Bontrager Rhythm Elite 29er Wheels
Designed for hard XC and trail riding, the Bontrager Rhythm wheels are an excellent option for those that are hard on their gear and want a set of 29er wheels that don't flex like a slinky. Compared to the lighter cross country RXL wheels, the Rhythm hoops use a much wider rim profile (28mm wide) and a beefier hubset with larger flanges to reduce spoke length and build up a stiffer wheel. Re-designed for 2012, the latest hubs get a tough 3-pawl freehub mechanism, sealed cartridge bearings and adaptability for various thru-axle systems. The hubs are manufactured by DT Swiss too, so you know they'll be reliable and the rear hub has been designed to be user-serviceable without any need for specific tools.
The 28mm wide rims may seem wider to standard XC wheels, but the wider platform provides much better support to tyres, increasing the usable volume and increasing tyre stability. You can fit anywhere from a 2.0" - 2.35" wide tyre on the Rhythm rims. Another unique feature is the use of OSB technology that sees the spokes mounting to the rim off-centre that makes for more even spoke tension between the drive and non-drive side spokes. Speaking of spokes, Bontrager have called on DT Swiss again, this time for their lightweight Competition spokes that keep unnecessary weight down without sacrificing overall durability and tension, which is a key issue on the larger 29er wheel. For bombing through choppy terrain and holding a line on heavy berms, the Bontrager Rhythm wheelset is an excellent choice for those not willing to sacrifice strength and stiffness on their 29er bike.

From Bontrager:

"Bontrager's Rhythm Elite blends all-mountain versatility with light weight cross country components. Using a 28mm wide rim extrusion (instead of a typical 22mm) realizes the performance advantages big volume tires promise: improved traction via larger contact patch, outstanding corning, and increased protection against pinch flats".

TLR Tubeless Rather than having to rely on aftermarket conversion kits or be forced to go down the UST route, Bontrager decided to come upwith their own tubeless system called TLR (TubeLess Ready). The premise of the TLR system is quite simple as all you require is a TLR compatible rim, the corresponding TLR rim strip, a tubeless valve and a tyre that is ready to set up tubeless. The Rhythm Elite wheelset comes with both the rim strips and tubeless valves. The real beauty about the TLR system is that you have the choice of running standard tyres, UST tyres or Tubeless Ready tyres depending on your needs, in fact you can simply use standard tyres and tubes if you prefer. If you need to replace a spoke all you need to do is remove the TLR rimstrip and carry out the repair as you would with a normal wheel - no funky spoke nipples, no proprietary tools - just a simple design that works. The same goes if you get a nasty hole in the tyre casing; just remove the tubeless valve and fit in a regular tube. While we would always recommend using some sort of sealant inside a tubeless tyre (Stans No Tubes or Bontrager SuperJuice), it is a requirement when using a non-UST tyre, in order to create an airtight seal.

Components of the Tubeless Ready System;
1. TLR Compatible Rim
2. TLR Rimstrip
3. Tubeless Valve
4. Tubeless compatible tyre (UST or Tubeless Ready)
5. Sealant



The Bontrager Rhythm Elite 29" Wheelset features:

• 28mm wide 6061 Alloy eyeleted rims
• Offset Spoke Bed (OSB) technology for even spoke tension
• DT Swiss manufactured sealed bearing hubs
• 3-pawl, 24 tooth drive freehub mechanism for quick engagement
• Front hub: 9mm quick release, QR15 or 20mm thru-axle compatible (adapters included)
• Rear hub: 135mm quick release or 142x12mm thru-axle compatible (adapters included) 
• 28 DT Swiss double butted stainless steel spokes front & rear
• TLR (Tubeless Ready) System
• Weight: 2010 grams
• Designed for XC/Trail/All Mountain
• Includes: TLR Rim strips, tubeless valves and hub adapters

The Bontrager wheel range has stepped it up a notch for 2012 with some impressive features at an even more impressive pricepoint