Reynolds

Assault C Clincher Wheelset

You simply can't beat the reliability and practicality of clinchers. However, until recent years, the argument could have been made that carbon clinchers didn't embody these characteristics whatsoever. But, with its Assault C Clincher Wheelset, Reynolds has addressed and solved the common issues of poor braking, high weights, and flexiness. Now, the Assault Cs deliver carbon clinchers that actually stop without the worry of overheating, offer a competitive weight classification, and rigidity levels on par with nearly any tubular wheel.

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 around a feathery 1465 grams. This places them just around 20 grams over 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. Additionally, you'll find that the Assault controls price by opting for Reynolds Racing hubs over DT Swiss, and DT Swiss Revolution spokes instead of DT Aerolites. But, the 20 gram differential adds little to the rotational weight department. So, the wheels still roll up to speed quickly, and demand less user-force to keep them there when compared to weightier carbon clinchers.

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 actual build, Reynolds used 20 radial-laced spokes in the front and 24 spokes in a two-cross, drive-side pattern at the rear. These have been laced to Reynolds Racing straight-pull hubs, and the wheels attach with steel-shafted quick-release skewers. Please note that while the Assault's internal nipples decrease your drag footprint, truing the wheels will require a Reynolds-specific internal spoke wrench.

The Reynolds Assault C Wheelset is available in the color Black and in a clincher configuration. Please note that the rear wheel is offered with either a Shimano or Campagnolo 11-speed. 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.