Reynolds Wheelset Series Complete Guide: Model Comparison, Performance Analysis & Recommendations
2025/09/03

Reynolds Wheelset Series Complete Guide: Model Comparison, Performance Analysis & Recommendations

Comprehensive analysis of legendary American wheelset brand Reynolds, covering road, mountain, and aerodynamic series innovative technology and exceptional performance

Reynolds Wheelset Series Complete Guide: Model Comparison, Performance Analysis & Recommendations

As a legendary brand in American wheelset manufacturing, Reynolds has over 125 years of distinguished history since its establishment in 1898. From initial steel rims to modern high-tech carbon fiber wheelsets, Reynolds has always stood at the forefront of wheelset technology development, providing exceptional products to countless professional cyclists and enthusiasts. With its deep technical accumulation, continuous innovation spirit, and pursuit of ultimate quality, Reynolds has become a benchmark brand in the global wheelset industry. This article will comprehensively analyze Reynolds' various wheelset series, helping you understand the technical features and product advantages of this legendary brand.

In the wheelset market, Reynolds along with Spank Wheelsets, Industry Nine Wheelsets and other brands each have their own technical characteristics and market positioning.

Reynolds Brand Overview

125 Years of Legendary History

Reynolds was established in 1898, making it one of the world's oldest bicycle wheelset manufacturers. Starting from initially manufacturing wheels for horse-drawn carriages, Reynolds gradually developed into an authoritative brand in the bicycle wheelset field. Throughout its long development journey, Reynolds has witnessed and promoted every major transformation in bicycle wheelset technology, from steel rims to aluminum alloy rims, and then to modern carbon fiber wheelsets, the brand has always maintained its technological leadership position.

Foundation of Technical Innovation

Reynolds possesses deep accumulation and unique advantages in wheelset technology:

Materials Science Expertise: Rich experience in carbon fiber composite material applications, developing multiple proprietary material formulations.

Aerodynamic Research: Advanced wind tunnel testing facilities and CFD computational capabilities, continuously optimizing wheelset aerodynamic performance.

Exquisite Manufacturing Processes: 125 years of manufacturing experience accumulation, forming unique process systems and quality control standards.

Professional-grade Testing: Cooperation with multiple professional teams, validating product performance in the most demanding racing environments.

Comprehensive Product Lines: From entry-level to professional-grade, from road to mountain, providing complete wheelset solutions.

Road Wheelset Series Analysis

AR Series: All Road Multi-Terrain Wheelsets

The AR series is Reynolds' all-road wheelsets designed specifically for modern diversified riding needs. This series maintains excellent road performance while possessing outstanding multi-terrain adaptability, perfectly interpreting the development trends of modern cycling sports.

Reynolds AR41

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 41mm
  • Internal Width: 21mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1580g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 25-40mm
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds AR41 adopts a 41mm medium depth design with a 21mm wide internal rim bed perfectly accommodating modern wide tire trends. This model achieves ideal balance between aerodynamic performance and all-road adaptability, suitable for both road racing and gravel adventures.

All-Road Technical Features:

  • 41mm depth, combining aerodynamics with stability
  • 21mm wide internal rim bed, accommodating multiple tire specifications
  • Disc brake specific design, reliable all-weather braking
  • Multi-terrain optimization, from road to gravel

Reynolds AR29

Technical Specifications:

  • Wheel Diameter: 29 inches
  • Internal Width: 29mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1650g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 2.0-2.6 inches
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds AR29 is the mountain version of this series, featuring 29-inch large wheel diameter and 29mm internal width design. This model applies the exquisite craftsmanship of road wheelsets to mountain wheelsets, providing mountain cyclists with unique choices.

Mountain Application Optimization:

  • 29-inch large wheel diameter, high rolling efficiency
  • 29mm internal width, modern mountain tire compatibility
  • Reynolds road craftsmanship, excellent quality
  • All-terrain adaptability

Attack Series: Racing-Grade Lightweight Wheelsets

The Attack series is Reynolds' lightweight wheelset product line designed specifically for racing. This series pursues ultimate weight control while maintaining sufficient strength, providing ideal equipment choices for cyclists pursuing speed and climbing performance.

Reynolds Attack

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 24mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1420g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds Attack is one of the brand's lightest road wheelsets, adopting ultra-lightweight design philosophy. This model is particularly suitable for mountain stages and climbing races, providing excellent rigidity and responsiveness while reducing burden.

