Matteye

I am looking for some honest (not Trek / Bonty haters) feedback on what the differences are in ride quality, etc.

Bontrager Race Lites: I have these on my current bike. I've never had a wheelset that would be considered an upgrade to these, so my frame of reference is limited.

X-Lites: Trek claims they are lighter, stronger and more aero than Mavic Ksyrium. The Race X-Lite Clincher Wheelset Ti Anodized set is on sale for $499. Is that a good deal?

Mavics: Worthy upgrade? If so, why?

Thanks

BananaTugger

Handbuilts at this price would be better than most.

It's either that or Eastons.

cedricbosch

I have the Race Lites, and they're everything I could ask for from a training wheelset.

Dubbayoo

I doubt you will find many people that have ridden all three. I love my Ksyriums and that's all I can say.

55/Rad

I've had all 3 plus many more sets of wheels. The X-lites are worth the upgrade but not at MSRP, so $500 is pretty good. They are lighter but not necessarily stiffer than the Race Lites.

Ksyrium's are what I'm riding now. I have a set of Elites, and 2 sets of SL's. I love the SL's as they appear stiffer and more bomb-proof. I also have a set of Fulcrum 1's, which are similar to the SL's, and I love them too.

I would also consider Rolf Vigors or Elans before making a choice. Both are excellent and are direct connections to the Bonty's.

Finally, I would certainly take a look at customs. I've been very happy with the couple of sets I've had. More bang for the buck along with a somewhat traditional appearance, if that appeals to you.

55/Rad

BananaTugger

lol

Matteye

I'm looking for some reasons, not just because you say A is better than B.

BananaTugger

Lighter, more aero, stronger and more repairable.

What's not to love?

Dubbayoo

55/Rad has had one of every bike component on the planet. He doesn't actually ride any of his stuff. He just takes pictures of it.

botto 

i have ksyrium sls and elites, and recently acquired a pair of race x-litre aeros from a VERY trustworthy bf poster.

they're all good. as far as ride quality, it's hard to say (different tires on the bontragers, and they're also on a completely different bike).

Rutnick

I've had all three. The only ones I haven't broken yet are the Race X Lites. The Race Lites was the rear hub which was replaced (whole wheel) under warranty.

I've gone through three Mavic Kysrium rear wheels this year. One cracked rim, hub and broken spoke. All fixed under warranty.

If money was the same, Race X lites over the Mavics. Sorry Mavic....

For me, it is worth going to my LBS and getting a replacement wheel or part nearly immediately or within a day on the Bontrager stuff vs having the Mavic sent back and waiting 2 or 3 weeks for them to repair it under warranty.

55/Rad

I rode 442 miles last week in an event known as Cycle Oregon. Had the time of my life.

Namenda

I bought a pair of those Eastons a couple of weeks ago. Considered the X-Lites and Mavics, but went with what I'm familiar with. Three trouble-free years on my older Eastons, and they're still holding up great. Not too shabby, considering I'm north of 200#, and riding in New England.

OP--are you open to other makes than the ones you listed? There are a lot of choices in that price range. Another couple of good ones would be Williams, or Reynolds.

pharding

I have the Bontragger Race X Lites and I think that they are fine. I weigh 260 and I put 800 miles on them in 14 weeks. They still are very true. I have been impressed by them. The Race X Lite Wheels have DT Swiss Hubs which are quite impressive.

That said I would look at these 2008 Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheelset on sale at CC

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...339.267.0.html

The Ksyrium Elites project a better image. The Bontragger Race X Lites may be the better value. Both are fine.