Bontrager XXX Lite tubular road wheelset review

Bontrager’s XXX Lites might not be the lightest wheels around, but as well-priced all-rounders with an acceleration and altitude gain edge, we’re impressed.

At 1,230g (513g front, 717g rear) they’re actually heavier than several deep-section wheels we’ve tested recently, but they’ll still give a serious boost to your acceleration out of corners, up climbs or whenever the pace picks up. They also change direction very smartly and they’re much less gusty and wind-worried than a deep wheel.

The combination of carbon Swiss hubs and tight-laced bladed spokes makes these reassuringly tight. We’ve been pushing and sliding these wheels hard through corners and bouncing them in potholes for a couple of months without any problems.

Their drop-dead gorgeous looks, plus titanium skewers and wheel bags included in the price, make them something of a bargain. The cork pads cook quickly on big hills, though, so we’d go Swiss Stop or Ashima instead.