Track Wheelsets: Campy vs. Bontrager

6thCircle

I'm an amateur track racer about to enter my second competitive season on the track. I got in to track racing through working as a courier on my fixie, and as such, spent all of last summer racing on my couriering wheelset. This was less than ideal, to say the least. At this point I'm trying to decide between the Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Track wheels vs. the Campagnolo Pista wheels. Both have similar rim profile, although the Bonts weigh in at 1400g for the pair, whereas the Campys tip the scales at 2105g per pair. As I live in NYC, I will mostly be riding on an outdoor track, so I wanted to stick with a semi-aero rim rather than a tri-spoke or full disc setup. I guess I'm wondering how much difference that pound and a half is going to make in terms of performance, and whether anyone has any feedback on either of these wheelsets. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Zac

I was thinking of getting the Bontragers myself but what held me back was how few spokes they had. They only have 16 spokes front AND rear. That might be okay if you have the build of a roadie but not if your anyhing like me. Best bet is to really look on Ebay or ask around at the track. Lots of racers have pretty decent stuff that they would be willing to sell.

6thCircle

Normally I would be all about looking around for deals from other racers, but it so happens that for the next couple weeks I'm working at a bike shop while I'm on XMas break from school. I've worked for them on and off for a while, so when I'm back in town they give me hours and let me order stuff. Which means I can get these wheelsets ridiculously cheap, so I thought I'd seize the moment. As far as build, I'm 6'4" and 165lbs, so I'm not small, but I'm not breaking the scales either. Nice thing about the Bontragers is they have a Trek warranty, so if they fail I ought to be able to send them back...

kelvinmack

I would go with the Campy Pista if you can get a good price. Everything I've heard about the Campy wheels is very good. They are a little heavy, but on the track you want to be more concerned about power transfer. A good solid wheel is more important than saving weight, within reason. 16 spokes just doesn't seem to be enough structurally in my humble opinion.

rayner

sorry but I'd go with neither. Campy arent deep enough to justify the cost and like the others 16 isnt enough for the back. Mind you Graham brown was using them last year and didnt seem to break them so Id probably lean toward a pair of them. At least youve still got a front wheel at probably the price you would have paid normally if the back one breaks. See if your shop can get in something like reynolds, nothing negative about them yet but reasonably expensive?