Shimano vs Bontrager wheels

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by esthilaire
Hi, I'm in the final sprint buying a new road bike. The guy give me the choice between Shimano WH-M540 wheels(+140$can) or Bontrager X Lite(+340$can). I think I need strong wheels. I'm only 180pds, but I'm a mountain biker first. Please help me to choose!

thanks!

Éric

All I can do is pass on the advice I got. I am rather large rider, 6'3" 240lbs, and was looking at strong wheelsets. A larger fellow, 6'8" 300lbs, said he rides the Bontrager Aero Lites. The company told him that they would guarantee that they would work for him for many miles. The X Lites are supposedly similar, but more aerodynamic and a bit lighter. My advice is at your weight, either will do fine.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by esthilaire
Hi, I'm in the final sprint buying a new road bike. The guy give me the choice between Shimano WH-M540 wheels(+140$can) or Bontrager X Lite(+340$can). I think I need strong wheels. I'm only 180pds, but I'm a mountain biker first. Please help me to choose!

thanks!

Éric

If those are your only two choices, go with the Bontragers.
The Shimano 540's are heavier and roll on loose ball hubs. They are also more of a pain in the neck to true.

The Bontrager Race X-Lite set uses sealed cartridge bearings, are lighter , and are much easier to true since the spoke nipples are of a more common size and are located at the rim where they belong rather than at the hub behind the cassette stack.

Of course I truly believe that a hand built set of good-'ole Mavic Open Pro 32 hole rims laced 3x to either Shimano Dura-Ace or Campy Record hubs with high quality stainless spokes is better than either of those two.
Most of those fancy boutique-wheelsets are just not built to ride well or to last very long.
There are exceptions, but those wheels are expensive.
Good luck, Keep the mileage up and the rubber side down.