Lightweight Technology Advantages:

  • Ultimate lightweight design, excellent climbing performance
  • High rigidity carbon fiber materials, high power transfer efficiency
  • Classic low profile design, minimal crosswind impact
  • Racing-grade manufacturing quality, reliability guaranteed

Reynolds Attack Carbon

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 24mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1380g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds Attack Carbon is the top model of this series, adopting the most advanced carbon fiber materials and manufacturing processes. This model provides better rigidity and durability performance while maintaining ultra-light weight.

Assault Series: Classic Aerodynamic Wheelsets

The Assault series is Reynolds' classic aerodynamic wheelset product line. This series adopts deep rim design and advanced aerodynamic technology, providing speed-seeking cyclists with powerful aerodynamic advantages.

Reynolds Assault

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 60mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1850g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds Assault adopts a 60mm deep rim design, optimizing rim shape through precise wind tunnel testing. This model can significantly reduce drag during high-speed cruising, particularly suitable for flat road racing and time trials.

Aerodynamic Technical Features:

  • 60mm deep rim design, excellent aerodynamic performance
  • Wind tunnel tested optimized shape, scientific drag reduction
  • Significant high-speed cruising advantages
  • Time trial specific optimization

Reynolds Assault SLG

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 60mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1780g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds Assault SLG is the lightweight version of this series, adopting SLG (Super Light Grade) technology. This model achieves significant weight reduction through material and structural optimization while maintaining aerodynamic advantages.

SLG Lightweight Technology:

  • Super Light Grade material application
  • Optimized layup structure design
  • Combining weight with aerodynamic performance
  • Top-tier racing quality

Strike Series: Modern Aerodynamic Wheelsets

The Strike series represents Reynolds' latest achievements in modern aerodynamic wheelset technology. This series adopts wide internal rim bed design and advanced aerodynamic concepts, providing ideal solutions for modern cycling sports.

Reynolds Strike

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 46mm
  • Internal Width: 19mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1680g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 25-32mm
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds Strike adopts a 46mm medium depth design and 19mm wide internal rim bed, perfectly accommodating modern wide tire trends. This model achieves ideal balance between aerodynamic performance and practicality.

Modern Design Philosophy:

  • 46mm depth, combining aerodynamics with handling
  • 19mm wide internal rim bed, modern tire compatibility
  • Disc brake specific design, excellent braking performance
  • High all-weather reliability

Reynolds Strike SLG

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 46mm
  • Internal Width: 19mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1620g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 25-32mm
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds Strike SLG adopts lightweight SLG technology, further reducing weight while maintaining Strike series advantages. This model provides ideal choices for performance-seeking modern cyclists.

Mountain Wheelset Series Analysis

TR Series: Trail All-Terrain Wheelsets

The TR series is designed specifically for Trail and All-Mountain riding. This series wheelsets possess excellent strength, lightweight performance, and all-terrain adaptability, making them ideal choices for modern mountain cyclists.

Reynolds TR 309

Technical Specifications:

  • Wheel Diameter: 29 inches
  • Internal Width: 30mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1680g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 2.3-2.8 inches
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds TR 309 adopts a 30mm wide internal rim bed design, perfectly accommodating modern mountain bike wide tires. This model achieves excellent balance between strength and weight, suitable for various Trail riding intensities.

Trail-Specific Features:

  • 30mm internal width, perfect large tire support
  • 29-inch large wheel diameter, high rolling efficiency
  • Combining lightweight with strength
  • Strong all-terrain adaptability

Reynolds TR 309/289

Technical Specifications:

  • Wheel Diameter: 29 inches/27.5 inches optional
  • Internal Width: 30mm (TR 309) / 28mm (TR 289)
  • Weight: Approximately 1650g-1680g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 2.1-2.8 inches
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds TR 309/289 provides both 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheel diameter options, meeting different cyclists' preferences and needs. This series ensures optimal tire performance through precise internal width matching.

Multi-Size Selection Advantages:

  • 29"/27.5" dual size options
  • Optimized internal width matching design
  • Unified manufacturing standards and quality
  • Flexible configuration choices

XC Series: Cross-Country Racing Wheelsets

The XC series is designed specifically for cross-country racing. This series achieves ultimate balance in lightweight and rigidity, providing perfect racing weapons for speed-seeking cross-country cyclists.

