Bespoke Blog

Bontrager has redesigned its range-topping US-made Aeolus XXX wheels with a wider and more aerodynamic rim shape, and a choice of rim depths - 28, 47 and 60mm - in either rim or disc brake variants. It has also expanded its Aeolus Pro range.

There's probably never been a better time to buy a set of carbon fibre wheels. Carbon wheels not only look amazing, they are lightweight, aerodynamic and these days generally very reliable and durable, suitable for everyday training as well as races and gran fondos.

"Aeolus XXX wheels offer better braking and more stability so you can ride a deeper wheel in challenging conditions with more confidence than ever," says Bontrager.

Read more below, and see the full range (and pre-order) in our online shop:

Wider and more Aero

The understanding of aerodynamics has moved on quite a bit in the last few years, with the current trend for wider and more rounded rim profiles offering lower drag and better control in crosswinds.

To ensure its wheels are up there with the best, Bontrager has redesigned its flagship, made in the US, Aeolus XXX wheels. The XXX name is reserved for Bontrager's premium components, packing the latest technology and manufactured at Trek's worldwide headquarters in Waterloo.

Key to the new Aeolus XXX wheels is a new rim profile that is wider than before, offering improved aero performance as well as better stability in crosswinds. That means you can run a deeper rim than you could previously, so enjoy more of an aero benefit with less of the drawbacks when conditions are suboptimal.

The new Aeolus XXX range looks like this:

Aeolus XXX 2 has a 28mm deep rim and is the lightweight climbing wheelset, an ideal choice for a hilly Gran Fondo.

Aeolus XXX 4 features a 47mm depth rim and is the all-round wheelset in the new range, right at home everywhere from training rides to sportives.

Aeolus XXX 6 is the deepest offering, with a 60mm rim that should be well suited to road racing and time trialling.

• We have all the Aeolus XXX range available for pre-order now in our online shop.

Key design features

The shape of the rim has been refined, optimised for each depth and intended use to ensure the best performance possible. Wider than before, the new 21mm internal width is designed around a 25mm tyre, which we've seen become increasingly common. Really, nobody is using 23mm these days on the road, certainly not in the UK where potholes are all too common.

Bontrager also tested with 28mm tyres as well so they'd be an ideal candidate for fitting to an endurance bike like the Trek Domane or Cannondale Synapse. The minimum tyre width recommended is 23mm.

The rims are also tubeless-ready, rim strips are supplied if you want to ditch the inner tubes. Speak to us if you'd like to convert to tubeless.

Braking performance has been improved, a new Laser Control Track offers comparable braking to an aluminium rim even in the wet, so more control more of the time. And don't worry, the brake track won't deteriorate over time. Bontrager recommends Black Prince brake blocks only, and strongly advises against the use of cork pads.

The rims are laced Bontrager hubs rolling on trusted DT Swiss bearings and a 36 point star ratchet in the freehub which delivers instantaneous engagement. Shimano/SRAM compatible freehubs come as standard, Campagnolo freehubs are also available. The spokes are DT Swiss Aerolites.

Even the decals have been on diet, stickers replaced by laser etched graphics to save weight and give a very clean appearance (an option for white decals, as per the team wheels, will be available exclusively on Project One builds).

Pre-Order Now

The Aeolus XXX wheels for rim brakes will be available from early April.

The XXX2 Disc will be arriving in May and the XXX4 Disc and XXX6 Disc coming in July.

All are available for pre-order now, online and in-store.

Aeolus Pro 5

The new Aeolus Pro 5 joins the existing Aeolus Pro 3 carbon fibre wheelset, a range which offers pro-level performance at a price that won't break the bank.

Available in rim and disc brake versions, the former features a brake track that is designed increase braking performance and lower heat buildup in all conditions and situations.

These look like a sound choice for a training wheelset, or for those on a budget looking to try carbon wheels for the first time.

Rim brake options are available now, and disk brake versions will be shipping in July.

We'll soon have the Pro 5 available for purchase online, or come and see us in-store.