Reynolds 27.5 AM LTD Carbon Wheelset

After having the chance to ride some of the new Boost stiffened enduro sleds, we admit that our own 142100mm axles and alloy hoops are feeling a bit insubstantial. To address this, we partnered with Reynolds for the custom 27. 5 AM LTD Carbon Wheelset, which features DT Swiss hubs, Reynolds' carbon expertise, and our own penchant for understated graphical styling. The result is a wheelset with one of our favorite hubs, a carbon rim that stiffens up non Boost rides, and an aesthetic that stands out from any other 27. 5in Reynolds wheels. We're well familiar with the stiff mettle of Reynolds' 27. 5 AM rims from personal experience, so they were the obvious choice as a canvas for our arts and crafts impulses. There's a reason why other wheel manufacturers focus on making hubs and just lace them to re branded Reynolds rims: the Utah based company has already all but perfected the science of the mid sized wheel. Since carbon rims are stiff enough that the difference between Boost and 142100mm axles is far less notable than with alloy rims, the 27. 5 AM LTDs go some way toward erasing Boost envy without forcing us to shell out for a new race frame. Reynolds' hubs were also an obvious choice, and we've opted for the DT logo instead of the usual Reynolds re branding to give the wheels more of a custom built look. Finally, we admit to the occasional streak of vanity, and the half and half color of the wheels' Reynolds label is our way of visually representing a proper all mountain bike's ability to straddle climbing and descending. We enjoy the challenge of cleaning lines in both directions, and the 27. 5 AM LTDs' combination of low rotational mass, high stiffness, and generous internal width make for a wheelset that climbs like a featherweight but tracks like an enduro bruiser while enjoying the secure footing of high volume tires.