Thoughts on Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheelset?
11-05-23, 06:56 PM
#1
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Thoughts on Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheelset?
Thoughts on Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheelset? These are on the Trek Madone SL7 I test rode today. They feel sluggish to me. I also expected DTSwiss hubs but was told these are Bontrager's own hubs.
Any knowledge on the subject appreciated.
11-05-23, 07:11 PM
#2
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I have them on my madone. No issues, as far
as I know Bontrager wheels are pretty well regarded.
as I know Bontrager wheels are pretty well regarded.
11-05-23, 07:12 PM
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I have a set on my Domane SL6. Internet reviews say they are sluggish. I’m sluggish so it doesn’t matter. Realistically to me they are not sluggish compared to the Paradigm 25s that came stock. If I did it again I’d blow the budget and spurge for RSL 37s. They were in stock. Anyway the 51s are rugged. I weigh 210 lbs. they’ve stayed true. Never touched. Tall but no issue with cross winds. I’ve a set of Aeolus 5 rim brake wheels. They are impact by the wind more.
I believe DT Swiss makes the hubes for Trek.
I believe DT Swiss makes the hubes for Trek.
Last edited by biker128pedal; 11-05-23 at 07:18 PM.
11-05-23, 07:29 PM
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Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheelset...
Well for what they cost you, you should be completely satisfied. But then again, what do I know. I have never spent more then 140 USD on a wheel set. Guess I am in for some real big changes... DUH...
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11-05-23, 08:15 PM
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I have the 3's, next step down in depth. In both rim and disc version. Excellent wheels. If I was in the market for some new deeper wheels (I have other brands), I would absolutely consider bonty wheels.
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11-05-23, 08:27 PM
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I have heard that the rims might not be all that they are cracked up to be, but I am curious what is meant by a "sluggish" wheel? Too heavy? Bad hub bearings?
11-05-23, 09:03 PM
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To me it means they don't accelerate as good as my current wheels. I own five different sets of wheels that I use on my current road bike (Giant TCR) and I can tell a difference between each set. Some actually feel like the hubs have more friction, but I know that is not the case. There are probably tons of variables that could make a set of wheels or bike feel more sluggish than others. The Madone I rode today is heavier than my TCR, so that is one of those variable too.
11-05-23, 10:26 PM
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have them on my Domane and they are nice and handle wind very well. I rarely if ever feel pushed by natural or vehicle wind with these wheels. They have DTSwiss 350 internals in a Bontrager hub shell. I run 30mm tires on them.
11-05-23, 10:28 PM
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Bontrager always makes a decent and reliable wheel but nothing I'd ever drop the money on. Too many other options out there by companies that focus on building wheels and not just rebranding a bunch of parts to for more money. At this price I'd find something built with actual DT 240 hubs if that's the interest. Trek loves their marketing hype but I'm not convinced their rims are any better than the ones produced by Light Bicycle which will build with nicer hubs and bladed spokes for less.
11-06-23, 08:48 AM
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These look like the latest (disk) version of the Aeolus that came with my Madone. I’d agree they do feel a bit sluggish but they roll amazingly well. I struggle to stay behind friends, who are on fast bikes, on descents.