Reynolds TR 309/289 XC

Technical Specifications:

  • Wheel Diameter: 29 inches/27.5 inches optional
  • Internal Width: 28mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1550g-1580g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 1.9-2.5 inches
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds TR 309/289 XC is a version optimized specifically for cross-country racing, achieving lighter weight through material and structural optimization. This model provides optimal performance for racing cyclists while maintaining sufficient strength.

Cross-Country Racing Optimization:

  • Ultimate lightweight design
  • High rigidity structure, high power transfer efficiency
  • 28mm internal width, racing tire compatibility
  • Professional racing quality assurance

29er Series: Large Wheel Diameter Specific Wheelsets

The 29er series is designed specifically for 29-inch large wheel diameter mountain bikes. This series fully utilizes the advantages of large wheel diameter, providing mountain cyclists with better rolling efficiency and obstacle clearance performance.

Reynolds 29er Carbon

Technical Specifications:

  • Wheel Diameter: 29 inches
  • Internal Width: 25mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1620g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 2.0-2.5 inches
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds 29er Carbon is optimized specifically for 29-inch wheel diameter, achieving lightweight through carbon fiber materials. This model is particularly suitable for cross-country and All-Mountain riding, providing all advantages of large wheel diameter.

Large Wheel Diameter Specific Advantages:

  • 29-inch specific optimization design
  • Carbon fiber materials, outstanding lightweight
  • Obvious large wheel diameter rolling advantages
  • Strong obstacle clearance capability

Special Purpose Wheelset Series

R Series: Entry-Level High-Quality Wheelsets

The R series is Reynolds' entry-level product line. Although affordably priced, it still maintains Reynolds' professional standards in technology and quality.

Reynolds R4

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 40mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1850g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds R4 adopts a 40mm aerodynamic rim profile, providing entry-level cyclists with aerodynamic performance experience. This model provides reliable performance while maintaining reasonable pricing.

Entry-Level Features:

  • Affordable pricing position
  • 40mm aerodynamic rim profile
  • Reynolds quality assurance
  • Entry wheelset first choice

Reynolds R6

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 60mm
  • Internal Width: 17mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1950g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 23-28mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake specific

Reynolds R6 provides deep rim aerodynamic experience, allowing budget-conscious cyclists to enjoy Reynolds aerodynamic technology. This model is particularly suitable for flat road riding and long-distance cruising.

ATR Series: Adventure/Touring Expedition Wheelsets

The ATR series is designed specifically for long-distance expedition and touring riding. This series emphasizes durability and multi-terrain adaptability, providing reliable equipment assurance for expedition cyclists.

Reynolds ATR

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 28mm
  • Internal Width: 19mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1750g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 28-40mm
  • Brake Type: Rim brake/Disc brake optional

Reynolds ATR is optimized specifically for expedition riding, with 19mm internal width design accommodating multiple tire specifications. This model particularly emphasizes durability and reliability, suitable for long-distance travel and expedition use.

Expedition-Specific Features:

  • Durability-priority design
  • 19mm internal width, multi-tire type compatibility
  • High reliability for long-distance travel
  • Strong multi-terrain adaptability

Reynolds ATR X

Technical Specifications:

  • Rim Height: 28mm
  • Internal Width: 21mm
  • Weight: Approximately 1680g (wheelset)
  • Compatible Tires: 30-45mm
  • Brake Type: Disc brake specific

Reynolds ATR X is the upgraded version of this series, adopting wider internal rim bed design and disc brake specific configuration. This model provides ideal solutions for modern gravel and expedition riding.

Upgraded Version Features:

  • 21mm wide internal rim bed
  • Perfect gravel tire compatibility
  • Disc brake system specific optimization
  • Ideal choice for modern expedition riding

Technical Innovation & Manufacturing Processes

Advanced Material Technology

Reynolds possesses deep accumulation in materials science:

Proprietary Carbon Fiber Formulations: Developing multiple proprietary carbon fiber prepreg formulations, optimized for different applications.

Layup Structure Optimization: Optimizing carbon fiber layup structures through precise calculations, achieving optimal balance of weight and strength.

Strict Quality Control: Establishing strict material quality control systems, ensuring every batch of materials meets standards.

