pelotonracer

OK, let me make this clear first of all: I am NOT saying Trek/Bontrager are bad.

However, I'd just like to know, who here has Bontrager components that didn't come stock with a Trek/LeMond/etc. bike? It just seems that nobody chooses these components over, say, FSA. Especially the wheels- honestly, who has Aoelus carbon clinchers?

Just curious, thanks in advance!

CastIron

Bonty bits are supposed to be pretty good. That said, if you're going spec out the parts on your bike why go with the mystery of a 'house brand'?

Mariner Fan

Bontrager is part of Trek so your going to get it if you have a Trek/Lemond/Klein. I probably wouldn't buy Bonty parts aftermarket but they aren't that bad.

Bontrager

Maybe becase FSA is pretty inexpensive for what you get?

pelotonracer

Not really- they're pretty average-priced. E.g.- K-wings=$250, Easton EA70 CF Wing=$170 (Competitive Cyclist).

Singlespeedster

I have a set of Bontrager Race Xlites. I find them to be a great wheel. DT swiss star ratchet hub. Nice and lightweight, and for my weight, they ride nice.

I have a few Bontrager stems here and there too.

MATTO

They usually find there way onto my cyclocross bike as spare parts, I must say though they take the pain.

dekalbSTEEL

I picked up a gently used set of Bontrager RaceLite handlebars for $30 at my LBS for my new CAAD7 build project. I also promptly acetoned the logos off them!

iamtim

I put Bontrager Select wheels on my son's bike because they were the only 650c wheels I could find for around $100. Gotta love eBay.

*shrug*

ZurichSeattle

I have Bontrager Race X Lites on my Lemond Zurich (not stock) and they are GREAT. I weigh 200 and they rarely go out of true. I'm going to buy another pair when I am ready.

dgaddes

I like Bonty parts - have several on my 5200. they perform and look great!

Race Lite wheels, Race X-lite seat post, carbon Race XXX-lite stem, carbon Race X-lite bars and carbon bar tape

Jakey

I have a set of race lite wheels...DT cartridge bearing hubs. They're fairly light, and bulletproof. Plus...they look sweet. That said...they are on my trek...but didn't come with it.

55/Rad

Bonty wheels stand on their own regardless of the bike they are on, due in part to Rolf Dietrich. Other Bonty components, being so new to the market, have the stigma of being the Trek house brand. This isn't helped by the fact that they aren't necessarily light, inexpensive or readily available online - in other words, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot to differentiate them from a lot of other mid level components.

55/Rad

pelotonracer

But why hasn't the Lance factor exploded the popularity of Bontrager? I mean, there isn't any particularly special about Treks, but everyone has one... why not Bontrager? I mean, LANCE USES IT, right?!

aham23

plus, the bonty stuff is not as easy to get as FSA or Easton. i mean, surf over to the major online bike stores and you can buy FSA and Easton stuff all day long. bonty can be had by buying trek or ordering through a trek dealer or used off eBay. just my thoughts. later.

EricDJ

This may be a limiting factor that they don't allow their products to be sold online, etc. My Airborne came with Bontrager wheels, seat, and bars. When I replace them or buy backups, I will likely buy a different brand due to allowable pricing and sales channels. This also might keep me from buying a trek if a diff bike has better parts at the same price point.

giantcfr1

I bought a set of second hand Bontrager Race Lites (I think that is what they are as they are logo free) for my beater because they looked great and cost me about $17 US. BARGIN
I was given a second hand Bontrager Race Lite Seat Post. FREE = BARGIN

The wheels run beautifully.
After my experience with them I would consider buying a set new if the need arises.
The post doesn't slip.
I'm happy with Bontrager.
Steve.

Singlespeedster

Keith's name has been out there for a while. He probably lost a fair amount of luster after Trek bought his company, even though he still has an active hand in design.

jfmckenna

I have used there wheels, stems, seat posts, handlebars, bar tape, tubes, and tires. The bar tape sucks and the tires are absolutly horrible. I have gotten more flats in one week on those tires then I have in years with Continental GP's. But all there other stuff I have found to be quite well made. I don't think I have ever trued my front wheel with about 7k miles on it now.

aham23

lost some luster but gained some cash. luster or cash? i like cash. later.

cycle17

Yep. I would have done the same thing if I were Keith Bontrager. He still has a lot of input in designs and he gets to ride and play with bike stuff a lot more nowadays. Sounds like a good deal to me.

As far as Bontrager parts.... They came on both my Treks and my Klein MTB. I've never had a bad part, a breakage, etc.. The rims stay nice and true, the components are light and good quality...what's not to like? Unless you buy mostly online, in which case you will have trouble finding all the Bonty stuff. My LBS is a longtime Trek dealer and stocks a lot on Bontrager stuff, so it's easy for me to get my hands on. Nothing wrong with Easton, FSA etc... and you might save a few bucks withother brands. I think some people refuse to buy Bontrager stuff, beacuse they think it's too trite, too mainstream and they don't want to not look like like serious cyclists. To those folks, I say "FOOO-ie" :-)

CardiacKid

I think one of the problems is they don't allow mail order, so you don't see their stuff in catalogs or on the Internet.
The other thing is that when you buy a new Trek Corp. bike, the first thing you notice is the Bontrager name on an incredibly crappy saddle. They are starting out with a strike against them.

FormerBMX'er

You said a mouth full! I have an '05 Lemond Reno with Bonty components and it's really been hit or miss. The Carbon Seatpost and Alu Bars, no problem. I had the stem swapped out right away as I'm not crazy about two bolt face place so I can't comment on that. The Saddle and tires however are absolutely dreadful. Three flats in less than a year during a commute that's less than 7mi round trip...on two different Bonty Tire grades, Bonty Select and Race Lite. The Saddle...OMG...pure log splitting. I was dying on a short 28mi ride and that's when I decided it had to come off. The Jury is out on Bontrager!

CardiacKid

Good point, I forgot to mention the tires. I had to replace my Bonty Selects after less than 500 miles.

djtrackie

I got the Bontrager Race wheels - an upgrade from the stock wheels on my Giant. I got em based on recommendation and availability at the LBS. Same with my stem.

The wheels are quite nice and the they came with the Race Lite tires which are surprisingly pretty good! I heard they are made by continental too...