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11 High-Performance Carbon Fiber Wheelsets Face Off (Part 2)

by Martin 13 Dec 2024
11 High-Performance Carbon Fiber Wheelsets Face Off (Part 2)

 

👉11 High-Performance Carbon Fiber Wheelsets Go Head-to-Head (Part 1)

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the test results for 11 high-performance wheelsets:

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 TLR

The Bontrager Aeolus 51 TLR is a wheelset that aims to "challenge the impossible." As a Trek-branded aerodynamic wheelset, it combines a classic and elegant design with modern cycling trends. But how does it stack up against its competitors? A detailed test by foreign media provides the answers.

While its name might be a bit tricky to pronounce, Trek’s marketing for the Aeolus RSL 51 remains characteristically understated. That said, the wheelset itself is anything but modest. Claimed to be "the fastest ever," it promises top-notch speed, maximum stability, and unparalleled confidence in all conditions. It seems designed to handle anything thrown its way, and the Lidl-Trek pro riders certainly seem to trust it.

But can it outperform its competitors in real-world testing? Equipped with DT Swiss hubs and an optimized tubeless tire design, it appears to be a strong contender. However, the somewhat outdated V-shaped rim structure might hold it back just a little.

Specifications of Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 TLR

The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 is priced at €2,599 per set, slightly below the average price in this test. This is quite unusual for Trek, as their products typically rank among the higher-priced options in similar reviews. In terms of weight, it follows Trek's usual standard, coming in at 1,425 grams, which is slightly above average. Even with its 50mm rim depth, this weight is on the heavier side for its category. The wheelset uses classic spokes, foregoing the weight and aerodynamic advantages of carbon spokes. The hubs rely on the industry-standard DT Swiss 240, which is not only modern in design but also highly reliable and easy to maintain.

The rims are fully supplied by Trek, featuring an internal width of 24mm, an external width of 31mm, and a measured rim depth of 52mm. These specifications align well with the current trend of wider rims. However, Trek seems to have taken a slightly different approach to rim shaping. Unlike most aerodynamic rims, the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 has a less rounded profile, reminiscent of the V-shaped designs from earlier years. Additionally, Bontrager has devised a clever solution for tubeless tires: a white plastic insert similar to a rim strip, which allows for immediate sealing and long-lasting airtight performance.

In terms of aesthetics, this wheelset shines with its sleek design. The glossy finish, black decals, and elegant DT Swiss hubs create an overall premium and sophisticated look.

Lastly, Bontrager’s warranty policy is generous. In addition to offering a lifetime warranty for the original owner, they also provide a two-year loyalty program. If the wheels are damaged during this period, Bontrager will repair or replace them free of charge.

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51: A Well-Rounded Racing Wheelset

As Bontrager claims, the Aeolus RSL 51 excels not only in aerodynamics but also sets a benchmark for handling. Its highly stable and predictable control pairs perfectly with exceptional compliance. This wheelset is not only a joy to ride on freshly paved asphalt but also performs admirably on older, poorly maintained roads. That said, its characteristics are undoubtedly performance-oriented. The Aeolus never feels overly soft or lacking in feedback, consistently providing ample road feel. The excellent stiffness of the front wheel makes steering precise, allowing for perfect line control when cornering.

While the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 is fast and responsive, you may notice its slightly higher weight during climbs, especially when accelerating out of sharp turns, where it feels a bit sluggish. However, its stability in crosswinds is outstanding. Compared to competitors with the same rim depth but carbon spokes, this wheelset remains stable even in strong winds, proving itself to be a true all-rounder.

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51: Built for Speed

Can it truly be called an all-rounder with excellent aerodynamic performance? Foreign media expressed some skepticism. In reality, its aerodynamic performance is on par with the average in the test. Direct competitors like CADEX and HUNT felt noticeably faster, benefiting significantly from the sail effect. Wind tunnel testing confirmed this impression. However, under low yaw angles, the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 delivered surprisingly strong performance, even beating the overall test winner, Syncros Capital SL Aero, in certain scenarios. But as the yaw angle increased, its performance dropped quickly, particularly at the critical average yaw angle of 10°.

On average, the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 ranked fifth in aerodynamic performance, trailing the test winner by around 2 watts and leading competitors CADEX and HUNT by only 1.5 watts. That said, this ranking doesn’t fully reflect its outstanding performance at low yaw angles.

Conclusion

The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 is an outstanding all-round wheelset. It strikes an excellent balance between compliance and ride feel, making it ideal for both long training sessions and competitive races. Its stable handling makes it a great choice for riders seeking a versatile performance wheelset. Additionally, its wind tunnel performance is surprisingly strong. Although the rim geometry feels slightly outdated, it performs exceptionally well at low yaw angles.

