Boyd Cycling’s Reiver Carbon Gravel Wheelset is engineered for riders who tackle rugged terrains reminiscent of early 1990s mountain biking trails, rather than the smooth, well-maintained gravel paths of today. This wheelset is tailored for those who prefer challenging routes over pristine surfaces.
Design and Construction
The Reiver wheels feature 26mm internal-width carbon rims with a shallow 25mm depth profile, prioritizing vertical compliance to enhance comfort over aerodynamic efficiency. This design allows for the use of high-volume tires ranging from 35mm to 55mm, effectively smoothing out even the most uneven fire roads. The rims weigh just 380g and incorporate a hookless design with reinforced construction, capable of handling impacts up to 140 joules—3.5 times the UCI standard. Spoke holes are offset by 2.8mm from the center to balance spoke tension evenly.
Hubs and Spokes
The wheelset is equipped with Boyd’s Grade 36 ratchet mechanism hubs, offering 36-tooth engagement for 10-degree pickup intervals. These hubs utilize TPI ABEC 3 bearings, feature a Center Lock disc brake mount, and are laced with standard Pillar TB2016 J-Bend spokes with brass nipples. This combination ensures durability and ease of maintenance, making them suitable for long adventure rides and accommodating heavier or more aggressive riders.
Performance and Weight
Weighing in at 1,385g for the complete wheelset, the Reiver wheels strike a balance between strength and weight, making them competitive for a robust wheelset. For those seeking a lighter option, Boyd offers the Jocassee SL wheelset, which weighs 1,145g and features slightly more aerodynamic shaping. (boydcycling.com)
Additional Features
The Reiver wheels are tubeless-ready, coming with pre-installed rim tape, tubeless valves, and Boyd’s wingnut valve stem retention system. Handbuilt in Greenville, South Carolina, they are priced at $1,200. (boydcycling.com)
In summary, Boyd Cycling’s Reiver Carbon Gravel Wheelset is a durable and reliable choice for cyclists who prefer to ride on challenging, technical terrains, offering a combination of strength, comfort, and performance.