Reynolds strives for continual improvement through engineering, design, and overall quality of their product line and the 2016 27.5 Trail Wheelset is a great example of those processes take place. The new design features a hubset made by Industry Nine, and asymmetric MR5 carbon tubeless rims with a true 25mm internal width and hookless channel. The changes beef up the wheelset without adding weight, improve tire volume in relation to the rim width, and allow for greater spoke tension from the straight pull Sapim CX-Ray spokes. Reynolds has advanced their MR5 rim design process and truly integrating the engineering from the hub to the rim. Tubeless trail and XC/trail riders will love the light weight, the ability to properly carry a 2.3" tire, and rapid, sure acceleration from I9's 3° rapid engagement system, as well as excellent slow-speed freehub control for technical sections.

MR5 carbon rim technology refers to the precise method and uses of different carbon fiber, epoxy and lay-ups to 5 distinct rim regions: the spoke face, nipple bed, tire channel, rim hook bead and sidewall. Reynolds specifies type of fiber, epoxy and resin to achieve the perfect tensile strength, stiffness and elongation for each rim model. What this means for you is that the rims are calibrated for the terrain, conditions, and wheel size the rim was designed for. In this case, the 27.5 Trail was built to best carry wider, larger volume tires in the correct shape for traction, tubeless performance, and strength. The front and rear wheels both feature asymmetric rims, with the hookless, short bed channel that makes tubeless ready tires seal so well. The 27.5 Trail is just that- a fast rolling wheel that can handle serious terrain, yet reacts like an XC wheel in acceleration and handling. At 1568 grams for the wheelset, many XC racers and XC Trail riders opt for this 25mm internal rim width option for greater durability and tire capability than "pure" XC rims. Run them at lower pressure and ride them hard with no worries. MR5 design ensures the rims rise to the challenge.

The new, straight pull, Center Lock disc hubset is lightweight and stout. Reynolds has partnered with Industry Nine and the rider certainly benefits. Higher, more balanced spoke tension is achieved through the asymmetric rims and straight pull Sapim CX-Ray spokes. Both hubs come as thru-axle, 15/100mm front and 12/142mm rear. Other endcap configurations are available from Reynolds, but don't not come with the wheels. I9 hubs are known for their durability, overall quality, and impressive acceleration from an innovative six pawl freehub, which utilizes phased engagement to deliver 120 engagement points. This 3° system offers incredible control in slow-speed, super technical sections, yet also rockets away when you power through the pedal stroke. I9 has continually improved the original design to reduce friction while freewheeling, and increase longevity of all the component parts.

Both the front and rear wheels are 28 hole, laced 3x, with standard alloy nipples, so you can easily true the wheels without removing the tire and tubeless rim taped. Reynolds ships the wheels pre-taped with their blue 25mm tape, and with tubeless valves. Of course you can always run a tube for emergencies, or even regular use, but these wheels were optimized for tubeless ready tires and perform best when run that way. Reynolds doesn't list specific tire width recommendations, but in general with a 25mm internal rim width we would only run tires from 2.2" to 2.4". Depending on tire design and volume, you may some minimal flexibility, but consider optimal use as a "best practice". You will get the best performance and safety with proper tire selection and inflation. Excel Sports has enjoyed a long relationship with Reynolds Cycling and fully appreciate what the company brings to cyclists across the board, but their mountain wheels have particularly impressed us recently and the 2016 release of the 27.5 Trail Wheelset only solidifies our thought process. With 27.5 coming to dominate a wide swath of the Trail/XC Trail the market, Reynolds has positioned this wheelset for great success with serious enthusiasts and racers alike.