Today, Bontrager unveiled all-new versions of its popular Line Pro 30 and Line Elite 30 carbon mountain bike wheels. What has Bontrager really excited is that these new wheels have nearly twice the impact strength of previous Line models. Like all Bontrager carbon wheels, the new Line models are backed by Carbon Care and warrantied, but do they need it?
Meet the new Line 30
The Line Pro 30 rolls in at $1300 and boasts the lightest rim in the Line family. The Pro 30s roll on a proprietary Bontrager Rapid Drive straight pull hub with an impressive 108 points of engagement.
Line Elite 30 is the workhorse of the lot and comes in at $900 for the set. The Elite delivers the same strength and durability as the Pro, just with a few more grams in the rim and a J-Bend hub.
Sizing and Availability
Both Line Pro 30 and Line Elite 30 are available in 27.5 and 29er options. Each model in the new line-up features a unique rim design with a shallower 27 mm wheel depth that looks to increase vertical compliance for a smoother ride and a planted, confident feel that isn’t overly harsh on the trail.
Bontrager claims the new shape helps the wheel absorb and transfer impact energy to help prevent rim failure. Additionally, Bontrager more than doubled the hook wall thickness, increasing it to 4.6 mm for added strength and trail durability. The wider hook bead offers a 300% larger outside hook radius, translating in more surface area in contact on a sharp impact to help prevent pinch flats.
Weights and Pricing:
Bontrager Line wheel weights
- Line Pro 30 (29˝): 810 g front, 950 g rear, 1,760 g/set
- Line Pro 30 (27.5˝): 790 g front, 920 g rear, 1,710 g/set
- Line Elite 30 (29˝): 890 g front, 1,000 g rear, 1,890 g/set
- Line Elite 30 (27.5˝): 860 g front, 960 g rear, 1,820 g/set
Available Line models
- Line Pro 30 (29˝) – $1,300 MSRP
- Line Pro 30 (27.5˝) – $1,300 MSRP
- Line Elite 30 (29˝) – $900 MSRP
- Line Elite 30 (27.5˝) – $900 MSRP
How do they ride?
The rim profile and shape are a mix of the current Line and the Kovvee cross country wheels that released last year. The 29mm inner and 36mm outer width of the rim creates a sure-footed tire sensation on the trail. The rims are lighter than its predecessor and notable out of the gate and in sharp, punchy sections of trail. Now, 1760-grams for a wheelset isn’t exactly racing weight, but the way it effortlessly rolls over roots and rocks makes things fast and smooth.
For those that are addicted to super-high engagement – these wheels are worth a look. The new Line Pro 30s use Bontrager Rapid Drive hubs with 108 points of engagement – exactly 3.3 degrees.
The hub design is similar to the model used on the RSL Bontrager Paradigm CX RSL Disc Tubular, which I’ve put through the wringer and power washer. This day in, day out, bombproof foundation is the ethos of the new Line Pro 30 wheelset. It will be with you for the good days and roll over the bad.
Bontrager no doubt feels very confident in its new wheels, claiming that its all-new Line Pro 30 and Line Elite 30 are the strongest carbon MTB wheels Bontrager has ever tested – not just from Bontrager but also from any manufacturer.
Claims like this made me test pressures that I’ve only dared on ‘cross tubulars or with tire liners. The outcome was quite pleasant, though. The ride was balanced, not harsh, or springy like some carbon wheels can feel. I hit a point of diminishing returns on low tire pressure and truly pushed the rim to the limit.
The rim shape itself is something that I’m familiar with as I spent a few years racing the Kovee wheels. The shape is compliant and the cornering is predictable and steady. As a rider, you can feel when the tire is going to break traction and push it. I felt the Lines could handle sideload well, and my tires kept an excellent shape in the mix – never folding or diving in undulating sections of trail.
If you’re looking for a wheelset that will take all the punches that you can throw and give you confidence over the rocks – you should check out the new Line Pro 30s from Bontrager. The price of entry is minimal compared to most carbon wheelsets out there, and these come with a two-year carbon care warranty in case you get too rad.
Bontrager’s all-new Line Pro 30 and Line Elite 30 wheels are currently available online in select markets and through Trek’s worldwide retail partner’s network.
