Create a swirl at the races: 2015 Reynolds Assault SLG Disc carbon tubular wheels features the Swirl Lip Generator, and a 41mm deep, 25mm wide rim with external nipples. © Cyclocross Magazine
We’ve previewed the 2015 Reynolds Assault SLG Disc wheels, along with other Reynolds wheels relevant to cyclocrossers, at the 2014 Winter Press Camp and Summer Press Camp. Since then, we’ve been putting a set through extensive testing, and can now offer a detailed look at the Reynolds Assault SLGs in photos and specs.
2015 Reynolds Assault Disc carbon tubular wheels. © Cyclocross Magazine
The complete carbon tubular wheelset is quite light, and weighs out at 595 grams for the front wheel, and 785 grams for the rear wheel. Reynolds lists the total weight of the set at 1315g, and while the new model with the Centerlock hubs might be lighter, out own test wheels came out to a total of 1380g, which is still light for disc wheels.
Our early Assault SLG Disc test set comes with 6-bolt disc brake hubs, but as Rob Aguero, Director of Sales & Marketing at Reynolds Cycling, told us, Centerlock will be the company’s preferred rotor mount going forward, and showcased Centerlock disc hubs at Summer Press Camp.
As Reynolds invests more in disc brake wheels, they are also building towards more Centerlock hubs
Centerlock is coming on the new Assault SLG disc wheels, making rotor installation quicker, and the system lighter.
24 straight-pull psokes, 11-speed, 135mm spacing. 205 Reynolds Assault Disc carbon tubular wheels. © Cyclocross Magazine
Both wheels feature 24 straight-pull DT Aero Comp spokes with external alloy nipples should you need to true the wheels after a mishap. The rear hub is set for 135mm rear spacing and is 11-speed compatible. Two 5mm Allen keys are all you need to perform maintenance on the hubs.
Look closely at the first photo up top and you might notice a small step on the Assault SLG rim’s leading edge. This is one of the key differentiating factors of the Reynolds Cycling rim—a bulge that the company calls “SLG” (Swirl Lip Generator). It’s designed through countless hours in the wind tunnel (albeit with a narrower road tire) to reduce drag and save you precious seconds. Paired with the 41mm depth, the Assault SLG Disc wheels could also be great dual-duty wheels for offseason road racing or triathlons, provided you have a disc brake road bike.
As with almost every other tubular rim, the rim profile is optimized for narrower road tires, so making sure the cx tire makes good glue contact with the center channel is key. © Cyclocross Magazine
Not yet sold on disc brakes? Reynolds Cycling also offers non-disc versions of the Assault SLG, complete with the Cryogenic Glass Transition (CTg) braking surface. CTg is Reynolds’ patented carbon fiber rim-and-proprietary brake pad pairing that is said to offer best-in-class rim braking while running up to 53% cooler than standard carbon rims and pads.
Although we’re testing the tubular model, the Assault SLG Disc wheels also come in clincher form, keeping the same 25mm external width, with a 17mm internal width between the rim’s hooks.
The Assault SLG Disc wheels are one of a handful of high-end wheels offered by Reynolds Cycling that look appropriate for the rigors of cyclocross. Aguero, said it’s no coincidence, explaining, “Cyclocross is our next big thing, and we love the fact that it’s so family-friendly.”
The 25mm width provides good shoulder support for the width of a cyclocross tubular. © Cyclocross Magazine
Nervous about spending $1800 on a set of wheels that will suffer the rigors and perils of cyclocross? We don’t blame you, but Reynolds Cycling hopes to ease that anxiety and cover that risk with its RAP program (Reynolds Assurance Program). For $250 more, the company will repair or replace damaged wheels, no questions asked.
We’ve still got our eye on the company’s carbon 29er tubeless options as possible strong and lightweight tubeless option, but stay tuned for our full review of the tubular Assault SLG Disc wheels in an upcoming review-packed print magazine.
Reynolds Assault SLG Disc Carbon Tubular Wheel Specs:
MSRP: $1850
Weight: 595g front, 785g rear, 1380g actual (6-bolt). 1315g list.
Width: 25mm wide
Depth: 41mm deep
Spokes: 24 straight DT Aero Comp straight pull, 2x, external alloy nipples
Hubs: 6-bolt rotor mounts, 135mm rear spacing, 11-speed compatible (Centerlock coming Fall 2014)
More info: ReynoldsCycling.com
Reynolds Assault SLG Disc Carbon Tubular Wheels Photo Gallery:
