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Aeolus Pro 37V & 49V Wheels FAQ

What is OCLV NEXT?

OCLV NEXT is a thermoplastic carbon manufacturing process that uses long chain polymers to bond carbon laminates together instead of rigid epoxy bonding agents. The result is a smoother, stronger wheel that offers improved ride feel, better protection against potentially damaging impacts and all made with a greener, less resource intensive manufacturing process.

How does Thermoplastic Carbon material differ from Thermoset Carbon material?

Thermoplastic Carbon uses more flexible long chain polymers as the glue that holds the layers of carbon together, instead of the more rigid, brittle epoxy resins used by more traditional Thermoset Carbon manufacturing.

What are the benefits of OCLV NEXT Thermoplastic Construction?

OCLV NEXT delivers a stronger wheel that better protects against harsh impacts and also increases the vibration damping properties of the wheel, allowing for a smoother, faster ride. The manufacturing process is also cleaner and uses less input energy than traditional Thermoset Carbon Construction.

How are the product graphics applied to the rims?

The product graphics are moulded into the rim during manufacturing. This both gives the rims a unique natural carbon look and minimises waste.

What other finish does the rim go through?

None! The unique manufacturing process and laser machined moulds produce a final product that comes out of the moulds exactly as it is made. The authentic aesthetic not only looks amazing but also saves weight through no added paint or decals and helps drastically reduce the harmful carbon dust created during the sanding and polishing of traditional finishing processes.

Are there any other benefits to the rim finishing process?

The unique rim finish not only provides an authentic aesthetic but also helps reduce up to 95% of the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and carbon dust emissions associated with more traditional carbon rim finishing processes.

What is the difference between these and the Aeolus Pro 35 and Aeolus Pro 50 wheels?

The Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V are made with OCLV NEXT Thermoplastic Carbon construction which provides additional strength and vibration damping. They also have a wider 25 mm inner rim width and have the latest Rapid Drive 108 Road hubs with a Splined Drive Ring and updated aesthetics.

How many points of engagement do the Rapid Drive Road hubs provide? 

Rapid Drive Road hubs offer 108 points of engagement through 6 alternating pawls and a 54-tooth drive ring. Bontrager Rapid Drive 108 Road Hubs are completely serviceable and feature a splined drive ring for added durability and reliability.

What tyres were these wheels designed to be aerodynamically optimised for?

Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V are aerodynamically optimised for 700 x 28c tyres. Aeolus Pro 49V are actually faster than comparable 51 mm depth wheels from the Bontrager line-up when mounted with 700x28c R3 tyres.

Where are the wheels made?

Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels are assembled in the USA of domestic and foreign components. Rims are manufactured in the USA, while hubs, spokes and nipples are imported.

Are these wheels supported by the Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Programme?

Yes, the Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Programme offers no cost replacement for the first two years of ownership.

What is the warranty?

Warrantied for life. All Bontrager carbon wheels are supported by a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.

What does the V stand for anyway?

V is for Volume. The wider inner rim width provides additional volume for a given tyre. More air volume in the tyre lets you run less tyre pressure for added traction, control and confidence.

Is there a rim brake version available?

No, Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V are available for disc brakes only.

Is OCLV NEXT recyclable?

Yes! We are excited that this new material is recyclable and are working with our manufacturing partner on a solution for recycling. We will announce more details as they are available.

Why am I so confidently fast now that I have these wheels on my bike?

The wider inner rim width better supports wider tyres and provides additional volume, so you can run less tyre pressure for added traction and a smoother, faster-rolling ride. Additionally, the OCLV NEXT Thermoplastic construction helps damp vibrations to further smooth the ride.

Are Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V tubeless compatible?

Yes! They are Tubeless-ready and can be set up with included rim strips or with tape. As an added bonus, the tubeless tape and tubeless valves are already installed!

Are Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels compatible with Campagnolo?

No, there is no Campagnolo compatible free hub available.

What is the smallest recommended tyre for the Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V?

The smallest tyre we recommend for Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V is a 700x28c.

What is the optimal tyre size?

The wheels are aerodynamically optimised for a 700x28c tyre but also work really well with larger gravel tyres.

Is there a maximum tyre size?

The max tyre size depends on your specific bike model's frame and fork clearance.

Are there any rider weight limits for Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels?

Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels have no rider weight limits. Follow the weight limit of your bicycle.

Does the wider rim affect clearance with a given tyre in bike frames?

Yes, the wider rim provides added tyre volume. The difference will depend on the tyre used, but as a general recommendation, a 700 x 32c tyre's width on an Aeolus Pro 3V Boost would measure closer to a 700 x 35c width as measured on other rims (even though the actual diameter stays the same).

What parts are needed for tubeless set-up?

These wheels come with tubeless tape and valves already installed. Add your tubeless tyres and sealant and you are ready to roll! They are also compatible with 700c x 25 mm Bontrager TLR Rim Strip if you prefer a rim strip over tape.

What length valve stems are recommended?

The Aeolus Pro 37V uses a 55 mm valve stem part no. W578872 (local availability may vary).
The Aeolus Pro 49V uses a 67 mm valve stem part no. W557652 (local availability may vary).

Is there a SRAM XDR driver available?

Yes, Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V are compatible with SRAM XDR 12 speed, you will need an XDR driver part no. 585661 (local availability may vary).

Do the wheels come with a CentreLock disc brake lockring? How do I get one?

No, CentreLock rings generally come with brake rotors. If you need one, they can be ordered by part no. W333810 (local availability may vary).

Do they come with tube type rim tape or tubeless rim strips?

They come with Tubeless Ready (TLR) rim tape installed, as well as TLR valves and are ready for tubeless set-up.

Are coloured decals available?

No, Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels are not available with different coloured decals.

Can they be purchased as rim-only?

No, Aeolus Pro 37V and Aeolus Pro 49V wheels are only available as complete wheels.