I have a set of '05 Bontrager Race X Lite wheels with the DT/Swiss hubs 20 up front and 24 in back. The rims are shot, but the hubs are in good shape. The shop wants $100 per rim to replace with Bontragers. For $50-$60 I can get Velocity rims with 20/24 drilling.

I asked my shop about the replacement idea and their response was "uh, we basically just deal with Mavic and Bontrager, so I don't know." So what do you think, can I replace my Bontrager rims with Velocity or am I opening a can of worms that's going to cause me problems down the road?

Thanks.

a few issues...

first - the bontrager are a paired spoke wheel, and while some of the velocity wheels are paired spoke, their rims as sold to the public are generally NOT drilled for paired spokes.

second, you would have to find a rim with the same ERD (effective rim diameter.. i think) as the original bontrager unless you want to purchase new spokes - and all those aerolites will cost you as much as one of the bontrager rims!

aren't X Lite's designed w/ a paired spoke?

i have no idea if the hubs have to be made differently for this, but i would think the spokes would have to be different lengths.

go to a shop that would know or would be willing to find out for you.

i don't think the hubs are drilled differently, but it's a possiblity...and other than that the spoke length would be your only problem

I recently took my original Bontrager Race X-lite rim out of the closet to find that the hub flange had failed. Depending on whether Trek will warranty a 2.5 yr old wheel, I may have a exact replacement rim for you.

Hopefully I won't... but I'm not holding my breath.