Pros

  • Elegant appearance with smooth rim finish
  • Equipped with DT Swiss hubs
  • Impressive wind tunnel performance with 50mm rim depth

Cons

  • Rim geometry is somewhat outdated

CADEX 50 Ultra

Under ideal conditions, promised performance should match actual results. CADEX has made several bold promises with its 50 Ultra wheelset: full carbon construction, modern geometry, and a loud, crisp-sounding hub. Does this make it the perfect contender in foreign media’s wheelset tests?

CADEX claims the 50 Ultra offers everything to excite road cyclists: carbon fiber spokes, hookless rims, and a specially developed hub, with every component being self-developed. Like many other wheelsets in the test, CADEX is supported by a well-known WorldTour team. For instance, Team Jayco AlUla uses CADEX wheels on their GIANT bikes, adapting the 50 Ultra based on race routes and conditions. Backed by this Taiwanese manufacturer’s strong reputation and its collaboration with GIANT, CADEX brings a wealth of expertise to the table. On paper, the 50 Ultra has everything it needs to outshine its competitors.

 

Aerodynamics Above All: CADEX 50 Ultra

The CADEX 50 Ultra weighs just 1,315 grams, placing it among the lightweight wheelset category, second only to the full-carbon wheelsets from Lightweight and Syncros. Priced at €2,799.80, it costs less than half the price of the Lightweight Obermayer EVO, offering an impressive value proposition. Its hookless rims align with modern trends, featuring an internal width of 22mm that perfectly accommodates the 28mm-wide Continental GP 5000 S test tires, ensuring a seamless transition for aerodynamic optimization.

The self-developed CADEX hubs are another standout feature, highlighted by their large flange design. Compared to competitors like HUNT, this design shortens spoke length to enhance wheelset stiffness. The hubs are also aerodynamically optimized to minimize unnecessary power loss. Although the logo is painted in black for a subtle look, it remains visually striking and easily recognizable on any bike.

In terms of after-sales support, CADEX offers a two-year standard warranty along with a five-year crash replacement program for wheelsets. While this falls short of the extended warranties offered by some other brands, it is still a solid and competitive package overall.

 

Born for Racing: CADEX 50 Ultra

Racing is where it truly shines. The CADEX 50 Ultra delivers exceptional handling, thanks to its carbon fiber spokes and high-flange design. The wheelset responds instantly and accelerates with impressive speed. It excels in sprints with sharp responsiveness but falls slightly short in compliance. In return, its lightweight and high stiffness make it a standout performer on climbs, especially in mountain stages where it easily leaves competitors behind. Additionally, its wider rims combined with 28mm tubeless tires help compensate for the lack of compliance. For a more comfortable ride, foreign media suggests fitting a 30mm tire on the rear wheel if your frame allows.

The combination of wide rims and stiffness ensures excellent ground contact, providing precise control during cornering. This makes it perfect for racing and fast, twisty descents. However, it might feel a bit too demanding for long-distance rides.

 

CADEX 50 Ultra: Loud, Fast, Can 50mm Rim Depth Win?

The CADEX 50 Ultra showcases the potential of a 50mm rim depth paired with carbon fiber spokes. Compared to other deep-section wheelsets in the test, it performed surprisingly well, particularly in enhancing aerodynamic performance through the sail effect. While the wide carbon spokes offer clear advantages, they also come with drawbacks: the 50 Ultra is highly sensitive to crosswinds, requiring skilled and stable riders to handle it effectively.

The CADEX wheelset requires 94.35W to maintain a speed of 45km/h. In wind tunnel tests, the CADEX marginally outperformed the HUNT SUB 50 and DT Swiss ERC, but the difference is negligible, with only 0.14W separating the three. This difference is almost imperceptible during rides. Given their nearly identical specifications, it’s not surprising that the HUNT SUB 50 delivers similar performance. The key distinction lies in the aerodynamic design of each brand. CADEX performs better at moderate yaw angles up to 10°, while HUNT excels at higher yaw angles.

However, greater rim depth offers more significant improvements. During the test, both the HUNT and CADEX 50 Ultra were easily outperformed by higher-profile models.

 

Conclusion

Fast and Sturdy: The CADEX 50 Ultra not only looks fast but also performs impressively, matching its appearance. It delivers great performance both in wind tunnel tests and on real-world roads. Its lightweight design ensures excellent performance in almost all situations, though its performance in crosswinds is slightly below average, and it lacks some compliance, which may limit its use. However, this isn't an issue for experienced race cyclists.

