The DV46 UL was designed to be the workhorse of the Competition Series – bridging the lightweight benefits of the MV32 with the aero benefits of the SDV66.

Reynolds’ Competition Series wheels all use the same construction and core components (spokes, hubs, rim construction…). They are available in a two rim depths to address the needs of as many riders as possible. The “Medium V” MV32 UL (UltraLight) has a 32mm rim depth while the “Deep V” DV46 UL offers 46mm of rim depth. For those wanting to go deeper than 46mm, Reynolds also offers the “Super Deep V” SDV66 in their Aero Series wheels that share much of the technology found in the DV46 UL. All are available in clincher and tubular versions.

Reynolds takes an engineering based minimalist approach to rim and wheel design. They know that not all weight is the same and you have to do more than just eliminate weight in general to maximize a wheel’s acceleration potential. Reynolds thus removes weight from the most effective places - meaning the rim perimeter - where rotating mass and centripetal force have the largest effect.

The Rims: In 2008, Reynolds changed their rim molding process and carbon lay-ups to take full advantage of what current carbon fiber technology allows. Reynolds uses high modulus 100% unidirectional carbon fiber in their Competition Series rims. The rims are pressure molded under heat to minimize resin content and maximize the actual carbon content and this is the primary reason the Competition Series is lighter and stiffer than the Performance Series wheels (Attack, Assault and Strike). Reynolds also uses a woven scrim material at the braking surface that is designed to allow for quicker heat dispersal at the braking surface and better modulation. Reynolds places the spoke nipples on their carbon rim wheels inside the rim, which allows them to use smaller spoke holes in the rim and thus maximize strength and spoke tension in this high load area of the rim. Some would also claim that internal spoke nipples also makes a wheel more aero, but we’ve never seen any convincing evidence that it helps or hinders in this regard. The clincher version of the rim will take up to 150 psi of tire pressure before blow-off (well above what any tire should be ridden). All-in-all, this is an impressive rim.

The Hubs and Spokes: Reynolds knows where their skills are best applied – carbon fiber fabrication. Intelligently, they chose to leave hub fabrication up to the hub experts and DT’s excellent 240s hubs are used on all of their Competition wheels. The 240s DT hubs offers adjustable bearing preload and a very proven and durable cassette system. The internals of these same DT hubs are found in some of Lightweight’s $4000+ wheels and are considered some of the nicest units available. When it came to lacing the hub and rims together, Reynolds stuck with proven performers from DT, using a combination of high quality DT Aero/Competition J-Bend spokes. The Competition spokes are a thicker gauge and are used on the drive side of the rear wheel to reinforce the highest load area of the wheel.

The DV46 UL is more aero than the MV32 UL and only slightly heavier and it is lighter and less prone to side winds than the SDV66. This makes it a balanced and capable package for rider’s looking for a lot of versatility. Reynolds offers a Competition or Aero Series wheel for just about any rider and any situation. Use them to spice up the performance of your bike as a race or special event only wheel or ride them daily – the choice is up to you.

Note: We also offer the Reynolds DV46 UL in track and cyclocross specific versions by special order