FAQ Reynolds
Carbon Wheels
What's new for 2008?
Last year, Reynolds wiped the slate clean and started fresh with new designs for wheels, forks and accessories. New technology. New models. New manufacturing techniques. New warranties. New graphics. Result: The industry took notice. More importantly, so did cyclists. Now, Reynolds is available in more parts of the world than ever. That’s because cyclists everywhere woke up to the fact that, A) they don’t have to settle for yesterday’s technology in carbon fiber components and, B) they shouldn’t have to pay a couple months’ mortgage to ride the best. This year, Reynolds proudly introduces new products and programs designed to aggressively push carbon performance to an even higher level. Reynolds invites you to experience the performance that technical expertise can make in high performance cycling equipment.
Download the 2008 Product Catalog
What's the difference between 2006 and current wheels?
Reynolds improved the high pressure bladder technology and surface finish on our molds to generate a more consistent finish look.The wheels have undergone a lay up change using the highest modulus, low area weight material required to create a wheel that is strong, light, and durable to handle everyday riding. Our lay up has improved overall strength by optimizing the proprietary lay up of unidirectional carbon material and taking away weight by using the most technologically advanced, low weight carbon available. Our proprietary lay up ensures that a Reynolds rim is stiff under abnormal loads and tracks true between your brakes. Taking the best aspects of our current technology of high bladder pressure, recalculating what high temp cure rate means and improving the molding process creates the strongest wheel on the market.
We have also upgraded hubs (for all carbon wheels except the Attack) to the DT Swiss 240s featuring the unique ratchet system of the legendary Hügi 240. Each hub is hand assembled and individually tested. The new Attack wheelset will be equipped with KT hubs.
What are the differences between your wheels and your competitors?
The short answer is materials and molding process. The long version is, we use high temperature and pressure combined with 100% unidirectional carbon- no heavy carbon cloth- to create rims with low voids and optimal resin ratios. The result is a rim that is less brittle and more durable, with lower resin content and increased strength between fiber layers. Controlled bladder inflation during the molding process insures that we properly pressurize the bladder and create a rim with extremely low voids.
Are your hubs compatible with both Campy and Shimano?
Yes, by swapping axle end cap and freehub body. A re-dish of the wheel may be required.
Why do you locate your nipples inside the rim?
There are several reasons for locating the nipple inside our rim that are inherent in the design and strength of Reynolds wheels.
It requires a smaller hole to be drilled in the rim. This adds strength to the rim; structures made from carbon do not benefit from the carbon being cut. By making a smaller hole we cut fewer fibers thereby increasing the strength of our rim.
It is more aerodynamic. Nipples are larger than the spoke and create more turbulence. By locating them in the rim we’ve design a wheel that creates less turbulence. We can achieve higher spoke tension. Higher spoke tension means less spoke fatigue and creates a more durable wheel.
What is your warranty?
It is not only our mission, but our conviction to manufacture the highest quality composite products for both the worlds’ best racers and recreational cyclists alike. Our products are manufactured to the highest quality control standards, and are an extension of our philosophy. As a means of extending and ensuring your enjoyment of our high performance products, please have them routinely inspected by an authorized Reynolds dealer or service technician. If any excessive wear, breakage or other potential problem is noticed with any of our products, please stop using it immediately and bring it to your local Reynolds dealer for inspection. Our warranty is 2 years for all DT Swiss hub wheelsets, and one year for the Attack and Solitude wheelsets from date of purchase to the original owner.
All returned items must be accompanied with a copy of the original purchase receipt with the customer name, authorized dealer, and purchase date, along with warranty registration email with serial number of product purchased to be evaluated for potential warranty claim.
Limitations
A Reynolds product warranty will only be valid if purchased through an authorized Reynolds distributor/dealer. In order for the warranty to take effect on any Reynolds product purchased through an authorized Reynolds distributor/ dealer a warranty registration form must be filled out at www.reynoldscycling.com/warranty by the customer. An authorized dealer code must be filled out with this registration card
All warranties must be processed through an authorized Reynolds dealer.
Our warranty does not cover damage resulting from the following: shipping, storage, failure to follow installation guidelines, misuse, crashes, use in conjunction with non-compatible products or normal wear and tear. In the event of a crash or accident, one may take advantage of our crash replacement policy.
Do you offer a crash replacement?
Accidents happen and this is why we have a crash replacement policy. If Reynolds product has been damaged in a crash or mishap you may return it to us for a discount towards repair or replacement. These special discounts are the only discounts available and are also offered to the retail customer.
Wheels: Rebuild wheels: rims, spokes, nipples, and labor
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$800: SDV66C (high modulus)
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$750: MV 32 C / DV 46 C and SDV 66 T(high Modulus)
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$700: KOM and DV-UL 46T
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$625: MV 32 T and DV 46 T (std. Modulus)
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$375: Attack
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$375: Topo T
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$400: Topo C Mountain Wheels
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$100: Solitude
Forks and other products are replaced at 45% below suggested retail price.
