Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 Clincher review

Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 Clincher review

Featuring 50mm deep rims in Bontrager’s own D3 shape, the Aeolus 5s in their tubular incarnation have been a favourite in the pro peloton for a while now largely due to their versatility (read our guide to 2015's best race wheels here).

The clinchers come in just under 1,600g, which is a little heavy for their depth, but construction is good and the D3 rim shape, at 27mm, is right up there on the cutting edge of current aero technology.

Any fears we had that weight would affect performance were allayed when we got out riding and they cut through the air as capably as almost anything we’ve ridden.

However, we weren’t thrilled with the braking performance of the supplied cork pads. In the dry they were okay, but in the wet they’re pretty poor and you may as well resort to dragging your feet.

We changed out the pads for some different sets and noticed a definite upturn in peformance, so it’s certainly not the wheels and wouldn’t be an expensive fix.

At just under two grand the Aeolus 5s are expensive, but they’re a highly versatile set of wheels that definitely deserve a look.

Verdict: Fast, versatile but definitely need a change of brake pads, 88%

Contact : www.bontrager.com