The most recent Bontrager wheel line has an up to date rim form, new rim depths, and introduces a wholly new OCLV NEXT thermoplastics materials. There may be a lot to unpack right here, so let’s begin with the brand new materials.
What’s OCLV NEXT?
Thermoplastics are polymers that may be melted and recast virtually indefinitely. The sort of carbon development is turning into more and more well-liked within the element world. Bontrager is the most recent and largest producer to make use of the development course of. It permits for much less wasted materials, with scraps which are reusable. The fabric and development even have a singular high quality to soak up vibrations and supply a resonance-free journey, making them a superb materials for rims.
Bontrager didn’t reveal many secrets and techniques in creating the OCLV NEXT rims. We all know the rim is manufactured with a laser-machined mould. The exact mould produces a last product precisely because it’s made — no want for sanding or ending. Like most thermoplastic rims, the Bontrager OCLV NEXT rims have a matte end and a subdued branding.
This end is a part of the laser machine molding course of, eliminates the necessity for decals, and saves weight. This thermoplastic manufacturing course of additionally helps scale back as much as 95% of the unstable natural compounds (VOC) and carbon mud emissions related to conventional carbon rim ending, e.g., sanding.
New Aeolus Rim Form
This new model of the Bontrager Aeolus wheel boasts a brand new beefed-up rim profile. The rim itself is wider, at a 32mm outer width and a 25mm inside width.
The bead is 3.5mm and hooked however with a flat high, presumably for impression safety. The wheels come taped with Bontrager TRL tape but additionally ship with Bontrager tubeless rim strips.
Relating to aerodynamics, the brand new Aeolus form appears to be trending in the proper path, besting its predecessor.
Thermoplastic composite rims are touted for his or her distinctive means to dissipate some highway vibrations. The workforce at Bontrager examined this in opposition to its Aeolus 37V in a standard thermoset development. The thermoplastic development boasted a 5% lower in vibration over cobbles, with practically no change on gravel or tarmac.
Bontrager Aeolus Professional 37V Wheels
The Bontrager Aeolus Professional 37V wheels are a sensible measurement that may match most all using and gravel. The rim is a 37mm deep OCLV NEXT hoop paired with Bontrager Fast Drive 108 highway hubs. The combo must be a terrific choice for these searching for a wheelset to climb and roll the flats with out drawbacks.
The Aeolus Professional 37V/49V inside rim width is 25mm and pairs effectively with higher-volume highway and gravel tires. The matte rim end ought to match any bike, and the refined branding is stylish.
We didn’t have a wheelset in the home, however Bontrager posts a weight of 1450g for the Aeolus Professional 37V wheels, about 105g lighter than the earlier model.
Bontrager Aeolus Professional 37V Wheels Particulars:
- Rims: OCLV NEXT Rim 37mm depth and 25mm interior width, Tubeless Prepared (TLR)
- Hubset: Fast Drive 108 highway hubs present fast engagement for sooner acceleration and elevated management 12mm thru-axle Centerlock disc
- Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite14, 17 spokes, and Prolock alloy nipples
- Freehub physique: Appropriate with Shimano 10/11/12 pace, SRAM 10/11 freehubs, 12sp XDR
- No rider weight restrict
- Weight: 1450* w/o Bontrager rim strips
- Value: $1800.00/set
Bontrager Aeolus Professional 49V Wheels
The Bontrager Aeolus Professional 49V wheels are practically the identical because the 37V however with a deeper rim that boasts some aero positive factors. Bontrager says the brand new Aeolus Professional 49V is quicker than the deeper Aeolus RSL 51 wheel with the identical 28mm tires.
As for development, the Bontrager Aeolus Professional 49V Wheels get the identical Bontrager Fast Drive 108 highway hubs and DT-Swiss Aerolite spoke therapy.
Our demo Bontrager Aeolus Professional 49V Wheels set got here in at 1579g for the pair, together with valves, however not together with the Bontrager rim strips, which can add an additional 60g to every wheel.
Bontrager Aeolus Professional 49V Wheels Particulars:
- Rims: OCLV NEXT Rim 49mm depth and 25mm interior width, Tubeless Prepared (TLR)
- Hubset: Fast Drive 108 highway hubs present fast engagement for sooner acceleration and elevated management 12mm thru-axle Centerlock disc
- Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite14, 17 spokes, and Prolock alloy nipples
- Freehub physique: Appropriate with Shimano 10/11/12 pace, SRAM 10/11 freehubs, 12sp XDR
- No rider weight restrict
- Weight: 1555g* claimed
- Value: $1800.00/set
Is the Bontrager Carbon Care the Identical for OCLV NEXT?
Like all Bontrager carbon wheels, the brand new Bontrager Aeolus Professional 37V and 49V are warrantied for all times for the unique purchaser and include the added safety of Carbon Care. In case you structurally injury your wheels whereas using within the first two years of possession, Trek will substitute them.
Bontrager Aeolus Professional 37V and 49V Availability
The brand new Aeolus Professional 37V and 49V crafted with OCLV NEXT thermoplastics must be accessible at your native Trek Vendor or at TrekBikes.com.
Search for a full evaluation coming shortly.