Bontrager Rhythm Pro 29er Wheels
Designed as a high-end option for 29er bikes in need of a strong, stiff and lightweight wheelset, the Rhythm Pro's pack in a whole bunch of technology to make them an excellent option for hard riders. Compared to the cheaper Elite model, the Pro gets a lighter and stiffer Scandium alloy rim to reduce rotational weight, as well as an upgraded hub that features a heavy dose of CNC machining to remove unnecessary material. The hubs are manufactured by DT Swiss and are completely new for 2012, with a redesigned 3-pawl freehub mechanism that provides faster engagement and improved durability compared to previous models. The freehub is easy to pull apart for maintenance without need for specialist tools, and both front & rear hubs get sealed cartridge bearings for long term durability. And while thru-axle standards seem to be changing every year, the Rhythm Pro wheels get adaptable hubs that come with the necessary end caps to set them up with QR15, 142mm, QR20 and quick release standards, so you can easily change them from bike to bike as required. 
The 28mm rims use the same Rhythm profile as the Elite model but use a higher grade of Scandium alloy that increases strength and stiffness for a laterally rigid wheelset. Reducing this rotational mass improves the wheels acceleration properties as well as the bikes readiness to change direction under your input. Having said that, Bontrager haven't gone overboard with the Rhythm Pro wheels, as they understand that going too light can result in a flexy and unstable wheelset that is less likely to track a straight line through rock gardens and off-camber corners. If you're only XC racing, then you'll be better off with the RXL's or a set of Stans Crest wheels, but for everyday trail riders and folks who value stiffness and ride quality above race-day weight, the Rhythms are for you. 

From Bontrager:

"Bontrager's best all-mountain wheelset, the Rhythm Pro has everything discerning trail riders demand. The proprietary-designed aluminum hubs are forged and CNC-machined for outstanding strength to weight. And the specially design hub flanges are optimized to provide maximum support for the butted 14/15G spokes, extending durability and increasing lateral stiffness. To help keep weight to an absolute minimum, the Rhythm Pro's 28mm wide anodized rims are made from Scandium, resulting in maximum strength and durability with minimal rotational weight".

TLR Tubeless System 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 Pro 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 Pro 29er Wheelset features:

• 28mm wide Scandium Alloy eyeleted rims
• Offset Spoke Bed (OSB) technology for even spoke tension
• Machined 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: 1950 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