If you ride or race on gravel, or charge into the ego crushing course of the cyclocross world, a high performance carbon clincher wheelset should be on your wish list. The trend in those venues is towards disc brakes, and if that is your preference, add disc to your dream wheel model. Through in tubeless capability and a wide rim structure and now you're talking. Certainly road disc enthusiasts should be paying attention by now. At under $1900, the Reynolds Assault SLG Disc Brake Clincher 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?

The speed and performance of the Assault SLG Carbon Clincher design is well known. By developing a disc brake version, the rim becomes disc specific, with no brake track. The 25mm wide Assault SLG 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.

Both front and rear wheels feature 24 DT Aerocomp bladed spokes are laced 2x all around to Reynolds Road Center Lock Disc hubs, using DT 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 stiffer, more resilient wheel that defeats disc braking and acceleration torsion at the hub. The alloy hubs themselves are strong, and feature sealed cartridge bearing that are as smooth and durable as they are simple to maintain. The freehub system 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 set-up for quick release use (100/135mm spacing) and can easily be adapted with the supplied end caps to 12 or 15mm thru-axle in the front and 12/142 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 SLG Disc Brake Clincher Wheelset not only performs at a high level, and holds up to the abuse of gravel and cross, but comes in under $1900. 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.