Dancing Skeleton

I am thinking of buying a used set of Bontrager Race X Lite wheels, in very good shape, for ~$350.
What is a good deal on lightly-used Bontrager Race-X-Lites?
Is $350 good?
Are Bontrager Race X Lites good for every day riding?

I know that there are a lot of Trek & Bontrager haters out there, so what's wrong with their wheels, and what's a good wheel for around $300-$400?

Thanks,

Peter

pelikan

My everyday wheels are Race Lite's, love em!

Disclaimer: I am not a Clyesdale and only the front is paired spoke

nixternal

I have a set of the Race X Lites, 2008/2009, can't remember. I absolutely love them. I am a clydesdale. Actually, let me rephrase that, I am the type that makes a clydesdale look like a whippet. Anywho, I love these wheels. I can flex the hell out of them in a sprint and they stay true. As long as those wheels have no damage and are true, that would be a good deal, seeing as a new set would be over $800

kayakdiver

or see my signature

Sourpuss Magee

Don't do it.

svtmike

Two guys in my group have Bontrager Race wheels with paired spokes. Both rear wheels developed cracks around the spokes. One is at the low end of the clydesdale spectrum (but working on it), the other is not. Don't get them if they are paired spokes in the back.

RacerOne

I've got 2010 Race Lites, no paired spokes. Perfectly true after 5000 miles, bearings still smooth as silk. No complaints. I'm 155#'s.

Rutnick

are they paired spoked versions or the new versions?

If they are paired spoke, are they race x lite aeros or standard?

55/Rad

$350 is a good price for low mileage Race X-Lites in the standard version. The Aeros are heavier and cheaper new and aren't such a great deal at $350.

Make sure you inspect the rims around the spokes for signs of cracking. And also around the rear hub where the spokes attach. In the 20 or so sets I've had of paired spoke Rolfs or Bontys, I've had one wheel crack at the rim and one at the hub. Overall, they've been excellent wheels.

55/Rad

boulderroad

07 race x-lite wheels with over 15K miles. Never been re-trued, never a problem.

Rutnick

on the flip side, I've had 3 pairs of standard paired spoke Bontragers and all three have cracked at the rim. I have also cracked the rim of Ksyrium Sl, Vuelta and others.

Never cracked my paired Race X Lite Aeros. they may be heavier but they never held me back at my crit races. I have carbon hoops and actually race the aeros. Heck, I race a 2006 Lemond Zurich carbon and steel bike when I crit race.

is your spine bike still 90% done with paint?

HAMMER MAN

great wheels, I have the x- lites on both of my bikes 2009 models and couldn't be happier. no issues what so ever

f/64

Just sold my race x lite 09 w/ cassette / tires for 250 :/

55/Rad

Funny, as the X-Lite Aeros, which I love, are the ones I cracked. Tete was returned back in August. It rests comfortably unbuilt, doing nothing.

Rutnick

well dang man...how did the paint turn out? August of 2010?! You do know that it took less time to restore the Enola Gay from frame up right? I mean we are talking Duke Nukem 3D sequel amount of time.

I've broken just about everything I ride. The aeros hold fast. 6k miles on them total (2 years) and 7 crits on them this year.. They will probably break at some point because of that ridiculously low spoke count. They creak and moan sometimes especially climbing.