Head to head
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51vsShimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
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 51Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
- Depth
- 15 mm apart
- 51 vs 36 mm
- External
- 3 mm apart
- 31 vs 28 mm
- Internal
- 2 mm apart
- 23 vs 21 mm
- Claimed weight
- 38 g apart
- 1,450 vs 1,488 g
- UK RRP
- £800 apart
- £2,200 vs £1,400
Rim depth
51 mm
36 mm
15 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.
Internal width
23 mm
21 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
28 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
Shimano
Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
RRP £1,400
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on the rules we assess