High Rollin: 5 Premium Carbon Wheels in Test

Reynolds Enduro 27.5 Review

If you like being noticed on the trails, then the Reynolds Enduro wheels are for you, with loud graphics, a huge volume and howling freehub they demand attention.

Reynolds has been making wheels for some time now and we have been really impressed with last year’s BLACK LABEL rims. The new Enduro wheelsets are available in both 27.5 and 29 inch with a 28 mm internal width. The rim itself is huge and has a very distinctive silhouette on the bike. The hookless bead rims seem to hold a tire really well and we experienced no issues swapping tires, even heavy DH bead versions. Like the IBIS wheels, Reynolds chooses to use the Industry Nine Torch hubs with Reynolds logos etched onto the sides. The angled flanges allow reduced spoke stress and a higher tension, combined with the burly rims this adds up to a very stiff and accurate ride. We like the 28 mm internal width which seems to work very well with tires from 2.35 right up to the latest 2.5’s.

Even after two spokes were broken in a fight with a large stick they did not lose their true before we could replace them. The Industry Nine hub’s 3-degree engagement results in almost instant power transfer and the lightweight rims spin up to speed rapidly. The Reynolds Enduro’s handle very much like the ENVE rims, in that they are very stiff, powerful and hold a crazy line like a bloodhound on a scent. Every tiny bump and imperfection in the trail can be felt, it’s a hard ride but riders who thrive on feedback and responsiveness will love them. We didn’t like the CentreLock-only disc mount option, but were pleased to see a 6 bolt adaptor included that worked well with no noise through testing.

The Reynolds Enduro 27.5 are a powerful rim that can be ridden hard and demand minimal tensioning or attention. The Reynolds are a direct alternative to ENVE’s for those looking for a race focussed wheel for maximum accuracy and feedback. Those looking for more compliance would be better suited with something less stiff.

For more information head to reynoldscycling.com