I am torn between the new Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 and the Hed Stinger 6 wheels. My main concern is speed. I live in northwest Indiana (mostly flat) and will only be using the wheels for a few road races, crits, and TT’s. (I am a Cat 3 rider and weigh 150 lbs.) I raced on the XXXL this year and loved them. I know the fairing on the Aeolus was designed by HED on the older model. HED redesigned the shape of their Stinger this year, so my question is: did Steve Hed help redesign the fairing on the new Aeolus to match the Stinger? Which wheel is faster? Which is more durable?
The hed’s are gonna be faster. As far as durability goes, I think the bontragers win, but not by much. I would go with the hed’s.
The hed’s are gonna be faster. As far as durability goes, I think the bontragers win, but not by much. I would go with the hed’s.
I think the Bontrager’s would be faster. The rim shape is the same as the Hed’s but the Bontragers are lighter.
The Bontragers are made … tuned… at HED so basically they are both HEDs.
I have a pair of the 6.5’s and the rims aren’t the same shape as the new stingers. The fairing is just a basic aero profile, nothing as advanced as the new stingers. The new stingers have a dramatically faster shape, and on top of that they are lighter too. Again, get the stingers.
they are only lighter in some sizes/options, rear/front etc
and thats comparing them to the Jets, which is what they are IIRC
look at the numbers
The hed’s are gonna be faster. As far as durability goes, I think the bontragers win, but not by much. I would go with the hed’s.
I think the Bontrager’s would be faster. The rim shape is the same as the Hed’s but the Bontragers are lighter.
Yeah I actually have the heds on order(been waiting for 4 weeks, on back order). I found them on sale at bikesportmichigan.com for $1275/pair with free shipping with a free set of continental sprinters on them. Then I discovered the new 2010 aeolus and started second guessing my decision. Are your 6.5’s the new ones by chance? Thanks for the advice.
You are looking at two different wheels. The Aeolus is built by Bontrager with a fairing layup done by Hed. The Stinger 6 is a one-piece rim with a radical aero shape. While both wheels run great ( I have ridden each) the Stinger 6 is worth the wait. Not only is it a fast wheel on the flats but they have an uncanny ability to ride through crosswinds to the point that you feel like you are cheating. Plus, the run a v-shaped tire surface that seats the tubular securely and allows for an easy glue-up. You will need brake calipers that can open up wide. Shimano, Campy, SRAM Red. No SRAM Force.
Didn’t know about the easy glue-up. Good to know since this is my first set of tubs. I will definetly stick with the Stingers. I am done racing this year anyways.