Reynolds introduced their first mountain bike wheels back in fall of 2010, and now they’re bringing out the carbon version. Looking at Reynold’s lineup, this shouldn’t come as a surprise: The rims are lightweight and complete wheelset weights are no slouch either.
Unlike the carbon disc brake cyclocross wheels we’re reviewing that maintain a brake track, these rims are disc brake only and purpose built. Three models will be available, the 29er shown at left, and two 26″ models for XC or AM.
All three models are tubeless ready out of the box and include rim tape and valve stem. Even better, each set comes stock with a complete set of end caps for ALL of the major axle standards…nothing else to buy just to make them fit your bike. This includes 9mm QR, 15- and 20mm thru axle fronts and 10mm QR, 135×10 and 142×12 thru-axle rears. Nice.
Rim construction has plenty of acronyms: HML is their MR5 (mountain rim 5) hybrid carbon with a proprietary layup combined with VRC (variable resin chemistry) and IGC (inert gas compression). The rim wall leans inward to improve bead locking and reduce pinch flats. Reynolds says it’s also structurally stiffer.
Specs for the 29er are a very wide 29mm (21mm inside) rim weighing in at a claimed 435g. Complete wheelset weight is claimed at 1575g. Lacing is straight pull 2-cross 24 spokes per wheel using DT Swiss Revolution spokes.
The XC 26″ wheels (left) use narrower rim (17mm inside width) and are just 20mm deep. Rim weight is claimed at 375g and wheelset at 1430g. Same spokes and lacing as the 29er.
The AM 26″ wheels have a wider, stouter rim (21mm inside width, 26mm deep) and get 28 spokes laced 3-cross. Weight is 450g per rim and 1590g for the set.
Reynolds’ official announcement on these wheels is coming soon, but word is it’ll be a couple months before they’re available…and we’ve already got a set on order for review when they are.
Updated
The first batch will be available in mid-April.
MSRP:
- 29er $1950
- XC $1900
- AM $1800
