Ironman Kona may have come and gone, but Reynolds Cycling is already preparing for next season with an update of their Aero wheel line up. Illustrated by last week’s tri bike launches, the aero world is in a bit of a cross wind as companies debate going with disc or rim brakes for future models. Not only does Reynolds have an answer for either path with their new wheels, but they also cut down on the total depth of rims with just three different models – though all are wider and tubeless ready…
In 2017 you will find just three depths in the Aero wheel family, which is down from four. According to Reynolds, the 72mm and 90mm depths were testing very similarly in the wind tunnel so the two were combined into the new Aero 80. Along with the Aero 46 DB and Aero 65 (DB), the Aero 80 sees an updated DET (Dispersive Effect Termination) profile that is said to offer even better aero performance and crosswind stability. More importantly, the new CR6 rims now feature a 19mm internal channel (28mm wide at the widest external point) for a better fit with larger tires to provide all the benefits that are becoming associated with bigger rubber.
The taller two of the three depths will be offered in rim brake specific versions, but the Aero 46 DB and Aero 65 DB are for – you guessed it, disc brakes. The disc specific rims are combined with custom hubs made by Industry Nine which we’re told are essentially Torch Road hubs that have been designed around Reynolds’ specs for their wheels. That should mean 60 point or 6 degrees of engagement with a 3 pawl freehub. That also means all of the options for different freehubs and thru axle/QR compatibility built in. Non disc wheels use 18/24 spokes front and rear while the DB versions bump it up to 20/24.
All of the wheels include rim tape and tubeless valves in the box, and now use waterslide decals for a premium finish. Pricing for the Aero 65 and Aero 80 rim brake models is set at $2499 while the Aero 46 DB and Aero 65 DB will run $2599.
