Reynolds

Strike Disc Carbon Wheelset - Tubeless

Reynolds has long been a leader in developing carbon brake tracks that actually work, but not even the impressive CTG brake track can match the reliability and modulation of the Strike Disc Brake Carbon Wheelset's titular stoppers. There are two differences between these and their 2017 rim-brake counterparts: spoke count is up and the carbon layup was tweaked. Both changes account for the different load requirements of disc brakes by increasing torsional stiffness in order to keep that modulation nice and responsive.

Braking aside, though, these are 62mm carbon hoops, so their primary objective is to go. And go fast. Toward this end, the Strikes return in 2017 with Reynolds' Enhanced Swirl Lip Generator (SLG), a 0.9mm shelf of carbon on the rims' distal face that controls the passage of air across the rim's surface. Tests at the A2 Wind Tunnel confirmed that it translates to a 12.5 second gain over a distance of 40 kilometers—a 35% improvement that's welcome on the already-slippery Strike more than any other wheel in Reynolds' Performance line. SLG also reduces drag by 20% at a yaw angle of 10 degrees. According to Alphamantis, Inc., we spend most of our races at 10 degrees, so the Strike's Advanced SLG is most effective when we're most in need.

As with the shallower Attack and Assault wheels, the Strikes return with tubeless functionality. You can still run the Strike as a traditional clincher, but the rims' redesigned shelves and lips hold a tubeless tire securely at low or high PSI. The lower rolling resistance and comfort of a tubeless ride is complemented by the Strike's wide rim. It's 17mm internally, a width Reynolds calls "modern" but we call less rolling resistance, better cornering, and a more comfortable ride. This is all due to the increased air volume afforded by 17mm vs the traditional 15mm (or smaller). While that may seem small compared to some of the arms-race rim widths we're seeing across the industry, 17mm is actually in line with ISO recommendations for 25mm tires, the new racing standard.