Pro-Lite Bortola A21 Wheelset

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · 24/02/2015

Pro-Lite Bortola A21 Wheelset

Paul Horta-Hopkins

From the world’s largest producer of hand built wheels, Pro-Lite, comes the Bortola A21 wheelset.

Pro-Lite have produced a new light weight, alloy wheelset, the Bortola A21. Handbuilt in their Taiwanese facility. Just watch their video at the bottom of this article to see the quality control that goes into their carbon wheels. The new Bortola A21 wheels will be available from Wiggle.

The new Pro-Lite Bortola A21 wheelset

The Bortola A21 wheelset has a low profile, 21mm deep, sleeved, 6061 aluminium rim. Pro-Lite have given the Bortola a 23mm wide rim section, as wider section rims are becoming more popular, with claims of better handling, aerodynamics and ride comfort. As well as being wider, the Bortolas are also tubeless ready.

The handbuilt wheels use stainless steel straight pull, butted, aero spokes and Pro-Lite take great pride in the quality of their wheel builders. Overall claimed weight for the wheels is 1473g, which is light for wheels of this price. Although light the Bortola A21 isn’t afraid of a little rough and tumble, and Wiggle reckon they can handle our UK roads; time will tell.

The Bortola A21 hubs are light, smooth spinning and easy to maintain

The minimalist hubs are direct descendants of Pro-Lite’s acclaimed Bracciano hubs, which have a reputation for quality. The hubs use Japanese EZO bearings, two for the front and four for the rear. We hope to get a pair in for review and will let you know how they handle.