Bontrager Aeolus wheels ?

Brocade

Folks,

Since improving my riding by working out, losing weight, and trying to get fit is not working, I've decided to throw money at the problem. Specifically, money at new wheels.

I am a sportive rider. I usually ride the "long" route. Occasionaly events in Italy as well. Is the Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 the right choice for me if I want to make a difference with new wheels ? I have some standard low spec Mavics right now that came with the bike. I want to save weight and be more aerodynamic.

Any thoughts on those wheels and any other recommendations for someone who wants to upgrade wheels appreciated.

Thanks

joewhitebaby

Brocade wrote:

Folks,

Since improving my riding by working out, losing weight, and trying to get fit is not working, I've decided to throw money at the problem. Specifically, money at new wheels.

I am a sportive rider. I usually ride the "long" route. Occasionaly events in Italy as well. Is the Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 the right choice for me if I want to make a difference with new wheels ? I have some standard low spec Mavics right now that came with the bike. I want to save weight and be more aerodynamic.

Any thoughts on those wheels and any other recommendations for someone who wants to upgrade wheels appreciated.

Thanks

This depends on what kind of sportive you're looking at. Aero wheels make a nice difference in a TT or road racing, but for a sportive where your speed isn't going to be that great, I reckon shallower section wheels are the way to go.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Fast_Forward_F2R_Carbon_Tubular_240s_Wheel_Set/5360039582/
These are a good set of wheels, both slightly cheaper than the Aeolus and more importantly 500 grams lighter! On a long sportive ride with plenty of hills you're definitely going to see a hell of a lot more difference with these underneath you than a set of 50mm tubs.

chriskempton

Tubulars for sportives? I wouldn't. Do you carry one spare tub or two, and/or sealant? You can subtract the weight of the spares from what you save on the wheels. If (when) you've swapped a tub following a puncture, do you enjoy descents, or worry about rolling a tub? Also those wheels have carbon braking surface so braking not good.

Agree about shallow light wheels though. HED Ardennes, Shimano DA 1380, Campag Neutrons, Fulcrum Zero would be my shortlist (depends on what groupset you're using, mind).

joewhitebaby

I agree with the tubs point, you do want something light but clincher. If you're on shimano the 1380s are probably your best bet. Campag Shamals are amazing wheels and there are some good prices online if you look around.

Cranks

As a wheel builder who can custom build to your specification, the money you want to spend can pay for this.

I would stick with clinchers for sure.

Brocade

This is really great advice, exactly what I needed. Many thanks folks,
Tolga

andy_wrx

Aren't the Aeolus reviewed in the grouptest in this month's C+ ?

They say they're quick, but very stiff and unyielding, because they have such short spokes (even compared to Mavic Cosmic Carbones, where whilst a similar-looking wheel by contrast the carbon is a fairing and the spoke goes all the way to the alu rim so is a fair bit longer).

So Aeolus OK for racing or TT'ing, but not for long-distance sportives on bumpy roads, I'd say...

sherer

saw these wheels in Evans the other day and they do look sexy though. Was thinking of getting these myself but after checking the cost on google I was put off !

am thinking of maybe getting some ZIPP 404s instead which you can get as a clincher. Anyone got any thoughts on these ?

dcj

Another alternative would be the mavic cosmic carbon SLR.
Similar weight to Aeolus 5.0 clincher - under 1600 gms claimed - except the mavic has an alloy braking surface.

All other things being equal, in my experience all-carbon wheels are pretty much unacceptable in wet conditions (e.g.Tenerife mountain descent) for all but the most experienced and confident riders, due to the ease with which the wheels can lock up under braking.

If you plan to save these wheels only for dry days then maybe the Aeolus carbon rimmed clincher clinches it, but the Mavic is more of an all rounder.

Alternatively be completely impractical and go for carbon rims and tubs, in which case Zipp 808's are substantially lighter and more aero still. For me still nothing feels or rides like a decent tub. Carry one spare tub and two tubes of Stan's no tubes to avoid disaster.

Again this is an extreme route: for riders looking to squeeze the last drop of feel-good factor out of their riding, rather than to gain a measurable benefit but then again why not?

I am now fairly convinced, deep section aero wheels have the edge over lighter weight box sections rims - even on a sportive - if the weight of the deep section wheels is not silly.

ACMadone

You can buy the Aeolus in a clincher with an aluminium rim. Have you thought about these? Also have you thought about the Race XXX Lites? Although a couple of years old have a look at this article/test on them: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=4613

Pokerface

sherer wrote:

am thinking of maybe getting some ZIPP 404s instead which you can get as a clincher. Anyone got any thoughts on these ?

I use both the Mavic Cosmic SL's (2009) and a set of Zipp 404/808's. Both are clincher.

I prefer the Zipps as they roll smoother, sound nicer, are stiffer, deeper section, more aero and a touch lighter. Price was almost double what I paid for the Mavic's though.

If you look around you can find them around £1000 or less for a pair. Less if you buy 2008 model.


Highly recommend the Zipps. Mavics are now my training wheels.

sherer

thanks for the info on the 404s. Just seen the Bontrager wheels in clincher too.

This is a purchase for next year really anyway so might be able to pick up a cheaper pair at xmas.

Saw the 08 Zips on pro bike kit at a reasonable price

Pokerface

sherer wrote:

thanks for the info on the 404s. Just seen the Bontrager wheels in clincher too.

This is a purchase for next year really anyway so might be able to pick up a cheaper pair at xmas.

Saw the 08 Zips on pro bike kit at a reasonable price

The '09 Zipps have a stronger/wider hub that makes the wheel stiffer. Or something like that. Thus the added cost for '09 Zipps.

If you are a lighter rider - probably won't make a big difference. Zipp's are supposed to be good for up to a 200 lb rider.

I got mine with Tune hubs which are lighter and better than standard Zipp hubs.