Description
In 2017 Reynolds made some important changes to their already well regarded Attack Carbon Disc Brake Wheelset. The most significant is the new smooth sculpted Reynolds All Road Center Lock disc hubset but the sleek waterslide graphics are pretty cool as well. The thru-axle flexibility of the new hubset is a step forward, and mechanically the hub is simpler to work with. These wheels are now considered part of Reynolds All Road line-up, for road race, gravel, or high mileage road adventure use. The Attack DB configuration is their lightest and shallowest wheel in this All Road performance line. Its 1480 gram weight make the Attack a perfect choice for hill climbs or for those who like to challenge the UCI weight limit. Riders wary of crosswinds will still get some aero benefit of the 29mm cross section without getting blown around when the breeze picks up.
While not the first priority of the Attack DB, aerodynamics have been optimized through Computational Fluid Dynamics to maximize all aero benefit from the rim profile. To build the Attack DB 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 tubeless ready rim hook bead is much different from the spoke hole region, and the walls sections can be thinner and lighter without a brake track to be concerned about. As such these areas have completely different construction. Reynolds considerable experience in cycling and working with carbon composites inform these decisions, just as it has in developing the Tubeless Ready bed and hook system.
The Attack DB rim employs a 17mm internal width rim channel that is tubeless ready. This allows the flexibility to run a tubeless clincher or a regular clincher tire with an inner tube. It has been proven that running the proper tubeless tires at slightly lower pressures is actually faster than most max pressure options. Small punctures, always the bane of the unlucky attacking cyclist, can virtually be eliminated. Overall versatility also comes from the 25mm external rim width and 29mm section profile. Paired with a 23-25mm tire, the footprint is larger for exceptional grip and handling, and you can certainly easily run a 28-30 here as well. Stability comes from the rim's overall stiffness and wider structure. You won't be buffeted by cross winds, nor get tentative on rougher roads or in sharp corners. The Attack DB feels feathery light and smooth as you jump from the group or fly up the hill, 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.
Sapim CX-Sprint lightly bladed black spokes are laced to Reynolds All Road Center Lock Disc straight-pull hubs, using square-end black alloy nipples. The cartridge bearing hubs are as smooth and durable as they are simple to maintain. Both front and rear wheels are 24 hole designs, laced 2x all around. The freehub system is interchangeable but comes standard as Shimano/SRAM 11-speed. The axle configuration is flexible, with other end caps available, but comes as 12/100mm front and 12/142mm rear thru-axle.
The Attack Carbon Clincher is an exceptional wheelset for those who prefer the lightest, most responsive wheels. As a competitor, you have to know your strengths and weaknesses. Your equipment can help you exploit the former, and overcome the latter. The Attack DB was developed to deliver explosive accelerations in any situation, and have the braking power and feel to dominate the whole road. If that is your preferred tactic, then this is the wheelset for you.
Return to TopFeatures
- Lightweight, low section aero, tubeless ready, All Road disc brake wheelset
- 29mm rim profile has been subjected to CFD, built with Reynolds PR3 construction specific to disc brake and tubeless rim requirements
- Rim width: 25mm external, 17mm internal
- 24 hole front and rear, laced 2X all around
- Sapim CX-Sprint black steel straight pull spokes with black alloy nipples
- Hubs are Reynolds All Road Center Lock Disc Brake; straight pull flanges
- Machined aluminum hubs w/ anodized black finish,12/100 & 12/142mm thru-axle
- Rear features 10 degree, 36 points of engagement in the freehub
- Can be converted to QR, other thru-axle options with additional parts
- Includes Center Lock lockrings and CL to 6 bolt disc brake rotor adapters
- Tubeless Ready out of the box with 22mm tubeless tape, 45mm valves
- Sleek waterslide graphics on rims for stealthy Black on Carbon aesthetic
- Shimano/SRAM 11 speed freehub
- Weight: 1480g/Set