The Strike starts with Reynolds’ exclusive unidirectional carbon fiber layup process in a symmetrical air foil shape recognized as having an exceptionally low drag coefficient. It permits a shorter spoke length for less drag and a smooth ride. It’s fast, quick, stiff, solid and exceptionally smooth. The Strike featured unidirectional carbon fiber, a scrim layer in the carbon braking surface, new, improved Reynolds-specific hubs, standard J-bend spokes, and a very attractive price. Roll up to the line on a pair of these, and you’ll command plenty of respect, and quite a few envious stares.
Weaknesses: Like I said, I am bigger, so the spokes have "complained" once or twice. Hopefully that will not be an issue down the road.
Bottom Line:
I got hit by a car and my settlement left me about $1200 for some aero wheels. I picked up the strikes as my race wheels from BPK. They have been great so far. I am bigger (5'10" 190lbs) so I plan to use them for racing only and do mostly crits. They are really stiff and predictable. Once up to speed, they fly. They spin up well in sprints as well. Just watch big crosswinds (25-30+) when they get a bit uneasy when riding tight in a group.
Strengths: A durable, full carbon, high profile wheel. What else could you ask for? Maybe those cool looking dimples on the Zipps?
Weaknesses: I do believe that TUBULAR tires feel more grip around corners. I've even accidentally locked up my conti sprinter tubulars while moving 20+ mph turning though an intersection. I let up gently, they gripped again, and I was back into the turn. I'm not sure if I would have been sliding over the ground on my hip if that was a clincher. But then again, who ever wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a tubular flat? So there's give and take.
Bottom Line:
I have actually been training on these for a year without any problems. I haven't had to true them. I do recommend anyone with high $$$ wheels inflate tires to just over 120PSI every two weeks as an insurance policy.
These wheels rock!! Nothing else comes close for the price. They're light, stiff, and strong. I've ridden about 2000 miles on these wheels and have not touched them with a spoke wrench. These are my everyday wheels. The brake surface is smooth and consistent and the brakes work as well as any other carbon rim, which never seems to be as good as aluminum, but brakes are for sissies anyway.
Strengths: Strong, light for TT wheels and wheels in the same price bracket, stiff, pretty much bomb proof. Braking excellent compared to other carbon wheels even in the wet (friend has a pair of HeD wheels wit very poor braking).
Weaknesses: Twitchy in strong cross winds (to be expected on aero rims).
Bottom Line:
There are surprisingly few user reviews for the Reynolds strike wheel set out in the internet (or at least there were when I looked). One particularly good review was from test rider (http://www.testrider.com/fly.aspx?layout=player&video=87), which compared the Strike vs SRAM S60s, both of which I was considering.
On the strength of this review and a few other internet forum ramblings I went for the strikes. As with the other reviewer I got everything in the box you need for the wheels including valve extenders, spoke wrench, plastic tyre levers and rim tape.
They have so far only done one 110k ride but it was a fairly tough test of the wheels. They performed well on the ride out soaking up the vibrations from the notoriously poor roads round Manchester, something I was particularly thankful of due to a recently broken arm.
We then took on three reps of the local 10 mile time trial course (J2/1 for any locals). The wind was a strong and gusting cross/coss head however handling wasn't too much of an issue, I managed to stay on the aero bars for all but a few short sections on one of the reps. On the second rep it rained, hard, however braking remained consistent and strong with no real difference between the carbon braking surface on these wheels and the metal rims on my training wheels.
Acceleration and climbing were excellent over the rolling course, with fantastic stiffness under acceleration.
Performance wise I smashed personal best with these wheels, on all three reps, posting a cautious 25.00 on the first rep, a 24.30 on the second and an exhausted 26.00 on the third.
On the way home I hit a couple of really crappy bits of road (small pot holes etc) and the wheels are still true with no damage to the rims at all.
Strengths: They are clinchers! I've been looking for a deep section clincher and couldn't pass up a good deal on these wheels. Glad i grabbed them when i did, they come complete with everything required to get on the road, valve extenders, tire levers, rim tape and skewers. Did i mention they look great. Didn't notice any deflection when i stood up on hills (i'm a clydesdale so most wheels move some), they are the same weight as my old wheelset but over twice as deep. The rear hub makes that nice subtle clicking noise when you push it into transition!!
Weaknesses: none yet
Bottom Line:
I only have about 20 miles on these wheels but wanted to get some feedback on these. They are great, they roll faster than my eastons and for the first ride of the season on the tri bike i was able to beat last years time trial (15 miles) by over 1 minute. I can feel the cars go by due to teh deeper rim section. The wheels look great are dead nuts true and feel fast.
I'll post again in a couple months when i have more miles on them.
Hi everyone
Just wanted to come on and post bout my terrible experience with Reynolds Cycling and their Strike 66mm Wheels.
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I recently got a great deal on a set of Reynolds Strike wheels with Shimano freehub and would like to convert them to use with my current Campy Chorus set up.
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