Found on a number of UCI EWS and DH circuits, Reynolds wheels have received praise through a range of victories over the seasons. Today, the wheel brand has launched four new wheelsets for downhill and enduro riding, having dialled in 40% more compliance.

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Reynold's latest wheel collection comes after close collaboration with some of the world's top athletes in enduro and downhill racing which enabled the brand to identify key areas where performance could be boosted, but also so the wheels can be tested at the highest level. While Reynolds believes that conventional mindsets look towards adding stiffness to wheels, its designers have increased compliance in order to improve tracking capabilities and control.

As a result, the 307 and 309 wheelsets get an all-new rim design for the brand with the Blacklable307 and 309 rims looking very different with a 5.5mm shallower profile. Slimming down this profile enables more vertical compliance in the wheel, so much so that Reynolds reckons it made this wheel 40% more compliant in its IDM and Black Labe guise, while the TR version is said to be 30% more compliant.

On top of that, the new rim profile is slightly asymmetric, resulting in more even spoken tensions and a stronger wheel build. The rims feature a 30mm internal width with a 37mm external which the brand reckons makes for a better tyre interface while adding even more compliance through better tyre performance.

2023 reynolds wheels.png, by Liam Mercer

It's not just about strength and compliance as there has been a focus on efficiency and, as the asymmetric profile helps with that, the Pro version of the wheelset comes with Industry Nine produced Black Label Hydra hubs, which are fully CNC machined and offer a 0.52-degree engagement. The Expert and TR level wheels get Ringle Super Bubba X and Bubba hubs.

As for the carbon fibre that's chosen to create the rims, Renyolds has picked its IDM Matrix which the brand says uses the highest quality carbon fibres with a unique resin and a considered layup to achieve durability, as well as vibration damping

Coming in 29in and 650b sizes, there are DH and enduro-specific models with the former receiving a 32-hole build for stiffness and the latter a 28-hole build to add forgiveness over those big races.

As for prices, wheelsets start at £1,350 and go up to £2,200.

• hayesbicycle.com

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