The Reynolds Element Carbon Clincher Disc Wheel is a great option for time-trialists who can justify a disc wheel, but can't break the bank for a component they may only race a dozen times year. Most cyclists have to make a decision: what is the best, most useful product for me, and at what cost? Aerodynamic disc wheels deliver speed for time-trialists, and even most basic designs offer substantial value over a spoked wheel. At the same time a disc must offer true rideability, as many TT and triathlon courses are far from a straight shot or out and back. The more technical the course, the more reliant the rider is on handling, braking, and road feel. With carbon disc wheels the challenge has long been keeping the weight manageable, while providing a wheel that is laterally stiff under load. This particularly impacts braking and handling, as well as potential rubbing on the frame or brake. No matter how much you spend, if the wheel doesn't perform, you have wasted your money.

The Element offers a proven full carbon design that has undergone rigorous wind tunnel testing. It has demonstrated the lowest drag coefficient in its class, and without having gone to an overly wide or bulbous design. The 21mm external width (15mm internal) ideally carries a 20-23c tire and fits in virtually every frame tested. The Reynolds disc specific hub is buttery smooth, with very low rolling resistance, so your wattage drives the wheel and carries speed with ease. The carbon disc walls are supported internally by a proprietary material that keep the structure strong and laterally rigid, delivering a very stable ride quality and serious rider confidence when cornering or braking. Even larger cyclists will have a difficult time getting the Element to flex. The attention to detail is excellent, such as the larger than normal, carbon valve stem cup that can accept most regular pump heads, and doesn't require a cover of any kind.

The rim bed itself has been engineered via Reynolds comprehensive carbon development process using their CR6 technology. Each facet of the rim has been engineered specifically for it's intended purpose and requirements, including the brake track and carbon clincher rim hook bead. Reynolds uses a high pressure Inert Gas Compaction process that chemically interacts with the specific epoxies used for optimal bonding and finished strength. As the rim on the Element disc manages different loads and challenges than a spoked wheel, this is process is specific to the Element and draws on Reynolds experience with other aerodynamic wheels. The brake track has been specifically designed to manage heat away from the rim, limiting internal heating, and Reynolds supplies their Cryo-Blue Power Brake Pads for optimum braking performance and minimal heat transfer. These are the only pads you should use with the Element. Use of other pads will endanger your warranty or crash replacement policy. The Cryo-Blue Power padset will deliver the best braking with this brake track, in any condition versus other pads.

For many cyclists, the improvement and widespread adoption of carbon clincher technology has simplified wheel and tire choices, and allowed for training and racing on the same equipment. Reynolds has been involved with carbon clincher design from the beginning and the system works flawlessly. At 1340 grams for a single rear wheel, the Element is not super light, even for a disc, but it is fast, laterally stiff, delivers excellent all around performance, brakes cleanly without overheating, and is incredibly cost effective for a full carbon clincher disc wheel. If you building your wheel stable for time-trial or triathlon and you desire a disc wheel that delivers the good, without taking out a home equity loan, we highly recommend the Element Carbon Clincher Disc Rear Wheel from Reynolds. Our long involvement with the company has been built on high quality, performance, trust and support, and if you invest in a Reynolds product you can be assured of the same.