 (47mm), and XXX 6 (60mm) for both rim and disc brakes, as well as clincher and tubular options available now for $2,400.
www.bontrager.com
