We first saw the new Reynolds Enduro Wheelsets at last years Eurobike, and were taken with the distinctive looks and burly carbon chassis with asymmetric spokes. The Reynolds Enduro wheelsets are available in both 27.5 and 29-inch options and both use a 34 mm external (28 mm internal) width hookless bead rims. At a weight of 1678 g (without valves or tape) they are one of the lightest enduro wheelsets on the market and have a small weight advantage against their obvious competition, but does that come at the expense of weight or durability? Well, we have thoroughly abused our set, after 1000 km of rocky trails, numerous races and being passed around the test team like a spliff at a Bob Marley concert we cannot fault the durability.
The carbon layup in the Reynolds Enduro 27.5 has proven immensely strong, in fact after one huge case on a big rock jump which destroyed the rear tire we were certain the rim would be toast, but no, just a few small chips to the lacquer – impressive indeed. The Reynold’s badged Industry 9 Torch hubs are test team favorites, with angled flanges for lower spoke stresses and a 6 pawl mechanism, the 3-degree engagement is lightening fast and produces a wild buzzing noise that sounds like a wasp on meth. Noisy hubs are not for everyone but we love the distinctive Industry 9 Torch freehub howl as we scream through the forest. After 1000 km the bearings are now a little worn but the weather sealing is good (the wheels were tested in Scotland) and are still spinning OK, experience has shown Industry 9 bearing to be easy to press out and replace.
The 28 mm internal width gives a great profile on all the tires we tested, never too wide to throw the tire into an overly square profile, but with enough width to maintain tire sidewall stability. Through the corners the deep sectioned rims are massively stiff, biting hard into ruts and compressions without any nervousness – holding their line tenaciously. Less aggressive riders will find the razor sharp handling and rich feedback a little less forgiving than more compliant alloy rims, but for those who like to race or rail corners and power through rock gardens the burly carbon rim holds any crazy line you’re mad enough to take – with a ride quality is as good as any wheelset currently on the market. The Reynolds Enduro 27.5 are a powerful rim that can be ridden hard and have required minimal tensioning or attention. 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. If you are a frequent huck wizard and break wheels often, Reynolds offer an Assurance Program which is a no questions asked (“I was just riding along honest!”) free replacement service, but this does add a further €189 – €329 (1 – 3 years cover) to the already very substantial cost.
Bottom line on the Reynolds Enduro 27.5 Wheelset
Will spending €2273 on a set of wheels make you ride like Richie Rude? Unfortunately not, they should but they won’t. However, for aggressive riders or racers looking for the ultimate performance from their bikes – and with a wallet to back up their aspirations – the Reynolds Enduro 27.5 Wheelset are superb performers, powerful, accurate and confidence inspiring and with a ride quality that rivals the obvious competition.
For more information on the wheels, head to the Reynolds website.
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