Optimum Compaction, Low Void
OCLV Carbon Rims
OCLV stands for Optimum Compaction, Low Void, the world's most advanced carbon fiber production process. Optimum Compaction squeezes air pockets between carbon fibers out, resulting in extremely Low Voids, the source of weakness and fatigue failures. There are a lot of other methods for manufactureing carbon fiber parts, but none can rival the superior strength to weight ratio of OCLV. It's a patented process so exclusive that it's utilized in only one factory in the world. And it's the only factory that Bontrager trusts to build the XXX Lite carbon rim, the foundation of Bontrager's carbon wheel line-up.
One of the most difficult parts of designing carbon rims is creating a consistent and reliable braking surface. When Bontrager introduced the XXX Lite carbon wheelset to Lance Armstrong and the rest of the USPS team, they loved the weight, loved the ride, but were very skeptical of the braking performance. At the time, their experience with carbon rims was limited to seeing their competition crash in wet, mountainous races as they raced on carbon rims that were not fully evolved.
By developing a consistent braking surface and a complementary set of brake pads that dissipate heat and won't melt (Bontrager's Carbon Stop Cork pads--a proprietary mix of cork and rubber), the world's best professional riders now use Bontrager carbon wheels everyday, in all stages, up or down, wet or dry. Bontrager has refined carbon wheelsets from finicky, single-trick ponies into cutting edge performance wheels with everyday, all conditions usability.
Why is OCLV Carbon such a great rim material?
We all know that carbon can be exceptionally lightweight. But weight is only half the story. Strength is also a critical aspect of wheel performance. Thanks to the OCLV advantage, Bontrager carbon wheels can be both extremely lightweight and extremely strong. In fact, our OCLV rims are the strongest road rims we make. They are the most resistant to impacts and stay true the longest. Ultimately, they're the lightest, strongest, and longest lasting, and that's why they are the wheels of choice for the world's best cyclists.