What is the return policy and procedure?
Return Procedure
All Merchandise being considered for a warranty or crash replacement must have a (RMA#) Return Authorization number issued by Reynolds. Contact your Reynolds Authorized dealer to have them receive an RMA number prior to returning product. Please affix the RMA number to the product and on the outside of the box. The dealer/customer is responsible for return shipping charges to Reynolds, but if the warranty is granted Reynolds will pay for return ground service to the dealer.
Returning Product
No product will be accepted as returned product without prior authorization from the RMA department. Any dealer returning product should contact their Sales Executive or the RMA department to determine if a return is appropriate. Reynolds will only pay return ground freight charges to the customer on approved warranty issues. Customers are responsible for freight charges incurred sending products to Reynolds/MQC warehouse.
What size tire do you recommend for Reynolds wheels?
With a Reynolds tubular wheel we suggest nothing less than a 22 mm for the smallest tire. This is because the rim profile for the tire seat is designed around a 22 mm tubular. A smaller tubular may adhere to the rim improperly.
What do you recommend I use to mount my tubular tires?
Glue- Victoria clear, Mastik 1, or Continental Rim cement.
Tape- Tufo Extreme Tape.
What tire pressure should I use?
Tubular wheels- Follow tire manufacturer guidelines.
Clincher- Max PSI is 150.
What brake pads do you recommend for Reynolds Carbon wheels?
We recommend Swiss Stop Yellow King Compound carbon brake pads. We also recommend Kool Stop black carbon specific brake pads. Cork pads may not be used with Reynolds carbon wheels and using them will void your warranty.
What is the braking surface of Reynolds Carbon Wheels?
The braking surface is woven scrim, an outer layer that is more resistant to heat improving the durability of the rim, and providing a tactile surface for pads to grip.
What spokes do my 2007 or new Reynolds wheels use?
Spoke specifications spreadsheet.
I have difficulty mounting clincher tires, what should I try?
Use a thin rim strip. We suggest Reynolds carbon specific rim strips. The aid of talcum powder or baby powder will allow the tire to slide on the wheel easier.
Is it ok to use tire levers in removing and mounting tires on Reynolds Carbon clincher wheels?
You can safely use Reynolds specific tire levers or other plastic tire levers. Do not use metal tire levers.
What length presta valve should I use?
All DV wheels are shipped with a presta valve extender. DV (46 mm rim depth) presta tubes should use a 60+mm valve to put the pump head directly on the tube. Mid V (32 mm rim depth) wheels should use a 48 mm presta valve to put the pump head directly on the tube. KOM (23 mm rim) can use a standard length valve.
Do you have a weight limit on Reynolds Carbon wheels?
We do not have specific weight limit for any of the models of Reynolds Carbon wheels. However, a heavier rider will find less flex out of wheel with a deeper rim profile and/or a wheel built with a higher spoke count.
Gewicht recommendations-
Cirro, KOM- Up to 175 lbs.
Stratus DV UL 16/20 spoke count. Up to 190 lbs. Recommended spoke count 20/24 for over 190 lbs.
All recommendations can vary depending on riding style and desired performance.
What type of bearing does Reynolds Carbon wheels use?
Pre-2007 Reynolds Carbon wheels use sealed cartridge bearings with adjustable pre-load.
For 2007 wheels, please refer to DT Swiss Technical Manual.
What size bearings do your wheels use?
Pre-2007 Carbon wheels: 2-#6901 for front hubs, 4-#6902 for Shimano rear hubs and 2-#6802 + 3-#6902 for Campagnolo rear hubs. See Autotech hub drawing for details.
How do I adjust the preload on my Reynolds rear hub?
(For Reynolds hubs 2003- October 2006)
Start by removing non-drive side axle end cap, use a 2.5 mm allen wrench loosen bolt on preload collar. Turn preload collar clockwise on axle to increase bearing preload, turn counterclockwise to reduce bearing preload. For proper bearing adjustment- turn preload collar all the way to the bearing, then turn back off the bearing surface 1 mm. Tighten 2.5 mm allen bolt on preload collar. Reinstall non-drive side axle end cap. The preload collar allen bolt is accessed by the hole on the non-drive side outer hub flange.
How do I remove the non-drive side axle end cap?
(For Reynolds hubs 2003- October 2006)
Use a 6 mm allen wrench on non-drive side and 6 mm allen wrench on the drive side. Place wrench inside axle end caps and loosen. If drive side axle end cap comes off before non-drive side use a 10 mm allen wrench inside the axle and loosen non-drive side axle end cap.
