Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 Wheelset
Our Aeolus Elite 35 wheelset brings proven wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics to riders who demand speed and reliability. With a 35mm rim depth, these wheels strike the perfect balance between lightweight climbing performance and confident high-speed handling in crosswinds.
We built the Aeolus Elite 35 with tubeless-ready OCLV Carbon rims and sealed cartridge bearings for smooth, consistent performance mile after mile. The hookless bead design optimizes tire interface for superior grip and control, while internal rim width accommodates modern wider tires up to 32mm. Whether you're racing criteriums, attacking climbs, or logging endurance miles, the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 delivers the aero advantage you need.
Aeolus Elite 35 specifications
Carbon Construction & Tubeless Technology
We manufacture the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 using our proprietary OCLV Carbon layup process, which delivers exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio without sacrificing impact resistance. Each rim undergoes rigorous impact testing to ensure it meets our standards for real-world durability.
The hookless bead design works seamlessly with tubeless-ready tires, creating a secure mechanical interface that holds tires in place even at lower pressures. This construction method allows you to run tubeless setups with confidence, reducing pinch flats and improving overall ride quality. Our engineers optimized the 21mm internal width to provide ideal tire support for the 25-32mm range most road and gravel riders prefer today. The wider internal profile also improves aerodynamics when paired with appropriately sized tires, since the tire and rim create a smoother transition that reduces turbulent airflow.
Hub Performance & Serviceability
DT Swiss 350 Hub Platform
We spec the Aeolus Elite 35 with DT Swiss 350 hubs because they offer professional-grade performance with straightforward home maintenance. The sealed cartridge bearing system keeps contamination out while maintaining smooth rotation through thousands of miles. Tool-free preload adjustment lets you dial in bearing tension without disassembling the hub.
The star ratchet engagement system delivers reliable power transfer with 36 points of engagement. You can service or upgrade the ratchet internals yourself using readily available DT Swiss parts. We include a Shimano/SRAM HG freehub body as standard, with XDR and Campagnolo options available separately if your drivetrain requires them.
Aerodynamics & Wind Tunnel Development
Our engineers developed the Aeolus Elite 35 rim profile in our own wind tunnel facility, testing hundreds of iterations to find the optimal shape. The 35mm depth provides measurable aero savings compared to traditional box-section wheels while remaining stable in crosswinds that would make deeper section wheels difficult to control.
We tested the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 with tire widths from 25mm to 32mm to validate performance across the range riders actually use. The results showed consistent drag reduction across all tire sizes, with peak efficiency occurring around 28mm width. Bladed straight-pull spokes further reduce aerodynamic drag by presenting a narrow profile to oncoming air. The spoke pattern balances lateral stiffness for sprinting and cornering with vertical compliance that smooths rough pavement.
High-Performance Road & Gravel Wheelsets
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Common Questions About the Aeolus Elite 35
We offer the Aeolus Elite 35 in both rim brake and disc brake versions. The rim brake model features a carbon braking surface optimized for use with Bontrager carbon-specific brake pads. The disc brake version uses centerlock rotor mounting and is compatible with 12mm thru-axles front and rear. Be sure to specify which version you need when ordering.
While the Aeolus Elite 35 is designed primarily for tubeless use, you can run traditional clincher tires with inner tubes if preferred. The hookless rim design works with tubes, though you won't gain the puncture resistance and ride quality benefits of tubeless. Maximum pressure with tubes is still limited to 72 PSI due to the hookless rim specification.
We rate the Aeolus Elite 35 for a maximum system weight of 275 lbs (125 kg), which includes the combined weight of rider, bicycle, clothing, and any cargo or accessories. This weight limit ensures the structural integrity and performance characteristics of the carbon rims and spoke tension remain within safe operating parameters.
Our wind tunnel testing and real-world rider feedback confirm that the 35mm depth provides excellent crosswind stability for most riders. The rim profile generates measurable aero gains without the steering difficulty that deeper wheels can create in gusty conditions. Riders weighing under 140 lbs may notice slightly more wind influence than heavier riders, but the Aeolus Elite 35 remains controllable even in strong crosswinds.
Yes, we stock replacement rims, spokes, and all hub service parts for the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35. DT Swiss 350 hub internals including bearings, freehub bodies, and ratchet kits are widely available through our dealer network and online. If you damage a rim beyond repair, we can rebuild your hub onto a new rim rather than replacing the entire wheel.
The 21mm internal rim width is optimized for road tires in the 25-32mm range. We've tested extensively with 28mm tires, which provide an ideal balance of comfort, rolling resistance, and aerodynamic efficiency with this rim profile. You can safely use 25mm tires for racing or 32mm tires for endurance riding and light gravel use.
Yes, every Aeolus Elite 35 wheelset ships with tubeless rim tape pre-installed and includes a pair of tubeless valve stems. You'll only need to add your choice of tubeless sealant and tubeless-compatible tires to complete the setup. We recommend using 60-90ml of sealant per tire depending on tire volume and your riding conditions.