As an ultra-distance cyclist, I’m always chasing that elusive balance between weight, stiffness, reliability, and comfort. Every component on my bike affects not just speed, but endurance, energy, and even my enjoyment on long rides. That’s why wheels are more than just “parts” — they’re an extension of my body on the road. After months of riding my first BTLOS wheelset, the WRC-55, I was so impressed that I decided to invest in a second set: the BTLOS RG36 carbon wheels. (Find my WRC-55 review here) My 55 mm rims excelled on flat, fast terrain. The RG36 is designed for climbing — lighter, nimble, and built for those long, grinding ascents that define ultra rides. Ready to jump together with me in this extensive BTLOS RG36 Chinese carbon wheel review?
In this article, I want to share my experience with BTLOS as a brand. I will dive into the specs and technologies that make the RG36 special. Finally I will explain why high-quality wheels matter for ultra-distance riding, and discuss why I trust these Chinese-made carbon wheels on some of my toughest rides. This isn’t just a review — it’s a personal journey through performance, trust, and passion for the ride.
Who is BTLOS?
When I decided to go for another wheel upgrade this season, I didn’t go straight to the usual “big European brand” suspects. Instead I looked at a company I’d already had a very good experience with: BTLOS. It’s worth taking a minute to introduce them. So before I start with my BTLOS RG36 Chinese carbon wheel review, let’s start with the people behind this wonderful wheelset.
Founded in China, BTLOS markets itself as a carbon rim and wheel specialist, offering direct-to-cyclist pricing, customization options and a wide tech portfolio. Their website states:
“Today, there are many choices in carbon rim manufacturing. Some manufacturers build quality products, some manufacturers provide excellent service and some offer incredible pricing. We founded BTLOS on the belief that you should not be forced to choose quality, service or price; you should receive world-class quality, and competitive prices backed up by outstanding service and support for every product on every order.”
They emphasize both manufacturing technology (carbon fibre layup, moulding) and value.
They are a relatively newish Chinese brand (in the grand scheme of legacy bike component makers) but they have many of the tech buzz-words you want (Toray T1000/T800/T700 carbon fibre, tubeless compatible rims, wide widths, aero shapes) and I can only tell you, out of personal experience, they are a serious upcoming brand.
From my perspective as an ultra-distance rider, it helps that BTLOS doesn’t feel like a “cheap knock-off” brand. They present the specs, they offer long warranties (for example on certain rims they list 5 years) and I’ve seen community feedback that their wheelsets the quality and ride feel have been well received.
Why Cycling Equipment (Especially Wheels) Matter to Me as an Ultra-Distance Cyclist
When you ride long distances—whether it’s 200 km+, 300 km, or even 400 km-plus—every component on the bike becomes more than just a “nice to have”. It becomes part of your endurance system. The wheels, in particular, play a huge role and here’s why:
- Rotating mass is harder to keep going
On the flats you might keep power steady. But when fatigue sets in or you hit rolling terrain, heavier wheels feel worse. Lightweight wheels help maintain momentum and reduce the fatigue of accelerating, climbing, or responding to terrain changes. - Stiffness and responsiveness matter for power transfer
When you’ve been in the saddle for 6-10 hours, you don’t want the wheels “giving” under you. A stiff wheelset will feel more responsive, making your pedal strokes count—especially when the last climbs of the day slap you with fatigue. - Reliability is paramount
If you are out on ultra rides with little support (maybe remote, maybe self-supported), you cannot afford equipment failures. When a wheel fails, it’s a long walk or long wait. So manufacturing quality, warranty and support matter. - Aerodynamics and climbing speed both count
On long events you’ll want aero on flats but lightness and climbing ability for the hills. Choosing wheels becomes a compromise: do you go deep-section aero or shallow/light for climbing? For me it’s about matching the wheelset to the terrain and the ride profile. - Comfort and handling
Ultra distances mean you also count on your equipment to absorb vibrations, feel stable in variable winds, and not fight you after hour five. A well designed rim/wheel can make a ride more enjoyable—not just faster.
Because of all the above I don’t treat wheels as a trivial upgrade—they are a strategic choice. I bought my first BTLOS set (a WRC-55 carbon wheelset, rim height 55 mm) specifically because I wanted a more aero wheelset for flatter terrain, with low weight AND a good price. I was very happy with that first set. Hence I am now buying a second wheelset from them, the BTLOS RG36 carbon wheels . Let me tell you about the new one.
Key Specs & Features – The BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheels
As an ultra-distance cyclist, I obsess over the fine details that make the difference between “good wheels” and exceptional wheels. BTLOS clearly understands this too, because the new RG36 carbon wheelset is loaded with clever engineering. It’s a lightweight, climber-focused set that feels purpose-built for riders like me who spend endless hours in the saddle.
