Carbon Wheel Finder

Head to head

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51vsZipp 303 S

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 51Zipp 303 S
51453127
Depth
6 mm apart
51 vs 45 mm
External
4 mm apart
31 vs 27 mm
Internal
Identical
23 vs 23 mm
Claimed weight
90 g apart
1,450 vs 1,540 g
UK RRP
£1,200 apart
£2,200 vs £1,000

Rim depth

51 mm

45 mm

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

Internal width

23 mm

23 mm

Identical — both suit the same tyre widths.

External width

31 mm

27 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

Zipp

303 S

RRP £1,000

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on rim height; tyre choice is restricted