Reynolds

Assault Wheelset - Clincher

Privateer gear. This is something we discuss at length in mountain biking, but don't address enough on the road. Most of us sponsor ourselves. We need components that are practical; we need parts that are light, strong, and fast and that can do it all on a budget. This intersection on the component matrix is filled admirably by Reynolds with their Assault Carbon Clincher Wheelset.

With an all-carbon rim, they're light. With a 46mm depth, they're fast. With a strong, proven design, they're durable. In comparison to their high end Forty Six Wheelset, Reynolds cut some costs by going with Asian-sourced KT hubs rather than DT Swiss. They also use DT Revolution spokes, rather than Aerolite. But it's the same general shape as their Forty Six clincher, with a meager weight penalty thanks to the hubs and a simpler, heavier carbon-fiber lay-up in the same mold.

As with the Forty Six, the Assault wheels boast Reynolds' CTg brake track. The CTg brake track is something special. Heat build-up is an issue that dogs all carbon-fiber rims. Reynolds has made a new laminate that can withstand more heat without breaking down. Along with the laminate, Reynolds also designed their own brake pads to work with the rims. The result is a safer wheel that brakes more consistently and should leave you with no worries about the rim heating up your tire.

All Reynolds wheel owners can buy themselves some extra peace of mind by purchasing Reynolds' three-year damage protection plan. It's called RAP, short for Reynolds Assurance Plan. The insurance means you should have little fear that a crash will ruin your wheel investment. Find out more about it on the "Reynolds Cycling site.

There are 20 radial front spokes and 24 cross-2 drive and radial non-drive rear. The nipples are internal and alloy and can be adjusted with a Reynolds-specific internal spoke wrench included with the wheels. They also toss in valve extenders so you don't need to purchase these separately. The included skewers have steel shafts and alloy levers.

The Reynolds Assault Carbon Clincher Wheelset comes with either a Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM compatible freehub body, and they include a full set of Reynolds' Cryo Blue brake pads in versions to match each. Reynolds recommends only these pads as they were designed with the brake tracks; use of any other brake pads is not recommended and will void the warranty. The wheels also come with Reynolds plastic tire levers; while you don't have to use these, Reynolds specifically discourages using anything but plastic tire levers with their carbon-fiber rims.