Here’s what stands out:
Featherweight Design Without Compromise
The BTLOS RG36 carbon wheels weigh in at an incredible 1158 g for the pair — one of the lightest disc-brake wheelsets I’ve ever seen in this category.
- Disc brake rim weight: only 300 g
- Rim brake version: 400 g
Despite this ultralight construction, the maximum riding weight is rated up to 120 kg, with BTLOS recommending a 95 kg rider limit for optimal performance. That’s impressive strength-to-weight engineering.
Advanced Carbon Layup – Strength Through Science
BTLOS uses a blend of Toray T1000, T800, and T700 carbon fibers in a unique stacking design. This mix leverages the best characteristics of each fiber type — balancing stiffness, impact resistance, and low weight.
In practice, that means the RG36 feels quick and responsive uphill, yet strong and reliable under load on rougher roads.
They’ve even incorporated a 45-degree overlap layup pattern, enhancing lateral stiffness and power transfer while improving impact resistance. It’s one of those design details you might never see, but you definitely feel it when climbing out of the saddle.
Aerodynamic Refinement
The rim shape itself has a more pointed top profile, improving aerodynamics and crosswind stability. On long rides where gusts can play havoc with handling, this subtle refinement adds comfort and control.
With a 28 mm external width and an internal width of 22.5 mm (disc) or 21 mm (rim), the RG36 supports modern wider tires perfectly — helping both rolling efficiency and comfort for ultra rides.
One-Piece Molding – Perfect Symmetry and Strength
Each rim is created using BTLOS’s one-piece molding process. Unlike rims made from multiple joined sections, this method eliminates weak points, producing a perfectly symmetrical and evenly rolled structure. The result? Better balance, improved durability, and easier wheel building.
High-Temperature Resilience – Braking Innovation
Even though I personally ride disc brakes, I have to applaud what BTLOS has done with their rim-brake tech. They’ve incorporated graphene and high-TG epoxy resins into their brake tracks:
- Graphene braking surface: Increases braking power by 50%, limits heat build-up to under 150 °C, and improves wet-weather performance.
- Super High TG surface: Tested to withstand 250 °C at 100 psi pressure — far beyond the typical 180 °C seen on standard rims.
This means that for rim-brake users, long alpine descents are safer and smoother. It’s also a testament to BTLOS’s overall material mastery, which benefits the entire wheel lineup.
Precision Engineering Everywhere
Every BTLOS rim goes through computer-controlled 3D drilling, ensuring exact spoke hole alignment and repeatable accuracy. Around those holes, BTLOS adds an extra carbon fiber strip for reinforcement, allowing higher spoke tension — and therefore greater stiffness and wheel longevity.
Flatness and roundness tolerances are incredibly tight too:
- Flatness: within 0.15 mm
- Roundness: within 0.2 mm
Those numbers translate directly to how true and smooth the wheel feels on the road.
Twine Tec & Nano-Resin Magic
One of the coolest bits of BTLOS tech is their Twine Tec process. It solves the challenge of shaping 3D carbon surfaces without creating wrinkles or stress points. Combined with their exclusive nano-resin formula, it gives the rim consistent strength around the entire circumference — exactly what you want for endurance reliability.
Hand-Built Quality
Despite the advanced machines behind them, all BTLOS wheels are still hand-built. Skilled wheel builders assemble each wheel, tensioning and truing every spoke by hand. They don’t leave the factory until they meet tight QC tolerances (SGS & EN 14781 standards).
That human touch matters. You can feel it in the even spoke tension, the lack of rattle or ping, and the smooth acceleration from the first pedal stroke.
Ultralight, Yet Tested Tough
BTLOS calls this part of their Premium Series, which undergoes more rigorous strength and safety testing. Their SGS and EN 14781 quality control systems ensure that every wheel not only meets, but often exceeds international standards.
The RG36 proves that you don’t have to compromise between featherweight performance and durability — you can have both.
The BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheels Bottom Line
The BTLOS RG36 Chinese Carbon Wheels aren’t just another lightweight carbon wheelset; ithey are a demonstration of how far modern carbon technology has come. With its precise construction, graphene braking tech, advanced layup, and obsessive quality control, it’s a wheelset designed for riders who demand efficiency, reliability, and performance across long distances and big climbs.
For me, it’s the perfect choice to complement my 55 mm aero set — light enough for the mountains, yet strong and dependable for all-day adventures.
