The Reynolds 309 XC was introduced over five years ago. Back then, the XC wheelset was a 309/289 XC pairing (which are currently 30% off), with the 30mm 309 as a front wheel and the narrower 28mm 289 out back. Aside from the obvious width differences, the XC wheels shared the same (nearly) symmetrical profile and 21mm depths.
Since 2020, Reynolds has equipped the XC option with a 30mm inner width (309) for both front and rear wheels. And, new for 2025, Reynolds is updating the 309 XC with a whole new XC wheel family — the BL 309 XC Pro, BL 309 XC Expert, and the TR 309 XC.
With a new layup process and a completely redesigned rim profile, Reynolds promises the best 309 XC performance yet.
Reynolds 309 XC — A Completely New Look
For a handful of years now, the Reynolds 309 wheels have become a popular option as a trusted DH or enduro offering. Reynolds reworked their 309 and 307 (29 and 27.5, respectively) wheels a couple of years ago, creating a stronger, faster, and more compliant carbon rim.
Looking to redesign the 309 XC wheels, Reynolds took much of what they learned from the gravity-oriented wheels. When designing the 309 XC series of wheels, Reynolds had several boxes they needed to check off. The new Reyonlds 309 XC wheels needed to be lightweight, vertically compliant, laterally stiff, and structurally sound.
Reynolds feels that they achieved all these goals using a new rim profile and a reengineered carbon layup process. The brand leveraged new finite element analysis of their carbon layup process, enabling them to incorporate more vertical compliance. Doing so eliminates much of the fatigue-causing trail chatter modern XC riders face.
They were also able to trim unneeded material from the wheels, keeping the new Reynolds 309 XC wheels competitively lightweight.
Lateral stiffness is aided in part by the asymmetric design and optimized spoke angles afforded by such a profile. The new profile is wider with a 30mm inner width paired with a 35.5mm outer. Rim depth stays at 21mm.
This asymmetrical shape is carried across the family of 309 XC wheels, from BL Pro to TR 309.
Two of the Reynolds 309 XC wheels are Blacklabel offerings, Reynolds’ highest-performing wheels. These wheels see the brands’ top-tier MR5 carbon layup process. The TR 309 XC wheelset will share the same asymmetrical rim profile as the Blacklabels, but use Reynolds’ more affordable PR3 carbon construction.
A New Family of Reynolds 309 XC Wheels
While the three new wheels in the Reynolds 309 XC family share many similarities, there are some differences. Each rim has the same asymmetrical profile and dimensions, uses centerlock rotors, hub spacing options, and freehub body options.
However, things such as the carbon process, spoke count, and hub choice create significant differences in weight and price.
BL 309 XC Pro
Reynolds’ Blacklabel 309 XC Pro will be for racers and those who need the highest level of performance from their wheelset. From carbon rim to hub, these wheels set the standard for Reynolds XC performance.
The BL309 XC Pros use Reynolds’ patented MR5 carbon layup process and use a Reynolds/Industry Nine Solix hub. This fully CNC-machined hub provides 0.59° of instant engagement. The I9 hubs come in both boost and super-boost sizes, with 24 spokes in front and 28 out back.
The estimated weight of the Pros is 1332g, and they retail for $2,299.99.
BL 309 XC Expert
The other Reynolds 309 Blacklabel offering is the BL 309 XC Expert. This is the same wheel as the BL 309 XC Pro, save for the hubs. A Ringle Super Bubba X hub adds roughly 70g and offers 4° of engagement.
Both boost and superboost options are available, with the same 24/28 front and rear spoke count. Shimano Microspline, HG, and SRAM XD are all optional freehub bodies.
The BL309 XC Expert wheels from Reynolds weigh 1405g and cost $1,899.99
TR 309 XC
While the TR 309 XCs share the same new Reynolds 309 XC rim profile as its Blacklabel siblings, these wheels do differ significantly. They are also much more affordable.
The TR 309 XC wheels use Reynolds’ more affordable PR3 carbon process. They also have heavier brass spoke nipples rather than the alloy nipples on the Blacklabel builds.
Renyolds completes the build with a Ringle SRX hub with 12° of engagement and a 28-spoke count front and rear.
These choices bring the weight up to a respectable 1607g, while dropping the price to $1,449.99.
You can find out more information about the entire Reynolds 309 XC wheel family on their website.
