Carbon Wheel Finder

Head to head

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51vsReserve 40|44

Both sections drawn to one scale, from each maker's published geometry. The differences you can see in the drawing are the differences that exist.

vs
Fig. — rim sections, one scale
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51Reserve 40|44
51443132
Depth
7 mm apart
51 vs 44 mm
External
1 mm apart
31 vs 32 mm
Internal
2.5 mm apart
23 vs 25.5 mm
Claimed weight
42 g apart
1,450 vs 1,408 g
UK RRP
£500 apart
£2,200 vs £1,700

Rim depth

51 mm

40 / 44 mm

9 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.

Internal width

23 mm

25.5 mm

The wider rim is built around a wider tyre. Match this to the tyre you actually run, not to the bigger number.

External width

31 mm

32 mm

Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.

Bontrager

Aeolus RSL 51

RRP £2,200

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess

Reserve

40|44

RRP £1,700

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess