CycleOps

G3/Reynolds 46mm Carbon Clincher Wheelset with JOULE GPS

While we all know that the art of carbon wheel manufacturing is a science, we tend to forget that training and racing are as well. Two of the most innovative companies from these fields got together to form the CycleOps G3/Reynolds 46mm Carbon Clincher Wheelset with Joule GPS. Now, whether you're training or racing, you have the right tools for the job.

In terms of weight, the G3/46mm wheelset tips the scales around a respectable 1590 grams. This is due, in part, to CycleOp's selection of the venerable Reynolds Assault carbon clinchers for the rims. Sitting near the top of its 'Performance' line, Reynolds constructed the Assault's rim from its PR3 Hybrid Carbon. As a result, the wheels tip the scales just around 20 grams heavier than the Reynolds Forty Six clinchers. However, both wheels share a nearly identical mold, measuring out to a maximum width of 20.8mm and a rim depth of 46mm. So, while aerodynamics and stability rank rather evenly, the ride characteristics differ in response to the Assault's slightly heavier carbon layup, although the Assault still features an impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio.

And while the two wheels are differentiated by a few variables, both wheels are constructed with the same proprietary carbon technology, only varying in the layup. The recipe consists of three technologies -- Hybrid Modulus Laminate (HLM), Variable Resin Chemistry (VRC), and Inert Gas Compaction (IGC). Basically, these three systems work harmoniously to construct the Assault. HLM is a method used to assign specific carbons and layups at different points of the rim. So, through this method, Reynolds placed different carbons and layups at the tire channel, brake track, side wall, internal nipple bed, and spoke face. Then, with VRC, Reynolds' exclusive resins bond the different laminates into a single structure. And lastly, IGC is used to mold and cure the rim in what Reynolds deems as the most ideal of environments. As a result of this construction process, the Assault is strengthened at a strategic points, and benefits from a light overall weight. Additionally, the wheel's layup provides higher levels of lateral and torsional rigidity under load than prior iterations.

With the Assault, Reynolds also addressed an all-too-common ailment to carbon clinchers -- poor, and sometimes dangerous, braking. The solution was found through the development of what Reynolds calls its Crynogenic Glass Transition Braking System (CTg). Essentially, this is a patented braking design that required both a redesign of the brake track laminate and pads. Accordingly, CTg uses a temperature-conductive laminate at the brake track's transition points that withstands higher levels of heat than typical carbon laminates. And when paired with Reynolds' polymer Cryo Blue brake pads, braking becomes more predictable and requires less finicky feathering on fast descents.

For the build, CycleOps used 20 radial-laced DT Swiss Competition spokes in the front and 24 spokes in a two-cross, drive-side pattern at the rear. These have been laced to a 100g CycleOps front hub and a PowerTap G3 rear hub. The new PowerTap G3 rear hub is a power meter on a diet. An 80-gram weight reduction from the popular SL+ makes the G3 rear hub the lightest power meter in the world. CycleOps improved on the rigidity of previous models for the G3 by shrinking the hub profile and widening the flanges, ending the days of heavy, stiff, paint bucket-sized rear hubs. With the distractions of weight and stealth design out of the way, CycleOps improved the functionality and accuracy of data gathering. For one, CycleOps moved the orientation of the electronics that transmit user data to the end cap of the freehub body. With the new positioning, it's now possible to remove the electronics for service without swapping out the entire wheel, equating to more time in the saddle and fewer headaches.

The new G3 is equipped with an ANT+ wireless transmitter that sends power, torque, speed, and virtual cadence data to CycleOps' Joule GPS unit, which translates ANT+ (note that it doesn't work with Yellow CPUs). The G3 is capable of storing up to 15 hours of data in one-second gathering intervals, and up to 30 hours of data in two-second gathering intervals. The G3 design still has a 'torque tube' with eight strain gauges, yielding measurements accurate within +/- 1.5% between 40 and 130 rpm.

If you're used to the Joule 2.0, you'll be happy to hear that the new Joule GPS Computer still uses the customizable dashboard to display your selected data. It also features a similar joystick-type controller to toggle between your desired metrics, modes, or reports that you want displayed on the dashboard. A huge advantage of power training with the Joule GPS, compared to that of competitors', is the Joule's ability to set automatic intervals by simply hitting a button. It also features an auto-interval countdown to let you know how much longer you have to turn yourself inside out. And while ride data is saved in one second intervals, the Joule Computer allows up to 999 intervals and 40 hours of second-by-second data to be saved onboard.

The Joule GPS Computer displays 18 metrics at a time, like watt/kg, peak power, power zones, heart rate zones, temperature, surge count, altitude gained/lost, grade percentage, and much more. You still have access to Report Mode, which holds your historical averages stored in increments of one week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, six months, and 12 months. This mode is not only useful for post-ride analysis of how your training is progressing, but it also allows reports to be accessed on-the-fly during a ride. The Joule GPS also allows analysis of historical data to be compared with your current ride data, as well. Altogether, there are 58 metrics available for history reports that include power detail, work, peak power, and climbing. The Joule Computer is able to be mounted on the front of the handlebars or on the stem, and comes with the mounts for each of these options. Its battery life is around 20 hours, and uses a rechargeable battery. And when your training is done for the day, you're able to upload your data from the CPU to your home computer.

The CycleOps G3/Reynolds 46mm Carbon Clincher Wheelset with Joule GPS is available in the color Black and in a clincher configuration. Please note that the rear wheel is offered with either a Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo 11-speed compatible freehub body. Also, every wheelset includes two pairs of Reynolds Cryo Blue Brake Pads. Reynolds recommends only using its proprietary pads, and the use of any other brake pads will result in a void of your warranty. Please note that while the Forty Six's internal nipples decrease your drag footprint, truing the wheels will require a Reynolds-specific internal spoke wrench.