Exquisite Manufacturing Processes

125 years of manufacturing experience has formed unique process systems:

Precision Mold Technology: Using high-precision molds to ensure rim geometric accuracy.

Advanced Molding Processes: Employing advanced carbon fiber molding technology to ensure product consistency.

Strict Testing Standards: Every wheelset undergoes strict quality testing before leaving the factory.

Continuous Process Improvement: Continuously improving manufacturing processes to enhance product quality.

Aerodynamic Research

Reynolds invests heavily in aerodynamics:

Wind Tunnel Testing Facilities: Advanced wind tunnel testing facilities for precise aerodynamic testing.

CFD Computational Analysis: Using advanced computational fluid dynamics software for rim shape optimization.

Real Road Validation Testing: All theoretical designs undergo actual road testing validation.

Multi-Wind Direction Optimization: Considering various wind direction conditions, optimizing wheelset comprehensive performance.

Buying Guide & Recommendations

Road Cyclist Recommendations

Lightweight Climbing: Reynolds Attack Carbon

  • Ultimate lightweight design
  • Excellent climbing performance
  • Racing-grade quality

All-Round Choice: Reynolds AR41

  • Combining aerodynamics with practicality
  • Multi-terrain adaptability
  • Modern wide tire compatibility

Aerodynamic Racing: Reynolds Strike SLG

  • Modern aerodynamic design
  • Lightweight technology application
  • Disc brake system compatibility

Deep Rim Aerodynamics: Reynolds Assault SLG

  • 60mm deep rim aerodynamic advantages
  • SLG lightweight technology
  • High-speed cruising weapon

Mountain Cyclist Recommendations

Cross-Country Racing: Reynolds TR 309/289 XC

  • Ultimate lightweight design
  • Professional racing quality
  • Multi-size options

All-Round Riding: Reynolds TR 309

  • Balance of strength and weight
  • 30mm internal width design
  • Ideal Trail riding choice

29er Specific: Reynolds 29er Carbon

  • Large wheel diameter specific optimization
  • Carbon fiber lightweight materials
  • Outstanding rolling efficiency

Expedition Cyclist Recommendations

Long-Distance Expedition: Reynolds ATR X

  • 21mm wide internal rim bed
  • Durability-priority design
  • Multi-terrain adaptability

Entry Choice: Reynolds R4

  • Affordable pricing position
  • Reynolds quality assurance
  • 40mm aerodynamic experience

Maintenance & Service

Daily Maintenance

Cleaning & Care:

  • Regular wheelset cleaning to maintain optimal condition
  • Using specialized cleaning products
  • Special attention to rim brake surface care

Inspection Items:

  • Regular spoke tension checks
  • Rim wear condition inspection
  • Bearing operation status checks

Professional Service

Reynolds provides comprehensive after-sales service:

Warranty Service: Complete product warranty system Technical Support: Professional technical consultation Repair Service: Professional repair and maintenance Upgrade Advice: Product upgrade consultation

Conclusion

Reynolds, as a legendary wheelset brand with 125 years of history, occupies a unique position in the wheelset industry with its deep technical accumulation, continuous innovation spirit, and pursuit of ultimate quality. From the lightweight Attack series to the aerodynamic Assault series, from the all-round AR series to the professional TR series, Reynolds provides comprehensive wheelset solutions.

The brand's greatest advantage lies in its long historical heritage and deep technical accumulation. 125 years of manufacturing experience has formed unique process systems and quality standards, with every Reynolds wheelset carrying the brand's honor and responsibility. Meanwhile, the brand's continuous innovation in materials science, aerodynamics, and manufacturing processes ensures products always remain at the forefront of technological development.

Choosing Reynolds means choosing legendary brand history, reliable product quality, and professional technical support. Whether you're a professional cyclist pursuing ultimate performance or an amateur enthusiast enjoying riding pleasure, Reynolds can provide the most suitable wheelset choices for you.

In future development, Reynolds will continue to inherit its excellent brand traditions while continuously innovating and progressing, providing global cyclists with even more excellent wheelset products, writing new chapters in wheelset technology development.

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Author

San Zhao is a professional cycling engineer and custom wheel specialist with over 15 years of experience in the cycling industry. an uses expertise in materials and performance to help cyclists customize their carbon wheelset.

Expertise

Custom WheelsetsCycling AerodynamicsCarbon Fiber TechnologyPerformance OptimizationWheel BuildingCycling Engineering

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