Description It’s a strong, stiff, lightweight aluminum rim with low spoke count, internal spoke nipples, and a shallow-v profile for acceleration. The Solitude is hand-built and loaded with quality for the long h...
Bike Setup: '07 Trek 2100 ZR
Shimano Ultegra Set
Reynolds Solitude Wheelset
Summary: I shifted to these wheels after using my Shimano WH-R550 wheels for almost 3 years now. These wheels are just magnificent. They're 400 grams lighter than my previous wheelset. Very stiff wheels I must say. Acceleration is real quick, and maintaining some pretty high-speeds is a breeze as well. The spokes are round, which kinda doesn't appeal to me, but it makes it much easier to service, and since they're DT spokes and they are so slim, it seems like it doesn't have to be bladed at all! Internal nipples make servicing a little bit more of a hassle but at least they're hidden from external elements, and they look clean. Oh yes, but there's one problem. The rear wheels oscillates when I'm braking. Odd, because it wasn't like that at first. Hopefully the front wheel doesn't have the same problem in the future. Oh, did I mention the skewers are titanium?
Strengths: Price
Smooth hubs
Fully serviceable and replaceable parts
Weight
Aerodynamic Profile
Ti skewers
Weaknesses: Rear wheels oscillates when braking
Similar Products Used: American Classic 420, Fulcrum Racing 3
Bike Setup: 2009 Tarmac Elite, almost stock except for an upgrade to Ultegra brake calipers and a new saddle - the Toupe was a killer for me.
Summary: I bought these wheels after considering both Ksyrium Elites and Fulcrum racing 3s (both 2009 editions). I use the bike primarily for road training, but will be doing Supersprint distance triathlon in teh summer. I wanted a wheelset that I could use both for training and for the tris, and couldn't justify an expensive set of carbon composite wheels. I should say that the purchase price is in Aus dollars.
These wheels have been great, and I've done just over 500km on them so far. Really stiff for me, and I have had no issues with noticeable flexion and they have remained true (I only come in at about 150lbs though). Overall, am really pleased with them. I notice having to put in less effort to keep the same speed once I get them there, and winding them up is effortless. They are great to climb on too.
Strengths: The wheels are stiff, and they get up to speed quickly and hold speed on the flats.
I am on the coast, and the recessed spoke nipples help prevent the sea salt from fouling the nipples and locking them solid;
Aesthetics are good (but not of prime importance to me);
The weight - only marginally heavier than 2009 Ksyrium Elites, and lighter than Fulcrum Racing 3s (these were my other options)
Weaknesses: I haven't found any thus far, but if I do then I will update this review. I have given them a 5 overall, but if I have problems then I will review this.
Similar Products Used: Mavic CXP22 on Specialized-branded hubs
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Summary: At the suggestion of a friend and a customer I decided to look into Reynolds wheelsets. I was looking for something fairly inexpensive yet light(er) as a dedicated race wheelset. I originally was set on picking up a Shimano wheelset possibly their Ultegra or Dura Ace scandium wheels. Shimano isn't necessarily going for the lightest weight in the market, but they are solid solid wheels like the rest of their race component lines. I decided that I would give the Solitudes a shot since they weren't terribly expensive and are lightweight. The hubs are incredibly smooth, this wheel will just keep spinning and spinning. I also noticed a big difference on this wheel at speeds of 25mph or higher. The rim profile is deeper than most others at this price point offering slightly better aerodynamics. I took these to north GA with me for a week and trained in the mountains with them. They felt stable on the descends and were stiff for climbing and sprinting. Overall, I was extremely happy with the performance of the wheel at first. Literally a couple of days into training, I began noticing this nasty grinding when I would brake. At first I thought something was wrong with my brake caliper or pads, but on closer inspection I noticed that the rim surface began developing burrs. I was braking fairly regularly coming down these mountains at speeds between 35-45 mph, but a higher quality race wheel should be able to handle that without an issue. I cleaned the rim surface and pads and hoped that this would help. The next day, the wheel was not chattering as bad, but I tried to brake as little as possible. By this point I began to lose some confidence in the wheel integrity. Finally on the last day of my trip, some of these burrs began to break off the rim and became lodged in the brake pad. When this happened, I would brake and the pieces of aluminum stuck in the pad began to literally shave off the machined surface of the rim. I plucked out all of the metal pieces in my brake pad and inspected the rim. After this I took the wheel off and went back to my old wheelset.I called Reynolds to warranty this wheel. I was told that they would inspect it and replace it if needed. The rep was saying "well I wouldn't know why a machined aluminum rim surface would do this".. Well I'm not sure either, but if this doesn't get fixed, this will be my first and last purchase of a Reynolds product and I will also be very reluctant to offer their products to my customers.
Strengths: Light weight, very smooth hubs, deeper rim profile, non exposed spoke nipples, good looks, inexpensive
Weaknesses: horrible rim surface compromises ride quality and rider safety. rim surfaces naturally wear down from braking over time,. but not within one week.. very chinsy braking surface of rim
Summary: I used these wheels sparingly, roughly 500 miles and have had multiple problems. The front wheel developed a bad pulse and actually started losing metal at the seam from brake wear. The rear wheel did not stay true and I had multiple rim side punctures from loose spokes (rim flex?)even though the tension was correct. after first retentioning (truing)I had a non drive side spoke break off at the rim, something I have never seen in 20+ years of riding especially with a DT butted spoke. The hubs do roll smooth and seem to be the strong point of the wheels. I think if Reynolds spec'd a better/stronger rim then these would be great whels but probably not as light or as inexpensive. In this case you get what you pay for.
Strengths: Great looking.
Smooth rolling.
Light weight.
Weaknesses: Poor rim quality.
Poor rim quality.
poor rim quality.
Similar Products Used: Ritchey Aero Pro
Mavic Classics Pro
Bike Setup: Blue Competition Cycles NX7/Ultegra 10sp.
Summary: This is a follow-up review from a year ago. I have since put 3ooo miles on these wheels.I am a 170lb rider who rides about 100 miles a week on these wheels.(I ride mountain bikes as well)I am very pleased with this wheelset. They have never gone out of true even though I frequently torque them pretty hard on interval sprints. The bearings are still super smooth. I was worried that the decals would not hold up but I am pleased to say that they are still perfect.In my opinion this wheelset is a great all arounder and can't be beat for the money. I'm gonna get another set.
Strengths: Good looks,stays true,smooth bearings,Decals don't peel.
Weaknesses: Rear hub ratchet is loud( I don't care)
Similar Products Used: American classics,Mavics
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