Reynolds

Thirty Two T Tubular Wheelset

The Thirty Two stands on its own within the Reynolds line of wheels. Sure, there're a couple of other 32mm wheels, but they don't come within 300 grams of the Reynolds Thirty Two T Tubular Wheelset. So, with a shallow profile and an overall weight that's under 1100 grams, the Thirty Two could just as well be called the Reynolds Climber.

Comparing the Thirty Two to any other Reynolds wheels is a bit like comparing apples-to-oranges. In fact, tipping the scales around a respectable 1075 grams, the Thirty Two's closest weight competitor is the insanely light RZR 46 (968g). How was it done? With Reynolds' CR6 Hybrid Carbon, of course. This is the same carbon fiber found in the Aero line of wheels. It's used in both lines because it allows a high level of torsional and lateral rigidity without the detriment of stacking grams. And for the Aero line, its light weight and high tensile strength keeps the weight of a 26.2mm wide rim down. 

When used on the Thirty Two's maximum width of 20.8mm and a rim depth of 32mm, rotational weight becomes almost negligible. So, it can be asserted that while the Thirty Two's aerodynamics play a vital role in its design, it hasn't undergone the same extensive DET tunnel-testing as the Aero series. However, like the RZR 46, the Thirty Two has received Reynolds' Swirl Lip Generator (SLG) technology. It's easy to miss, but the leading edge of the rim features a 0.9mm lip in order to widen it near the spoke face. Accordingly, this minimizes pressure drag by reducing side forces on the rim, leaving room for responsiveness and weight to be the paramount characteristics of the Thirty Two. And along these lines, you'll find that the wheels roll up to speed quickly, and demand less user-force to keep them there. Additionally, its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio guarantees a nimble reaction to your force when you jump to pin down a climbing break.

While the Aero and Thirty Two differ in functionality, both wheels are constructed with the same proprietary carbon technology. 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 Thirty Two. 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 Thirty Two is strengthened at strategic points, and benefits from a light overall weight. Additionally, the wheel's layup provides high levels of lateral and torsional rigidity under load.

With the Thirty Two, Reynolds also addressed an all-too-common ailment to carbon wheels -- poor 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 DT Swiss Aerolite spokes in the front and 24 spokes in a two-cross, drive-side pattern at the rear. These have been laced to DT Swiss straight-pull hubs, and the wheels attach with Reynolds' new camlock quick-release skewers. Please note that while the Thirty Two's internal nipples decrease your drag footprint, truing the wheels will require a Reynolds-specific internal spoke wrench.

The Reynolds Thirty Two T Tubular Wheelset is available in the color Black with White labels and in a tubular 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.