$784.06

Reynolds is breaking away from convention with their Aero 46 DB Clincher Wheelset. They’ve optimized rim shape for aerodynamics without needing to account for the brake track, both improving the wheel’s ability to cut through the wind and reducing weight.

They’ve retained the arrowhead nose of their Aero line of rims, but the rest of the profile has been tweaked. Thanks to their DET, Dispersive Effect Termination, they’ve been able to tame turbulent air flow and reattach it to reduce drag. The rim is 46mm deep, and moves out to 28mm wide before moving inwards a bit at the tire well. The resulting shape leaves a 19mm interior width, which makes the rim fairly wide, and the narrowest recommended tire width 23mm. They’ve strengthened the rim with what they call CR6, or Carbon Rim 6, Technology. Basically it’s their means for assessing what materials to use where and in what configuration to deliver maximum strength at minimum weight. The wheels weigh just north of 1525g, which is where the tubular version of this wheelset comes in.

The rim has been designed for tubeless tires, meaning it comes with the rim cavity sealed and tubeless valves are included. However, you can use standard clinchers and tubes if that’s your preference.

The spokes come in at 20 front and 24 rear. They are Sapim CX-Ray Straight Pull, which are the most aero spoke you can find, and just about the lightest, too. They’re also incredibly strong. Internal nipples keep the aero profile excellent.

The spokes are laced to hubs built specifically for Reynolds by Industry Nine. I-9 has a great rep for building strong, light, durable hubs that run smooth for a long time. They feature three pawls for minimal drag and six-degree engagement for fast action. The standard disc mount is Centerlock.

The wheels come with the aforementioned tubeless valve stems, Centerlock adapters for six-bolt users, 100x12 thru-axle in front and 12x142 and thru-axle rear. Endcaps to turn the wheels into quick-release hubs, and 100x15 and 135x12 through-axles are sold separately. The wheels come with bags. There are three cassette body choices: Campagnolo eleven-speed, Shimano/SRAM eleven-speed, and SRAM XD.

The Reynolds 46 Aero DB Clincher Wheelset is eligible for additional coverage with the Reynolds Assurance Program. RAP is essentially supplemental insurance for your wheels. You can enroll for one, two, or three years, getting a virtual guarantee that no matter how you break the wheel, they’ll replace it. You need to visit the Reynolds Cycling website to enroll.