Reynolds Wheels

[pickupel]

Hi,

I am considering upgrading the wheelset on my Cannondale Supersix EVO (currently Mavic Ksyrium SLs) to a set of carbon clinchers. In the research I have done so far, both the Reynolds 46s and the Reynolds Assaults receive positive press, but I was wondering what the major difference between the two sets is. I can see that the 46s are slightly lighter, have better hubs and bladed spokes, as well the Swirl Lip Generator. My question is, do these upgrades make enough of a difference to the average rider to warrant the huge hike in price? Is anybody who has ridden both able to make a recommendation?

Currently I ride as part of a fairly competitive group in the south of England (rolling hills and short, sharp climbs being the predominant terrain), and have raced for several years at a decent level. I intend to return to racing in the UK this winter, building toward next season, and want the wheels to do it. I will be using the wheels for training as well as racing, and so value the ability to change a tube on the road, rather than glue a tubular.

Any help would be great, thanks,

Ed

[Fibre-Lyte]

One thing I would consider is UK roads. At the moment they are rough, with lots of pot holes, certainly in my area. That's potentially fatal to a carbon rim. I'd save them for race day and not use them for training.

You might want to consider RAR wheels. Reynolds rims (I believe) and beautifully built.

[pickupel]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll have a look into RAR — have to admit that I hadn't considered them before. One of the major reasons I was drawn to the Reynolds was their crash replacement scheme. It's usually an add on for £100-200, but at the moment it is being offered for free with the wheels. Under the scheme Reynolds will replace a crash damaged wheel for free within two years of purchase — which would give me peace of mind when riding on UK roads!

[Fibre-Lyte]

That's a pretty good offer from Reynolds, assuming the small print reads ok.

[Cheers!]

I've been riding Reynolds RIMs since 2007.

I have a pair of wheels built using 2008ish DV46C rims with Sapim Spokes and Tune Mig70Mag190. So far so good. No issues at all. I'm sure lots have changed in 5 years. But I easily have 25,000 kilometers ridden on these wheels and not a single issue at all. This include pinch flats where the gravel/rock actually pinched the tube and nicked the carbon rim. Only the clear coat was slightly scuffed.