Bontrager Line Pro 30

Bontrager has been putting out high quality hoops laced to solid hubs for some time. The Waterloo, Wisc., company’s wheels have seen much success in every level and discipline. When the new Line Pro 30 carbon mountain bike wheels arrived for testing, I was excited to see what these well-priced wheels were all about. Built with Bontrager’s optimum-compaction, low-void (oclv) carbon technology, these wheels have a good balance of light weight and durability. While you can find lighter rims in this category, those hoops that are lower in grams come at higher prices. A set of Line Pro 30 wheels ship with a rim strips installed and options for both sram and Shimano drivers. On the trail, the wheels spin up to speed as quickly as you’d expect from carbon wheels and are easy to keep moving. When rolling over small roots and rocks, the wheels almost dance over the tops as if they want to see what is on the other side. Climbing was a blast on the Line Pros. There wasn’t much the 29" wheels I tested could not conquer running Nobby Nic 2.35" tires. With enough speed and momentum on a climb with exposed roots, the Line Pro 30s will clear the obstacles and not leave you hung up or spinning for traction. At higher speeds, the wheels felt planted and stable, giving me confidence to charge into rough sections of trail. On a few occasions, I heard some pinging coming from the tire as I went through rock sections. I also managed to bottom out the rim once or twice. Yet, the wheels stayed true throughout the test period. The Rapid Drive 108 hub has a fast engagement, which I missed when switching back to other wheels. Although these are not the top-of-the-line hoops from Bontrager, they have an edge on any high-end alloy wheelset around the same price. With an internal width of 29 mm and in Boost axle configuration, Line Pro 30 wheels make for a great upgrade to any trail bike not already sporting carbon wheels.

“With enough speed and momentum on a climb with exposed roots, the Line Pro 30s will clear the obstacles and not leave you hung up or spinning for traction.”