The Heart of the BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheelw – BTLOS Hubs
A great rim is nothing without a reliable hub — it’s literally the heartbeat of the wheel. When you’re an ultra-distance cyclist like me, you start to notice every tiny nuance in how a hub feels: the engagement, the smoothness, the noise level, even how easily it rolls after 10 hours of pedaling. BTLOS clearly understands this relationship, because their in-house hubs have impressed me not just on paper, but in the way they translate power directly into motion. That’s why I would also like to dedicate one chapter to their hubs.
Designed for Performance and Value
BTLOS describes their hubs as “the perfect combination of high performance and exceptional value,” and from my experience, that’s not just marketing talk. These hubs are manufactured by a highly respected factory that has quietly produced components for some of the biggest names in the industry. BTLOS simply puts their own name on the best version — and passes the savings on to us.
The bodies are machined from 6061 aluminum, while the freehub and axle use 7075 aerospace-grade alloy, keeping things light yet strong. Every detail feels deliberate, from the smooth bearings to the clean machining lines.
Engagement and Power Transfer
At the core of each BTLOS hub is their Planetary Gear (PG) system, available in 36T or an upgraded 54T version. The difference is immediately noticeable: the higher the tooth count, the quicker the engagement.
When I’m grinding up a climb or accelerating after a corner, that near-instant engagement gives a satisfying “snap” to the drive — no wasted energy, no lag. It’s one of those features that makes a subtle but real difference on long rides, especially when fatigue sets in and you just want every watt to count.
Each hub undergoes over 100,000 fatigue tests and is machined to tolerances within 0.002 mm — that’s watchmaker-level precision. The result is silky smooth rolling and long-term durability, even under heavy loads or adverse weather.
Built for Real-World Conditions
One of the things I appreciate most as an ultra-distance rider is ease of maintenance. BTLOS has thought about that, too. The hubs feature quick-release end caps that make servicing fast and tool-free, and the dual-layer dust caps help keep out dirt and moisture — essential for rides that go through everything from summer dust to mountain rainstorms.
I’ve serviced my first BTLOS wheelset hubs (from my WRC-55 wheels) a few times now, and I can confirm that they’re well-designed. The internal structure is clean and simple, meaning you can strip, clean, and reassemble them without drama — something that can’t be said for all high-end hubs.
Bearing Options and Smoothness
BTLOS offers both standard stainless-steel bearings and ceramic bearings as upgrades. The ceramic option provides a bit less rolling resistance and slightly better durability in harsh conditions, though even the standard bearings roll impressively smooth. I opted for the standard setup this time, knowing that I can always upgrade later if needed.
On the road, the hubs spin freely and quietly. There’s a confident hum to the freehub — not loud, not silent, but refined. I like that balance. On ultra rides, constant noise can be tiring, so a moderate sound level feels just right.
Strength Meets Simplicity
It’s clear that BTLOS has taken a “performance without excess” approach. There’s no over-engineering, no gimmicks. Just solid materials, smart design, and precise manufacturing. The 2-year warranty adds extra peace of mind — and given how my first hubset has held up after thousands of kilometers, I doubt I’ll need to use it.
These hubs may not carry the same prestige as DT Swiss or Chris King, but they deliver real-world performance that rivals those giants at a fraction of the cost. And for riders like me — who value both reliability and affordability — that balance is gold.
The BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheels In Real Use
On my first rides with the new BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheels, the hubs felt tight and efficient, with smooth engagement and zero play. There’s a solid, connected feeling when climbing or sprinting. Over time, I’ll keep an eye on bearing wear and freehub engagement, but if they perform anything like my WRC-55 hubs, I expect thousands of maintenance-free kilometers.
Final Thoughts on the Hubs
BTLOS hubs perfectly complement the RG36 rims. They’re lightweight, mechanically sound, and clearly built with care. For me, they represent what I want in ultra-distance equipment: high performance without pretension, quality without overpricing, and design focused on the ride — not the marketing brochure.
It’s reassuring to know that when I’m hundreds of kilometers from home, climbing through remote terrain, the heart of my wheels will keep spinning smoothly, quietly, and reliably. And that’s all any endurance rider can really ask for.
Trustability of Chinese Carbon Wheels – My Honest Take
Let’s be real: a few years ago, if you told most cyclists you were buying carbon wheels from China, they’d probably raise an eyebrow. I get it — I was skeptical once too. There’s this old perception that “Made in China” means “cheap.” While that might have been true for some knock-off products years ago, the cycling industry has changed massively.
Many of today’s premium frames, wheels, and components — even from big European and American brands — are actually made in China or Taiwan. The difference is simply who is doing the manufacturing, how strict their quality control is, and how transparent they are about the process.
