I am looking to purchase a set of of wheels for racing/training. Front wheel would probably be run all the time, but the back wheel would mostly be used just for racing as I train with a powertap rear wheel. I weigh about 180 lbs, and am a very powerful rider, riding a Trek OCLV with a mix of components.

I am most interested at this point in comparisons between the Bontrager "Race X Lites" and the "Race X Lite Aero's." I have a friend who is willing to purchase either set for me through Trek on an employee discount plan, so the price will be incredibly low, around half of retail. Both wheelsets retail for about $750.

I'm particularly trying to determine if the Aerodynamic advantages of the "Aeros" (higher profile rim, fewer spokes) outweigh the added weight (about 150 grams heavier than the Race X Lites). Has anybody read any comparisons of these 2 wheelsets? Or do you have personal experience with either one?

How would you compare these wheels with Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL's?

Any and all advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

I own both the X Lites and Ksyrium Elite wheels. I have used both sets on my 5200 and there is a lot of difference between the wheels. First of all I am 215 lbs. and ride about 175 miles a week. The K's are a heavier and much stiffer wheel. Many have said these wheels are "bomb proof" but they are not. A nipple stripped and tacoed my wheel. The spokes are wide and flat. This is fine as long as there is no side wind. Any moderate side wind will push you around and continual steering corrections will be necessary.

Then I bought a set of X Lites and man what a difference. The wheels made the bike come alive. X's are some much more responsive because they are much lighter. The ride quality improved as well. It rides much smoother. Also I find that the X's are just a faster wheel.

I can't comment on the aeros but I would say save the extra 150 gr. and get the X's. They are plenty fast.

insmanblue...how's your Talon? do you race on it? or just use it as a fast carbon bike? especially with these wheels sets

No I don't race but I enjoy a spirited ride from time to time with the club. The Talon is fast but it took the hubs about 800 mi. to loosen. Now my girlfriend is enjoying the 5200 with Ksyriums.

the ELITE K are heavier then the ssl sc, im 150lbs
and i train and race them (ssl sc) over 3ks miles no probs
i notice on group rides on down hills i easily out
coast most of the riders, and up hill i drop most
but thats probly more to do with my power i
developed from mtb, i never heard any thing bad
about the ssl sc. one thing though when they were
new when i picked up the bike and spun rear wheel
i didnt roll to long, i think they may have needed a
break in period. oh yea, the side winds you can feel
any bladed spoke wheel will have that affect.

I've been riding the SSC SL's for about a year but have never tried the X Lites so I can't comment on them. I will say that the SL's while not being the absolute lightest are still plenty light and one heck of a strong wheel (don't confuse that with indestructible) thats equally suited to training or racing. This is basically the same wheel as the crossmax which mavic makes for mountain biking and also known to be an extremely reliable wheel but in road bike size so you know its no flimsy piece of equipment.