Reserve 30 HD Wheelset

Following the pattern of launching more specifically targeted wheels over the last year, Reserve Wheels is updating its lineup with the addition of the new 30|HD wheelset aimed at enduro and aggressive trail riding. These wheels will replace the existing 30|30 wheels and sit between the Reserve 31|DH wheels andReserve 30|SL with ride characteristics as such. We found out how these new wheels stack up against other high-end carbon wheels and how they serve as an upgrade to an entry-level wheelset.

Highlights

• Step in internal rim bed to ease tubeless installation
• 28-hole rims
• Available in 27.5-inch and 29-inch
• Lifetime Warranty
• Trail, all-mountain, and enduro application
• 30mm Inner Width
• Reinforced Eyelets
• Asymmetric Design
• Weight (as tested) 1800 grams (3.96 pounds)
• Rim only: $649
• Price with I9 1/1 rear hub: $1,799
• Price with I9 Hydra hubs: $2,199 (as tested)

Reserve built the 30|HD to withstand more abuse than a standard trail wheelset. The rims were designed around 2.5-inch wide tires, with a 30mm internal rim profile aimed at easing tubeless tire setup. Our set of Reserve wheels included a set of its Filmore valve stems to match but for now, customers will get a standard set of valves. There is certainly an effort being made to mitigate a lot of the hassles associated with carbon wheels of years past. Standing behind their products, Reserve also offers a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty with no weight limit on their wheels which should keep just about anyone happy after dropping $2,199 on a premium level setup.

The Lineup and Initial Impressions

The Reserve 30|HD wheels are the newest addition to the lineup. They are targeted at the aggressive trail rider or enduro racer - more compliant than the 31|DH but stiffer than the 30|30. The 28 hole design takes cues from existing wheels in the lineup with the stepped rim bed, raised spoke eyelets, double-butted spokes, along with updated Reserve decals rather than Santa Cruz branded ones.

The particular wheelset we tested were 29-inch front and rear with an Industry Nine Hydra rear hub and 1/1 front hub with a price tag of $2,199 and a weight of 1800 grams. Wheels are also available with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs front and rear. Riders can opt for Industry Nine 1/1 rear hub to save some cash, retail is $1,799.

We initially set up our wheels on our Cannondale Jekyll test bike as a replacement for the stock WTB wheelset laced to 3 pawl hubs with no inserts. We immediately felt a heightened sense of confidence and responsiveness out of the bike and felt they were massively beneficial to the ride quality. After some time on the Cannondale, we swapped the wheels over to our daily driver Specialized Stumpjumper Evo. The Reserves replaced our usual Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro wheelset laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs setup with Cushcore. We immediately noticed the more radial tire shape of the Reserve 30|HD rims along with an increase in lateral stiffness. At $2,199 it's hard to say these wheels are a bargain but they are about $100 cheaper than our Reynolds wheelset.

On The Trail

We spent our time aboard the Reserve wheels between South Mountain in Phoenix, AZ and Mt.Lemmon in Tucson, AZ. Our test terrain was primarily rocky with loose over hardpack dirt. The highly technical terrain of South Mountain and the high-speed trails of Mount Lemmon provided us with great insight to what these wheels can handle. Test bikes included our Specialized Stumpjumper Evo and Cannondale Jekyll.

The Industry Nine Hydra rear hub proved to be a game-changer...

Sprinting

When getting on the pedals to sprint, we did not notice any lag in response. The wheels spin up nicely to get you your watts with a quickness thanks to the .54-degree engagement of the Hydra hub.

Climbing

We had no shortage of technical climbs to tackle during our time on these wheels and they had zero issues doing so. The Industry Nine Hydra rear hub proved to be a game-changer for regaining balance or maintaining momentum going up really tricky sections, resulting in less energy used for pedal kicks and shifts. Benefits over the stock 3-pawl rear hub of our Jekyll test bike were exponential and still very noticeable over the 54t engagement of our Stumpjumper’s DT Swiss 350 hub.

Things That Could Be Improved

The only minor drawback we found with the wheelset, (which may not matter to most people) was while hiking the bike. The drag from the rear hub caused the cranks to gradually spin forward and catch rocks. Again, this may not be a real concern to many people but one we experienced on a couple of occasions. A potential solution would be to go for the 1/1 hub option as we've not experienced this phenomenon with that hub.

Long Term Durability

During our time on the 30|HD wheels, we did not experience any loss of spoke tension or any wobbles out of the rim after some aggressive descents. We see these wheels being reliable for years to come and tough enough to handle the abuse during that time. With a lifetime warranty and zero questions asked policy on rim replacements, they are certainly one of the better options for the everyday rider looking to spend their money wisely.

What's The Bottom Line?

We enjoyed our time on the Reserve 30|HD. We think they would compliment someone with an aggressive riding style. They hold up well to rock smashing, the tire stays on when shralping turns, and they are easy to spin up while climbing. As an upgraded wheelset for our test bike, we felt this would be money well spent, even if opting for the lower-priced 1/1 setup. If you’re coming off a comparable wheelset you’ll be choosing one of the more robust 28 hole options out there. Top it off with a great warranty and these are wheels we would feel confident spending our money on.

Visit reservewheels.com for more details.

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