If you ride disc brakes on or race on pavement, gravel, or charge into the ego crushing courses of the cyclocross world, a high performance carbon clincher wheelset should be on your wish list. Throw in tubeless capability and a wide rim structure and now you're talking. Certainly road disc enthusiasts who require allroad versatility should be paying attention by now. At under $1600, the Reynolds Assault Carbon Clincher Disc TL Wheelset should move quickly to the top of your list. The 41mm Assault SLG rim profile is perfect for moderate aero performance, rapid acceleration, and anything involving mud or sand. Sounds interesting, right? Add in thru-axle end caps standard (12, 15mm front, 12mm rear), with the option to purchase 100/135 QR end caps as well, and "versatile" seems almost too limiting.

The speed and performance of the Assault Carbon Clincher Disc TL design is well known. By developing a disc brake version, the rim becomes disc specific, you, know- with no brake track making it lighter stronger, etc. The 25mm wide, 439 gram Assault rim features quality workmanship and construction in a sub-1600 gram 41mm section disc wheelset. Lighter, stiffer, and faster than previous versions of the rim, aerodynamics have been improved through Computational Fluid Dynamics with the development of the Enhanced SLG, or Swirl Lip Generator. This is essentially a groove on both sides of the rim profile that drastically improves air flow, reduces drag, and assists in wheel stability. To build the Assault rim Reynolds sources aerospace-quality carbon fiber from Japan, developed specifically to Reynolds specifications. The engineers employ their PR3 methodology, precisely assigning different carbon fiber lay-ups to three distinct regions of the rim. Each lay-up (fiber, resin, and epoxy) is optimized for the specific requirements of that area. For example, the strength requirement of the rim hook tubeless bead is much different from the rim shell profile, but inner wall has its own standards for supporting high tension spokes. As such, these areas have different construction. Reynolds considerable experience in cycling and working with carbon composites informs these decisions.

The Assault SLG disc rim has a 17mm internal width rim channel that is tubeless ready (with tape). This allows the flexibility to run a tubeless clincher or a regular clincher tire with an inner tube. The versatility is also attributed to the 25mm rim width and 41mm section profile. Paired with a 23-25mm tire, the footprint is larger for exceptional grip and handling. Stability comes from the combination of the mid-section profile and the increased width. You won't be buffeted by cross winds, nor get tentative on rough roads or in off-camber corners. The Assault SLG accelerates immediately, and the aerodynamics help you hold speed when in the wind, or when drafting. The lateral stiffness will impress you, and the vertical compliance will surprise you. For gravel and cyclocross riders this compliance is not just a benefit, but a requirement even with tires up to 35mm

Both front and rear wheels feature 24 Sapim CX Sprint bladed spokes are laced 2x all around to Reynolds Allroad Center Lock Disc hubs, using alloy nipples. When properly tensioned on the stout rim, power transfer is immediate and braking forces are controlled. No wind-up here. This is one of the huge benefits of straight-pull spokes for disc wheels and explains the lower spokes counts. Remember, these aren't mountain bike wheels, but highly capable road or cross wheels. Another important reason to run straight-pull spokes is to protect the rim, and hence the rider, from impacts. On impact, the rim can compress a little, with the spokes allowed to correspondingly slide inside the hub interface. J-Bend spokes rely on the spokes actually bending at impact and that response is mitigated by higher tension. Straight-pull spokes can be run at higher tension without compromising rim integrity or impact protection, and build out to a more laterally stiff, resilient wheel that defeats disc braking and acceleration torsion at the hub. The CNC machined alloy hubs themselves are strong, and feature sealed cartridge bearing that are as smooth and durable as they are simple to maintain. Many know these hubs were made in partnership with Industry Nine, and the 10 degree, 36 points of engagement freehub system I9 is known for engages surely and quickly for prompt pedal input and acceleration.

The simplicity and solid feel of the Center Lock disc interface continues to gain converts. Removing or installing rotors takes seconds and the overall system is lighter than 6-bolt options. The hubs are equipped a 12 or 15/100 thru-axle in the front and 12/142mm in the rear. The Reynolds rim tape and valves for tubeless set-up is a proven system that delivers reliable results with proper Tubeless Ready tires.

The bottom line is that Reynolds makes durable carbon rim wheels that have proven aerodynamics and underrated ride quality. Now with the disc brake version, all conditions riding and racing has gotten simpler, with more predictable and powerful braking. The tubeless system offers you the best of clincher options. The Assault Carbon Clincher Disc TL Wheelset not only performs at a high level, and holds up to the abuse of gravel and cross, but comes in at a great price. You could spend much more and not be as happy as you would be with this wheelset. Use the savings to invest in tires, a carbon bar, or whatever. Reynolds understands your needs and has your best interests at heart. It is time you served them as well.