Doing the Homework Before Buying My BTLOS RG36 Carbon Wheels
Before I bought my first BTLOS wheelset (the WRC-55), I did what any cautious cyclist would do: research. I read reviews, joined forums, checked specs, and compared warranty terms. I quickly realized that not all Chinese carbon brands are the same. Some are basically trading companies rebranding mass-produced rims. Others, like BTLOS, actually design, test, and build their own products with genuine engineering standards.
My previous article on VeloFanatics about buying Chinese carbon wheels online puts it well:
“Do your research, check the manufacturer’s credibility, understand their testing standards, and don’t buy just because it’s cheap.”
You can read the article here. https://www.velofanatics.com/what-consider-buying-chinese-carbon-bikes-wheels-online-chinese-webshops/
That advice stuck with me. So I checked:
- BTLOS publishes detailed rim specs (carbon type, fiber orientation, resin systems).
- They clearly list weight tolerances, brake surface TG values, and test standards (SGS and EN 14781).
- They offer up to a 5-year warranty, which is on par with — or even better than — many Western brands.
- And perhaps most importantly, they have real riders sharing feedback, not just marketing slogans.
That gave me confidence that BTLOS isn’t some anonymous reseller — they’re a proper manufacturer that stands behind its products.
From Skeptic to Believer
After thousands of kilometers on my first BTLOS wheelset, I can confidently say: the trust is earned. My WRC-55 wheels have survived long ultra rides, harsh descents, gravel connectors, and even a few unintentional “pothole tests.” They’ve stayed true, smooth, and strong. Not once did I feel they were a “budget” product — if anything, they’ve felt premium in every way that matters.
Now, with the RG36, I’ve doubled down on that trust. It’s one thing to buy a first wheelset on a leap of faith — it’s another to go back for a second because the first one genuinely delivered.
Why Chinese Doesn’t Mean Inferior Anymore
Chinese manufacturing today is a spectrum. Yes, there are still questionable factories out there, but there are also cutting-edge carbon specialists producing world-class components. The difference comes down to process, materials, and quality control — not geography.
BTLOS is transparent about using Toray carbon fiber (from Japan, the same supplier used by top-tier brands), and their Premium Series goes through serious QC standards. Their tolerances, molding precision, and warranty coverage all point to a brand that takes pride in its work.
I also appreciate how open they are about their technology — from Twine Tec and one-piece molding to nano-resins and graphene brake tracks. You don’t publish that level of detail unless you actually care about what you’re building.
Balancing Trust and Realism
I’m not saying everyone should blindly trust every Chinese carbon brand out there — far from it. You still need to be selective. Ask yourself:
- Does the company list technical details clearly?
- Do they have a warranty longer than one year?
- Are riders actually using and reviewing their products?
- Do they respond to questions and support customers post-purchase?
- Are the carbon wheels UCI approved?
If the answer is yes — as it was with BTLOS — then you’re likely in safe hands.
My Perspective on Chinese carbon wheels after two BTLOS wheelsets
At this point, I don’t really think in terms of “Chinese vs Western” anymore. I think in terms of quality vs shortcuts, service vs neglect, and trust vs gimmicks.
BTLOS has earned my trust through transparency, performance, and reliability. Their pricing just makes it an even easier decision. My first wheelset made me a believer. The second one — the RG36 — feels like the natural next step in that relationship.
In a sport where trust in your equipment can make or break an adventure, I’d rather go with a brand that has proven itself to me personally, on my roads, under my legs. And BTLOS has done exactly that.
Conclusion BTLOS RG36 Chinese Carbon Wheels – Two Wheelsets, One Philosophy
When I look back at the gear choices I’ve made as an ultra-distance cyclist, every piece of equipment tells part of my story. My first BTLOS wheelset, the WRC-55, represented a leap of faith — an experiment in trusting a lesser-known brand that promised premium performance without the inflated price tag. That leap paid off. Those wheels carried me through countless kilometers of flat, windy, and fast terrain, delivering the perfect balance of aero efficiency and reliability.
Now, with my second wheelset — the BTLOS RG36 carbon wheels, I’ve completed the circle. This set isn’t just a lighter, climber-focused companion to my first; it’s the natural evolution of my riding journey. The WRC-55 was about speed. The RG36 is about endurance, elevation, and efficiency. Together, they give me options — to choose the right tool for the right terrain. They also optimize my energy on long rides, and make me feel confident no matter what the route throws my way.
If you’re an ultra rider like me or just a fanatic cyclist and a weight wheenie, and considering a wheel upgrade, the RG36 wheelset from BTLOS is absolutely worthy of your shortlist. I’ll report back after many hours in the saddle with it. For now, I’m already looking forward to the next long-ride where I get to spin them up the climbs.
