Roman GłogulskiReynolds, a well-known brand for high-quality bicycle wheels, takes it up a notch with their latest offering – the DB 46 road wheelset. Promising to be the “only wheelset you need,” these wheels are designed to conquer diverse terrains, catering to both professional and recreational road and gravel cyclists.
Innovative Rim Design
The DB 46 rim features a drop-shaped profile that expands to 31 mm and then tapers slightly. The fully tubeless-ready rim has a 21 mm internal width, allowing for the installation of tires ranging from 28 mm to wide gravel tires. Leveraging their proven aerodynamics methodology, Reynolds has achieved the perfect balance between speed and stability, and the new wheels have performed exceptionally well.
Stylish and Versatile
Out of the box, the modern matte finish and subtle “Black Label” decals with a 46 mm diameter exude elegance. These wheels instantly transformed the look of our long-term test gravel bike – the Ribble Gravel Ti, giving it a fresh and more aggressive character. With compatibility for various tire widths, these wheels pair perfectly with the Ribble Gravel Ti, which is a truly multi-functional machine for both road and gravel riding.
Exceptional Quality
Reynolds’ commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the packaging to the straightforward tubeless setup instructions. Tire installation and sealing were a simple, clean, and hassle-free process. During testing, we occasionally topped up the air when the pressure dropped by 5 to 10 PSI between rides, but we didn’t encounter any major issues.
Three Options Plus Add-Ons
The Reynolds Black Label 46 mm wheels are available in three different configurations, with varying component sets and weights. At the top of the line, the Black Label 46 Pro DB wheels stand out. They come equipped with Black Label Torch hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and alloy nipples. Handcrafted with 20 front and 24 rear spokes, they are incredibly lightweight, with the total wheelset weight listed at 1397 g.
Slightly less exclusive but still of high quality are the Black Label 46 Expert DB wheels, which maintain the same high-quality rim but are built with 24 Sapim CX-Ray spokes. The spokes are meticulously laced to the Reynolds/Ringle Super Bubba X Road DB hubs, which utilize a 3-pawl clutch mechanism with 8° engagement points. The weight of this wheelset increases slightly to 1430 g, offering a balance between weight and performance.
The Reynolds AR46 DB wheels differ slightly from the others, using Sapim Sprint spokes with brass nipples. Paired with the new Reynolds/Ringle hubs featuring a 3-pawl clutch mechanism with a 12° engagement angle. Although slightly heavier than their counterparts, the manufacturer lists the weight at 1604 g, providing durability for riders seeking more robust wheels.
Summary
The Reynolds Black Label 46 mm wheels are more than just a wheelset; they are a truly transformative upgrade for the Ribble Ti model. They are fast, aerodynamic, look great, and significantly improve performance. They enhance every aspect of the ride and leave a lasting impression even after they are removed, packed, and returned. It’s worth noting that at a retail price of $3,499, it’s worth looking for a better deal.
FAQ:
1. What are the main features of the Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels?
The Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels are designed to conquer diverse terrains and cater to both professional and recreational road and gravel cyclists. They feature innovative rim design, are stylish and versatile, and offer exceptional quality.
2. What are the features of the DB 46mm rim design?
The DB 46 rim has a drop-shaped profile that expands to 31 mm and tapers slightly. It is tubeless-ready with a 21 mm internal width, allowing for the installation of tires ranging from 28 mm to wide gravel tires. The Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels achieve the perfect balance between speed and stability.
3. What are the available variants for the Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels?
The Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels are available in three different configurations: Black Label 46 Pro DB, Black Label 46 Expert DB, and Reynolds AR46 DB. Each variant differs in component set and weight.
4. What are the features and weight of the Black Label 46 Pro DB wheel?
The Black Label 46 Pro DB wheel is equipped with Black Label Torch hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and alloy nipples. It is handcrafted with 20 front and 24 rear spokes. The total weight of the wheelset is 1397 g.
5. What are the features and weight of the Black Label 46 Expert DB wheel?
The Black Label 46 Expert DB wheel maintains a high-quality rim and features 24 Sapim CX-Ray spokes. It is equipped with Reynolds/Ringle Super Bubba X Road DB hubs with a 3-pawl clutch mechanism with 8° engagement points. The weight of this wheelset is 1430 g.
6. What are the features and weight of the Reynolds AR46 DB wheel?
The Reynolds AR46 DB wheel uses Sapim Sprint spokes with brass nipples and Reynolds/Ringle hubs with a 3-pawl clutch mechanism with a 12° engagement angle. The weight of this wheelset is 1604 g.
7. What are the main advantages of the Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels?
The Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels are fast, aerodynamic, look great, and significantly improve performance. They are dedicated to various types of cyclists and transform the bike into a more versatile and efficient tool.
8. What is the retail price of the Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels?
The retail price of the Reynolds Black Label DB 46mm wheels is $3,499, but it’s worth looking for a better deal.
Definitions:
– Reynolds – a brand known for high-quality bicycle wheels.
– Black Label – designation for Reynolds’ latest offering of DB 46 road wheels.
– DB 46 – the name of Reynolds’ 46 mm road wheel platform.
– Rim – the outer part of a bicycle wheel onto which the tire is mounted.
– Tubeless-ready – a type of rim and tire mounting system that doesn’t require the use of inner tubes.
– Gravel – a type of bicycle designed for riding on gravel terrain.
– Hub – the central part of a wheel where the bearing and axle are located.
– Spoke – an element of a bicycle wheel that connects the hub to the rim.
– Nipple – the component that secures the spokes to the rim.
– Handcrafted – wheels that are assembled by hand with individual quality control.
– Laced – the technique of attaching spokes to hubs and rims.
– Clutch mechanism – a mechanism in wheel hubs that allows for backward movement.
– Exclusive – high-quality and prestigious.
– Durability – resistance to damage and load-bearing capacity.
– Upgrade – the introduction of changes aimed at improving quality or performance.
– Value – the relationship between quality and price.
Links:
– reynoldscycling.com – the official website of Reynolds, where more information about their bicycle wheels can be found.
– ribblecycles.co.uk – the manufacturer’s website for the Ribble Gravel Ti bicycle.
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es
