A sub 1500 gram disc brake road wheelset that can double up in cross season? Sign us up. And you don't have to sell an organ to make it happen? Perfect. Don't believe us? The Reynolds Attack Disc Brake Clincher Wheelset tips the scales at 1454 grams and sells for $1800. The Attack Disc Clincher is tubeless ready with a 25mm wide rim that is responsive and fast, as well as strong enough for cross. There are several similar wheelsets out there that cost nearly twice as much, and sure are fine, but do these wheels really offer twice the performance, durability, or capability? That is for you to decide, but we know and trust the expertise Reynolds has with carbon composites, and value the their lengthy commitment to, and direct involvement with, the cycling world.

The Attack road wheel with rim braking already has a strong reputation with road cyclists. In developing a disc brake version, the rim becomes disc specific, with no brake track. The 25mm wide Attack rim features quality workmanship and high-tech construction. To build the Attack 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 result is a 29mm profile rim that is very lightweight, and super stable, making it perfect for riding or racing when there are climbs and descents ahead. Although not a deep section rim, the Attack design has been shaped using CFD for aerodynamic performance, and it rolls fast and true on the flats. It really is a perfect wheelset for riders who prefer to accelerate often, using the terrain to their advantage to leap into a break or soften up the peloton. Hence the name: Attack. The tubeless ready carbon clincher design makes this a great wheel for intermediate riders or racers who prefer to run the very light tubeless racing clinchers now available, or for those who simply prefer clinchers to avoid tubular glue. With the wider rim profile and new tire designs that take advantage of added width, you can easily run 23-28mm road tires or 30-35mm cross tires for a super stable and efficient ride.

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 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.

If you want a lightweight carbon, super responsive, disc brake, tubeless ready road wheelset, the list of options isn't long. Take your time. Compare the wheels. Consider the price points. Examine the manufacturers. If you are a masochist, read all the online reviews you can find. We will be willing to bet that you will keep coming back to the Reynolds Attack Disc Brake Clincher. Why? You will weigh information and reviews versus capability and price. And when you get right down to it, you will be hard pressed to pass Reynolds by. Just think what other components, upgrades, race fees, or engagement ring you can buy with the money you save? Or maybe you simply buy two sets of Attacks so you can have two tire options ready for race day. Whatever your decision making process, or what you do with the money you save, we feel confident you won't ever regret making the Attack disc your wheel of choice for road or cross. We feel that strongly about it, and we believe you will too.