Reynolds 29 Enduro Blacklabel Boost Wheelset

Reynolds' peerless Blacklabel construction Check. Boost hubs Check. Aggressive angle of attack inherent in 29er diameter Check. Rim width tailored for today's meatier tires Check. Since it meets those requirements, the Reynolds 29 Enduro Blacklabel Boost Wheelset is one of the only wheels capable of keeping up with the industry's new breed of six inch 29ers. Long gone are the days when 29ers were relegated to hardpack and fire roads, and this version of Reynolds' flagship wagon wheels has the stiffness, the rim width, and the durability to explore the brave new territory of enduro 29ers. The Blacklabel branding indicates that these wheels are Reynolds' top of the line construction. They feature the brand's Mountain Rim 5 MR5 lay up, which involves five different carbon matrixes applied to five different areas of the wheel. The lay up takes advantage of different material properties to balance stiffness, durability, weight, and even a touch of engineered flex. It's an admittedly complicated process, but it speaks to Reynolds' insistence on outdoing the less expensive open mold models that might leave you stranded on the side of the trail on any given rock garden. Compared to the Trail model, the Enduro 29ers plump out by 4mm, externally, so they take advantage of today's mid sized tires in order to maximize air volume while still keeping the shoulder knobs on the shoulders. The combination allows for lower PSI, higher air volume, increased traction, and a touch of added cushion when enthusiasm overrules restraint and good judgment. These qualities are especially welcome on the six inch 29ers mentioned above, which refuse to take the easy line whether climbing or dropping in. Boost hubs have also become a staple around the Competitive office and the industry as a whole because of their increased responsiveness. It's something of an old story by now, but it's worth rehashing: by setting the flanges wider Reynolds or more accurately, Industry Nine improves...