What size allen wrench do I need for the preload collar (to adjust preload)?
(For Reynolds hubs 2003- October 2006)
Naben from late 2003 through June 2005 use a 2mm allen wrench to loosen the preload collar bolts. From June 2005 through October 2006 use a 2.5 mm allen wrench to loosen the preload collar. Be sure to check allen wrench size before attempting to adjust preload collar. A good allen wrench that is not rounded off will prevent stripping of the preload collar bolt.
What type of spoke do you recommend for Reynolds Carbon wheels?
(For Reynolds wheels 2003- October 2006)
Standard J bend spoke with specific length to rims and hubs.
Why do you use standard J bend spokes?
There is very little difference in strength between straight pull and J bend spokes. We opted for J bend spokes because most bike shops will have them in stock. If you ever have a problem, you have a greater chance of finding them and making the fix sooner rather than later.
What spoke wrench do I need to true my Reynolds wheels?
Reynolds has both a professional spoke tool and a personal spoke tool that will allow you to true/tension the hex nipple on Reynolds wheels. Otherwise 3/16” or 5 mm socket driver or an older Campy t-handle spoke wrench will work as well.
What hubs do you use?
For 2007, all carbon wheels (road and mountain) except Attacks use DT Swiss 240s hubs. Attack wheelsets will be equipped with KT hubs.
What spoke length do I need for my Reynolds Carbon wheels?
See Spoke Length Spreadsheet or have shop technician call Reynolds customer service.
What is the spoke tension for Reynolds Carbon wheels?
See Spoke Length Spreadsheet or have shop technician call Reynolds customer service.
What spoke wrench do I need for the Alta Race wheels?
Reynolds has both a professional spoke tool and a personal spoke tool that will allow you to true/tension the hex nipple on Reynolds wheels. Otherwise 3/16”/5 mm socket driver. An older Campy t-handle spoke wrench will work as well.
Can I switch between my Reynolds Aluminum wheels and Reynolds Carbon wheels?
Yes, as long as you change brake pads.
What is the difference between an Alta Race wheel and an Alta Comp wheel?
The Alta Race wheel uses a lighter more aerodynamic rim, a hidden HEX nipple for an and double butted spokes overall lighter weight wheel. The Alta Comp wheels use a external nipple rim and single butted spokes.
Forks
What stem should I use with a Reynolds fork?
Any stem which applies a clamping force evenly around the circumference of the fork
What fork should I ride?
All of our 1" and 1 1/8" forks may be used for all road cycling applications except for our tandem fork, which are designed specifically for use on 1 1/4”or 1 1/8" tandem frames.
Which rake, offset should I use?
If you are replacing an existing fork, we recommend using an equivalent offset to preserve the frame manufacturers’ desired steering geometry.
If a substitution is being made or desired, contact the frame manufacturer for the offset most suitable to the given frame geometry.
Is there a weight limit for my fork?
No, but desired performance may dictate which fork is the best choice to meet your riding style and needs.
How long will my fork last?
Indefinitely as long as it is not damaged in service. That said we strongly recommend regular inspection of any carbon part on your bicycle. And after any impact, crash replacement of your carbon fork is recommended.
Should I inspect my fork routinely?
Yes, for scratches and nicks. If you find any damage, contact your local shop or call Reynolds for further advice.
I have small splinters at the top of the column after I cut it; do I need to replace the fork?
As long as the splinters are localized at the top you can clean these up and you will not have to replace your fork. Use a fine sand paper to get the edge clear of sharp debris and then seal the edge with super glue. If the splinter has run down the column more than 1", you should call Reynolds for further advice.
I have an integrated head tube frame; can I use a standard crown fork?
The diameter of the crown race is the same for all 11/8" forks, which means you can use standard crown forks on integrated head tube frames. The integrated fork design is to make the transition from fork crown to head tube seamless.
My headset keeps coming loose, what can I do to fix this?
The headset is most likely coming loose because your stem is slipping. First check to make sure the stem is tightened to the proper torque setting. Second, make sure there is no lubricant between the stem and the steer column. If there is, clean the column and use a fine sand paper (220 grit) to rough up the inside of the stem clamp and lightly rough the steer column.
How many spacers can I use?
On an 1 1/8” fork you can use a maximum of 4.0 cm/1.58” of spacers.
On a 1” fork you can use a maximum of 2.5 cm/1.0” of spacers.
What is the torque spec of a stem to clamp to a Reynolds steerer?
Follow stem manufacturers specifications.
How do you recommend I mount my fork?
See Installation Instructions, Page One and Page Two.
How long should I cut my steerer tube on my Reynolds fork?
You should cut the steerer to the proper length to allow for the needed number of spacers below your stem, not to exceed max amount with a 5 mm spacer between compression plug cap and stem.