The introduction of disc braking technology continues to be one of the big stories in road cycling.
While much of the coverage has focused, understandably, on braking systems, the wheel is of almost equal importance, with a hub requiring mounts for the disc rotor and a rim freed from the demands of providing a braking surface. Spoke lacings must be stronger to withstand the increased braking forces, too.
American brand, Reynolds, are among the ‘early adopters’ of disc braking technology, and have introduced three 700c models, intended for road and gravel use. The full carbon Assault SLG Disc represents the pinnacle of this three-pronged assault on a developing market, and we’ve taken delivery of a set from the brand’s UK importer, Upgrade Bikes.
We weighed the set, sans skewers and rim tapes, at 1550kg, or 15g lighter than the 1565kg modestly claimed by Reynolds. In the pages ahead, we’ll take a detailed ‘first look’ at the constituent parts – rim, hubs, and spokes – of a wheel billed as an all-rounder capable shouldering ‘cross duties as well performing on flat and rolling roads.