Pros

  • Stylish appearance, simple design
  • Lively ride feel

Cons

  • Slightly understated appearance, with white decals only available for professional teams

DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45

DT Swiss' ERC 1100 DICUT 45 competes excellently against other aerodynamically optimized wheels in testing, and the performance doesn't stop at what meets the eye. It impresses not only on real-world roads but also in wind tunnel tests. So, how did it perform in high-performance tests?

The 45mm rim height of the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT makes it a classic endurance wheel. Designed for excellent compliance on different terrains, it delivers a superior riding feel. With its relatively lower rim height, it performs outstandingly on mountain and mixed terrain, while also withstanding strong crosswinds on flat roads. Thanks to its durability and trendy wide rims, this wheelset is poised to rival the highest-performance wheels.

Swiss Engineering: Specifications of the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 Wheelset

As one of the largest wheelset manufacturers in the industry, DT Swiss boasts a robust supply chain and technical expertise. Therefore, every component on the ERC 1100 DICUT 45 is sourced and developed in-house. DT Swiss has equipped this high-end wheelset with their flagship 180 hub, which is arguably one of the most renowned and reliable hubs ever made. If you're after maximum efficiency, you can even upgrade to ceramic bearings.

In terms of weight, the ERC 1100 DICUT 45 weighs 1,465g, which is considered mid-range in our testing, and is quite impressive for a high-performance wheelset. This weight is acceptable for the performance you get.

This wheelset meets all the expectations of modern wheelsets. The inner width of the rim is 22mm, and the outer width is 28.5mm. While the design is somewhat conservative, this is characteristic of DT Swiss. Unlike brands like Roval and HUNT, DT Swiss intentionally avoids adhering to the 105% rule, instead keeping the rim width similar to the tire width. According to DT Swiss and their development partner, Swiss Side, this combination is ideal for achieving optimal aerodynamics.

Additionally, DT Swiss offers a strong warranty policy. They provide an unlimited warranty for manufacturing and material defects, plus an extra ten years of crash replacement for the first owner, which is a thoughtful and generous offer.

Floating on Clouds: DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45

How does an endurance wheelset perform in aerodynamics tests? According to DT Swiss, there’s no issue here, as the ERC 1100 DICUT 45 delivers a completely different riding experience. After just a few meters of riding, this becomes immediately apparent. Compared to other wheels tested, the ERC 1100 DICUT feels like floating on clouds. It doesn’t feel as direct and stiff, but instead, it’s incredibly smooth and stable. While it may not be the first choice for crit races in the city, it is incredibly enjoyable for long-distance riding.

What impressed us most was how well it balances compliance, stiffness, and acceleration, while also offering predictable handling and reliability. The wheelset never surprised us in a negative way and always performed its job reliably. It accelerates smoothly, maintains speed effortlessly, handles well, and even holds its stiffness and efficiency during sprints.

All these factors combine to make the wheelset feel very stable and smooth, not just encouraging long-distance riding, but also motivating you to race. The DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 is the ultimate all-rounder wheelset, ready for any situation.

Aerodynamic Wonder: DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 in the Wind Tunnel

The aerodynamic performance of the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 surprised external media. Subjectively, the wheelset feels slightly below average. Considering the tests involved many high-profile and carbon-spoked wheels, this is not surprising. However, the external media still noticed a clear sailing effect with the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45.

Its consistent high performance was confirmed in the wind tunnel. Surprisingly, the DT Swiss wheelset performed exceptionally well compared to its competitors in this group test. While it is a endurance wheelset, its performance is comparable to high-performance models from HUNT and CADEX, the latter featuring 50mm rim depth and carbon aerodynamic spokes. The DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 achieves this by relying on a narrower frontal surface area. At steeper yaw angles, taller and wider wheels perform better. Even so, for a 45mm endurance rim, the ERC 1100 DICUT's performance is outstanding.

Conclusion

The DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 was the biggest surprise in this test. It left a strong impression with its perfect balance, smooth ride, high efficiency, and reliability in all conditions. Its performance in the wind tunnel also exceeded expectations, matching the uncompromisingly tuned performance wheels from HUNT and CADEX. Overall, DT Swiss has delivered on their promise, providing a set of wheels that excel not only in endurance riding but across the board.

Pros

  • Very smooth ride feel
  • Highly predictable and reliable

Cons

  • Appearance is a bit understated, with the white decals currently only available for pro teams

 

Recommended Reading:

650B vs 700C Wheelset

11 High-Performance Carbon Fiber Wheelsets Go Head to Head - Part 1

How to Choose the Right Cycling Jersey Size

The 13 Most Popular Clincher and Tubeless Tires

Custom Bicycle Frames: A Journey to Your Perfect Ride

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