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PRODUCT REVIEWS: ON TEST: BONTRAGER SPEED LIMIT XXX BRAKES
Road Bike Action
August 5, 2009
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STORY
Bontrager is best known for being Trek’s in-house parts supplier, however in recent years the company has expanded to become a well respected brand in the component and accessory market. Today Bontrager makes everything from handlebars and stems to professional level shoes and cranksets. The limited edition (only 500 sets are being produced) Speed Limit XXX brakes are not only unique in their design but also serve as a warning to Shimano SRAM and Campagnolo that Bontrager is gearing up to be serious contender in the components wars.
TECH
The Speed Limit XXX brakes are unique in that they are constructed using high compression molded (HCM) carbon fiber brake arms with stainless steel and aluminum hardware. The Speed Limit XXX brales feature a single pivot design with a linkage system that increases the arm’s leverage ratio to that of a dual-pivot brake. The single pivot design allows the Bontrager to keep the weight down to 220-grams. At this weight the Bontrager Speed Limit XXX brakes are lighter than Shimano Dura Ace 7900, SRAM Red or Campagnolo Record. Integrated into the linkage system is a small red anodized lever that serves as the quick release lever for inserting or removing wheels.
RBA SAYS
Out of the box the Bontrager Speed Limit XXX brakes feel super light, while the glossy white finish and bold graphics drew attention and positive responses. Mounting the brakes was easy and took little time. While most brakes use 4-millimeter steel mounting bolts for the brake pads, the Bontragers use larger 5-millimeter aluminum versions. Initially we were weary of being able to get enough torque to properly secure the brake pads due the aluminum bolts and the brakes painted finish. However, this was unfounded and the pads remained tight throughout the test. A nice feature on the Bontrager Speed Limit XXX brakes is the 5-millimeter center bolt that allows quick centering adjustments without having to loosen the brakes from the frame. For those old enough to remember trying adjust old single pivot designs this is a major plus. On the road modulation is good and predictable. The brakes are incredibly stiff and provide good feedback to the brake levers. While the brakes are extremely powerful the consistent lever feel makes it easy to control speed, whether one is simply feathering the brakes to scrub speed through corners or making white knuckled emergency stops. At the end of the day the Bontrager Speed Limit XXX brakes are a good way to drop grams from ones bike and easily match the performance of Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
PRICE: $399.00
INFO: www.bontrager.com
BONUS POINTS: Weight, styling and performance
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