Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62: Trek’s Flagship Aero Wheelset

Just as Roval is to Specialized and CADEX is to Giant, Bontrager is Trek’s in-house component brand. The Aeolus RSL 62 is Bontrager’s top-tier aero carbon wheelset, designed specifically to pair with the Trek Madone series of aero road bikes, but it also fits perfectly on frames from any brand.

Product Specifications

Item	Specification
Rim Depth	62mm
External Rim Width	30mm
Internal Rim Width	23mm
Weight (Front + Rear)	1,340g (disc brake version)
Hubs	Bontrager in-house carbon-shell hubs
Engagement Mechanism	DT Swiss Ratchet EXP 36T internal mechanism
Spokes	OCLV carbon fiber spokes
Spoke Count	Front 21 / Rear 24
Tire Compatibility	Tubeless Ready (hookless rim)
Suggested Retail Price	NT$90,000-105,000

Trek OCLV Carbon Fiber Technology

Trek’s OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon fiber technology is one of the most advanced carbon fiber manufacturing processes in the industry. This technology achieves a higher strength-to-weight ratio through precise control of carbon fiber compaction and reduction of voids. Both the rim body and carbon spokes of the Aeolus RSL 62 are manufactured using OCLV technology.

The Carbon Spoke Upgrade

The Aeolus RSL 62 uses OCLV carbon fiber spokes, with each spoke’s cross-section aerodynamically optimized to minimize drag while maintaining high strength. The carbon spokes keep this 62mm-deep wheelset at an astonishing 1,340g, a figure that is exceptional among wheels of similar rim depth.

System Integration with the Madone

The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62 was co-developed with the Trek Madone frame from the design stage. The pairing of wheelset and frame underwent CFD simulation and wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal aero efficiency at the complete bike level.

Specifically, the 62mm rim depth paired with the 30mm external width design works in perfect harmony with the Madone’s fork clearance and downtube airflow management, resulting in 2-4 watts lower overall aerodynamic drag compared to independently designed frame and wheelset combinations.

Hub Design

Bontrager’s in-house carbon-shell hubs internally use the DT Swiss Ratchet EXP mechanism—a smart strategy: the in-house shell controls weight and aesthetics, while the proven and reliable DT Swiss ratchet system inside ensures performance and serviceability.

Hookless Rim Design

Similar to Zipp and Roval, the Aeolus RSL 62 adopts a hookless rim design. This offers aero and weight advantages but also limits tire choices—only certified tubeless tires can be used. Bontrager’s own R4 320 TLR tire is the recommended pairing.

Real-World Riding Experience

Speed Sensation

The speed sensation of a 62mm rim depth on flat roads and slight descents is remarkable. At speeds above 40 km/h, you can feel the wheelset “devouring” the air, with noticeably less effort required to maintain speed. The low rotational drag of the carbon spokes is especially noticeable in this speed range.

Lightweight Climbing Ability

The 1,340g weight ensures the Aeolus RSL 62 doesn’t become a burden when climbing. Compared to traditional 62mm-deep carbon wheels (typically over 1,500g), the weight advantage from the carbon spokes translates into a more responsive acceleration feel on climbs.

Ride Quality

The combination of OCLV carbon spokes and carbon-shell hubs delivers excellent ride quality. The vibration-damping characteristics of carbon fiber are particularly evident on rough surfaces, offering significantly better long-ride comfort than steel-spoke versions.

Crosswind Stability

A 62mm rim depth requires extra attention in strong crosswinds, but the 30mm external rim width and Bontrager’s aero design provide acceptable stability under normal crosswind conditions.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• Extremely light at 1,340g (for the 62mm rim depth category)
• Outstanding OCLV carbon fiber technology quality
• Lightweight combination of carbon spokes and carbon-shell hubs
• Reliable DT Swiss Ratchet EXP internal mechanism
• Perfect integration with the Trek Madone
• Comprehensive Trek global service network

Cons

• Premium pricing (NT$90,000+)
• Hookless rim limits tire choices
• Carbon spokes are inconvenient to service
• 62mm rim depth requires caution in strong crosswinds
• Non-Trek owners cannot enjoy the system integration advantage
• Carbon spokes cannot have tension adjusted

Buying Advice for Taiwan

Trek has a comprehensive dealer network in Taiwan, and Bontrager wheelsets can be purchased at any authorized Trek dealer, with relatively convenient after-sales service.

Who Is It For?

• Trek Madone owners (optimal system pairing)
• Advanced riders seeking lightweight aero wheels
• Buyers who value brand service and warranty
• Racers who frequently compete in flat criteriums

Price Positioning

The NT$90,000-105,000 price point is reasonable within the carbon-spoke carbon wheelset category. Compared to the CADEX 50 Ultra (NT$95,000+) and the ENVE SES 4.5 carbon-spoke version (NT$150,000+), the Aeolus RSL 62 offers a higher rim depth with similar weight, making its value proposition quite competitive.

Conclusion

The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62 is a flagship carbon wheelset that showcases Trek’s OCLV carbon fiber technology. The ultra-light 1,340g weight paired with a 62mm aero rim depth makes it one of the most competitive carbon-spoke aero wheelsets on the market. For Trek owners, it is the obvious choice—the perfect integration between frame and wheelset delivers a system-level advantage that other brands find difficult to match.

Related Reading

• Bontrager Aeolus: Wheelset Options in the Trek Ecosystem
• Roval Rapide CLX II: Specialized’s Aero Flagship
• Roval Wheelset Guide: Specialized’s Own Secret Weapon
• Farsports Ventoux S 50: Extreme Lightness at 1190 Grams