Reynolds DV46C

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Not much of a wheel. Were shipped from Reynolds (MacLean Quality Composities) and both wheels were wobbly out of the box, as in not perfectly true. After minimal riding, one of the spokes in the rear kept coming loose. I'd tighten it, and it would come loose immediately again after riding. Also, the rear rim would go out of true just from inflating a tire on it up to 120 psi. Reynolds replaced the rear rim, and rebuilt it for me, but they took forever, and promised me a timeline and broke the promise. The whole experience is enough to turn me off Reynolds.

Strengths:
Weight. Aero.

Weaknesses:
Not very stiff. Not very durable. Braking is mediocre.

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager carbon wheels, which brake better and are much stiffer and more durable.

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
West Maui

Bike Setup:
Cervelo R3, full Dura Ace, Fulcrum Cranks

Summary:
Very happy with these wheels. The DT Swiss hubs seem to roll well. Very stiff and excellent for climbing . I was surpised to learn that tires mount easily (had heard it was difficult). Compared to the 404's I have ridden they are stiffer, lighter and climb better, but may have a little harsher ride.

Strengths:
Stiffness, weight, hubs and aero.

Weaknesses:
Nothing that I can tell, even the price is reasonable as compared to competitive products.

Similar Products Used:
Zipp 404, White Ind. hubs & DT Swiss RR-1 wheelset.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Parlee Z3c custom, Record, Open Corsas

Summary:
After 1400 miles still perfectly true, thank goodness because nipples are hidden inside rim and tires are a bear to get off. I broke two tire levers changing my one and only flat. Only plastic levers are recommended. Zero gravity brakes with swiss stop pads work well but have to be toed in just right to limit squealing...still get a little when really clamping down. I got extra spokes because I weigh 185-190 lbs. Still only weighed 1510 grams. Like the look and very stiff, in a good way. Hard to judge if really any faster but assume they are.

I'm giving high ratings in comparison with other carbon aero wheels...not necessarily in comparison to other more conventional wheels which clearly are better value and have different advantages and disadvantages. I like these wheels but they are clearly an indulgence.

Strengths:
Stiff, light (for a deep rim clincher)and good looking.

Weaknesses:
Hard to change tires. Carbon rims require special pads and still can have some brake squeal.

Similar Products Used:
Circuits, Orion IIs, Mavic Open Pro/Dura Ace