Reynolds DV46C UL Clincher Wheelset

Let me explain If you want the lightest wheelset available, this will not cut itlook at lightweights. If you want the most aerodynamic wheelset under perfect conditions ie. zero windyou will find better Zipp is a possibility. However, if you are looking for a light, clincher flats do happen, aero wheelset that you will actually notice a slight, but noticeable advantage, whether going up or down hills, or simply going on a flat with or against the wind, this is a wheelset to take into serious consideration they are not as noisy as the competition.

I used to use the mavic ssc sl, which served me well for the past few years. I still have them, and I intend to continue using them during the winter, and for the trainer. However, after the past 2 months of using the Reynolds DV46C UL clinchers, I just cannot justify going back to the mavic ssc sl, for everyday riding. Do not get me wrong, they Mavics are very good wheels. I am 190 lbs, and 6'3". I've only had to get the trued once and I ride over nasty roads. The Mavics are very good, but my new Reynolds are just great. They seem to float compared to the Mavics. Somewhere I read that you get the most change in ride quality first out of your wheelset, then from your frame, and last from your componentry in terms of major purchases. I do not want to get into the role of saddles, pedal systems, andor clothing, which admittedly make a big difference in terms of bang for buck. These wheels are not inexpensive, but if you already own a top tier framecomponentry, and are looking to complete the package, these may be your ticket. They have the additional advantage of not being a "me too" product at least, not yet.

A few things worthy of note the ride seems to me to be a bit harsher. This is ameliorated by having a Cervelo R3 frame, which has a similar carbon layup as the Reynolds DV46C UL clinchers at the risk of sounding trite, your mileage may vary. On the upside, they are very responsive, and this is a trade-off that, to me, is a no-brainer. I do have the Swiss Stop Flash Yellow Carbon Brake Pads, which have allowed me to notice absolutely no difference in breaking from the prior iteration of aluminum wheels, and standard dura-ace pads.

Last, and, yes, least at least from the performance stand-point, these are some nice looking wheels. Be prepared to engage in small talk with complete strangers opening the line of conversation with this wheelset as the topic. I cannot imagine these not being an aesthetic complement to any bike out there.

If you have read up to this point, you may be wondering whether you should take this amateurish review seriously all I can tell you is that if I did not really like this product and trust me, I have purchased many expensive mediocre products,

I picked up a set of these wheels in January 09. I have them on a Spec. Tarmac SL. They are now my everyday training wheels, travel wheels I have a S&S Ti Merlin for travel and Crit wheels. Super light and very fast accelerating wheels. I like to sprint and these wheels are very reactive and stiff. I have Zipp 404s I flex the rear 404 too much in a sprintjump...even at 160lb rider weight!! and I think these are faster accelerating wheels. I also found the Zipp 404s more suceptible to cross winds they are taller at 58 cm verus 46 cm for the DV46s. Cross winds windy days 15mph seem to breeze through these better. I've had these out 22mph winds and was no worse off than they guys on traditional boxer wheels. I may give it to the Zipp 404s for top end over these wheels but these are proving much more durable than my 404s. I also have a set of SDV66Ts that beat out in my opinthe Zipps on top end. I had Mavic Kryserium SSC SL clinchers on this bike originally...and 404s for racing. The Mavics have now been relegated to the "wheel truck" wheels...and the 404s are going on eBay. The Kryseriums are like riding egg beaters compared to these Reynolds wheels. The Clincher version of these wheels give me more flexibility in tires which I like. The Vittoria EVO CX clincher Michelin latex tubes gives me near tubular performance for races...& I use the Continental 4000S for everyday trainingfast group rides.

Peter