Reynolds DV46C

Price Paid:  $1900.00

Favorite Ride:
Emigration Canyon

Bike Setup:
Seven Odonata/ID 8
Campy super record 11
Fulcrum racing 1 wheels

Summary:
Although this wheel has some great attributes, overall it is a lousy investment. I have melted the rear rim twice while descending steep technical hills. I am 6'1" and 200 lbs. but they do not put a weight restriction on them. Reynold's stood beside the product and replaced the rim both times but it took a long time. The braking is terrible. They are also terrible in a crosswind. After the second melting, with the terrible braking and the lousy riding in crosswinds, I lost tons of confidence on steep descents and wasn't having fun. I finally gave up on them and am very happily on a pair of Fulcrum racing one's. They (the reynolds) are also very creaky/noisy (Not just the sound of a deep carbon wheel).

Strengths:
Fast on flats and 1-3% descents.
Look great
Reynold's stood behind them
reasonable weight for deep v rim

Weaknesses:
Melt with intense braking.
Lousy braking
tough in crosswinds
noisy(creaking)
expensive

Similar Products Used:
Reynold's dv46t
Rolf vigor
Ksyrium sl ssc
Fulcrum racing 1

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at ebay

Bike Setup:
Pinarello Prince, SRAM Red

Summary:
Reynolds DV46C is one of the best carbon clinchers on the market. They hold up very well and believe me I ride on less than medium quality roads. I use them as an everyday wheels set and so far they've been fantastic. I've ridden them in up to 25mph wind but even then they performed very well.

Strengths:
Light, durable, easy to maintain

Weaknesses:
Price, internal nippels

Price Paid:  $2100.00 at Cbikes

Favorite Ride:
Got to have hills

Bike Setup:
07 Orbea Orca
Ultegra
FSA Compact
Michelin PRO2 tires

Summary:
I have put a 1000 miles on a set 09 UL. I have grown to really love these wheels. The combination of DT Hubs and carbon rims make for a much smoother ride. The wheels are light and stiff enough for a 180 recreational rider. They spin up quickly and hold speed. I had some brake squeal issues but with some adjustment and SwissStop Yellows I was able to minimize it; though not completely eliminate it. The wheels are still true after several bumbs and bangs.

Strengths:
Light, fast, smooth, had have held true

Weaknesses:
Carbon wheels will have some brake squeal more often than aluminum alloy wheels. Brake power is good but not the same as aluminum.

Similar Products Used:
Rolf Vigor RS
Easton Orion II

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.