Bontrager Select's vs. Race X Lite
01-28-07, 11:08 PM
#1
100% Fred
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Bontrager Select's vs. Race X Lite
There is a post in one of our local club classifieds sections for a Bontrager Race X Lite Clincher wheel set for $200. I'm a newbie as far as wheels (and most upgrades) are concerned.
Is there a noticeable difference between the Selects and the Race X Lites?
What is the standard wheel set to use on a road race bike? I'm not entirely sure what the different between "clincher" and other wheels is.
Should I even be looking at Bontrager or would Mavic or something else be better?
I'm going to be riding mostly Road Races this year, with a TT and some Crit's mixed in. I have a Trek 1500 with Stock Selects on it right now.
Any help would be great! thanks.
Is there a noticeable difference between the Selects and the Race X Lites?
What is the standard wheel set to use on a road race bike? I'm not entirely sure what the different between "clincher" and other wheels is.
Should I even be looking at Bontrager or would Mavic or something else be better?
I'm going to be riding mostly Road Races this year, with a TT and some Crit's mixed in. I have a Trek 1500 with Stock Selects on it right now.
Any help would be great! thanks.
01-28-07, 11:15 PM
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The Race X Lites are better wheels, with much better hubs (DT Swiss). The X Lites are noticeably better climbers and are considerably lighter than the Selects.
If you are looking at Mavic as well: The Mavic Equipes are equivalent to the Bontrager Selects, the SSC SLs are close to the Race X Lites. The Mavic SSC SLs are proven performers . You might also look at the Mavic Elites which are very nice wheels for the price, and are raceable.
If you are looking at Mavic as well: The Mavic Equipes are equivalent to the Bontrager Selects, the SSC SLs are close to the Race X Lites. The Mavic SSC SLs are proven performers . You might also look at the Mavic Elites which are very nice wheels for the price, and are raceable.
01-28-07, 11:15 PM
#3
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The Selects weight about 1900g while the X-Lites are 1500g, about a pound lighter which will make a significant difference since it's rotational weight. I race and train on Race X-lites and really love the wheels. I think the Bonty's are an awesome wheelset and X-Lites for $200 is cheap! A new rear wheel alone would cost $400.
btw, clinchers are the type of wheel where the tire uses a tube inside. They other popular (somewhat) type is tubular which requires a tube type tire to be glued to the rim.
btw, clinchers are the type of wheel where the tire uses a tube inside. They other popular (somewhat) type is tubular which requires a tube type tire to be glued to the rim.
01-28-07, 11:21 PM
#4
Raising the Abyss
Selects and Race X Lites are reviewed here: https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wh...S_2490crx.aspx
Race X Lites are 400 grams (about 14 oz.) lighter.
Clinchers have tubes, tubulars (oddly named IMO) do not. You may want to do a forum search on tubulars. But I'm betting you'll be fine training and racing on a decent set of clinchers (i.e. Race X Lites). If they're in good shape, $200 sounds fair.
Race X Lites are 400 grams (about 14 oz.) lighter.
Clinchers have tubes, tubulars (oddly named IMO) do not. You may want to do a forum search on tubulars. But I'm betting you'll be fine training and racing on a decent set of clinchers (i.e. Race X Lites). If they're in good shape, $200 sounds fair.
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Last edited by celticfrost; 01-28-07 at 11:50 PM.
01-28-07, 11:45 PM
#5
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$200 for a set of X-Lites is an incredible deal if they are in good shape. I'd pick them up pronto. I'd also keep the Selects, as a second set of wheels is always handy.
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01-29-07, 01:00 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by 55/Rad
$200 for a set of X-Lites is an incredible deal if they are in good shape. I'd pick them up pronto. I'd also keep the Selects, as a second set of wheels is always handy.
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01-29-07, 07:11 AM
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I agree. I made the switch from the Selects to the Race X Lites about 2 months ago and noticed a major difference. At $200, it is a steal as long as they are in good shape.
01-29-07, 11:06 AM
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Selects are trash imho. They were one of the first things I replaced on my bike. I'm a bit heavy, granted, but I could almost see the flex in the wheel when I stood up to push it...
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01-29-07, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 55/Rad
$200 for a set of X-Lites is an incredible deal if they are in good shape. I'd pick them up pronto. I'd also keep the Selects, as a second set of wheels is always handy.
I race on race x lites and love those wheels. At that price they are a bargin. Grab em while you can.
01-29-07, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 55/Rad
$200 for a set of X-Lites is an incredible deal if they are in good shape. I'd pick them up pronto. I'd also keep the Selects, as a second set of wheels is always handy.
01-31-07, 10:15 PM
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Definitely buy the X-Lites at that price if they're in good shape. I bought a set new last fall for $625 at LBS and absolutely love them. My everyday training wheels are Race Lites (no "X") and they're pretty good wheels in and of themselves, but the X-Lites are noticeably lighter, especially when climbing. I looked at Mavics and several others before going back with Bontrager again. I think they're the best!
