The XXX Lite rims are made from Bontrager’s ‘High Compression Molded’ composite, which is sophisticatedly squashed carbon that’s manufactured in one piece and needs no further manipulation.
They’re then drilled and laced to aluminium hub shells with 28 DT Swiss spokes and sturdy Prolock nipples. The XXX Lites are supplied with tubeless rim strips and valves fitted as standard – you’ll need six-bolt disc rotor adaptors if you don’t run centrelocks.
Our freehub suffered from slippage, but this was remedied by replacing the sticky goop around the three pawls with a thinner grease. No dedicated tools are needed and the freehub can be stripped in 10 minutes; great if you prefer to repair than replace.
The ease with which this 1,660g of wheels and skewers rolls along is heartening. The rims and bearings are resilient, although the 22mm bead seat means tyres wider than 2.2in start to wallow.
With no rider weight limit they’re not restricted to elite racers, but a diet is a cheaper way to get faster if you fear they’ll flinch beneath you.
