Reynolds Aero 90

Triathlon Forum
1

Hey guys,

I am new to the forum and have a question or two. And, I am hoping that I can get pointed in the right direction.

I am looking to upgrade my wheels from CL 60 Roval. The choices for now are Reynolds Aero 90 on sale for $1485.00, or, built ENVE 7.8 with DT Swiss 240 Hubs, which route? Or, anything else you all might suggest. I am not really really familiar with all the yaw angle stuff. So, what would you guys go with? I am thinking the price on the Reynolds is really good, from about $2900 to half that right now. I can get the ENVE’s built, but will be about $800 more than the Reynolds. But, if the ENVE’s are that much better, I will ride them. Unless, you guys think, or, know there is something better out there. Budget isn’t a problem. But, just because you spend more doesn’t always equate to better or best.

I ride a Specilized Shiv, if that matters at all. Thank you!

2

I ride a Shiv with the Reynolds RZR92s. The rims are not much different than those on the Aero 90. If you believe Reynolds testing, the RZRs are faster than the 808 firecrests. Because these are traditional V-shaped narrow rims, they’re out of favor. A buddy of mine uses the Aero 90s on his Shiv. Though the rim shapes are similar, I don’t think they’re as fast as the RZRs.

I suspect that the ENVEs will be faster than the Aero 90s. How much? I’m not sure. IF you’re doing TTs or Olympics, I’d go for the ENVEs. For half or full IM, unless you’re at the pointy end of the field, I’d lean towards the Aero 90s and get a wheel cover.

3

Why not just get a disc for the back?

4

I know nothing about disc, at least not enough to consider going that route.

5

Those RZR’s cost some serious loot! Why would you go with one over the other depending on the race or event? By the way, thanks for the other input.

I ride a Shiv with the Reynolds RZR92s. The rims are not much different than those on the Aero 90. If you believe Reynolds testing, the RZRs are faster than the 808 firecrests. Because these are traditional V-shaped narrow rims, they’re out of favor. A buddy of mine uses the Aero 90s on his Shiv. Though the rim shapes are similar, I don’t think they’re as fast as the RZRs.

I suspect that the ENVEs will be faster than the Aero 90s. How much? I’m not sure. IF you’re doing TTs or Olympics, I’d go for the ENVEs. For half or full IM, unless you’re at the pointy end of the field, I’d lean towards the Aero 90s and get a wheel cover.

6

The only thing you need to know about disc wheels is that they are fast.

7

Save some serious coin and get a wheel cover.

8

i’ve got reynolds aero 58/72 mixed set and also enve 4.5 - not quite the comparison you’re looking at but similar at a lower rim depth. i couldn’t comment on the aero performances but one thing i would note is the enves are a lot smoother rolling, likely because of the significant extra internal rim width which simply gives you more air in the tyres. this most likely translates to rolling resistance savings as well as more comfort = less fatigue.

the 90 front might be tricky if you face much wind, consider getting a 72/90 mixed set if you go reynolds

9

Thank you for the information, it is helpful. I think that I may just go withe the ENVE 7.8.

i’ve got reynolds aero 58/72 mixed set and also enve 4.5 - not quite the comparison you’re looking at but similar at a lower rim depth. i couldn’t comment on the aero performances but one thing i would note is the enves are a lot smoother rolling, likely because of the significant extra internal rim width which simply gives you more air in the tyres. this most likely translates to rolling resistance savings as well as more comfort = less fatigue.

the 90 front might be tricky if you face much wind, consider getting a 72/90 mixed set if you go reynolds

10

I was fortunate enough to get them at the same price as 808 Firecrests…

I would choose the ENVEs for TTs or Olympics because those races can be won by seconds and I suspect the ENVEs are a little faster than the Aero 90s. Halves and Fulls are rarely won by seconds, so I’d save the $800.

Hope that makes sense.

11

i’ve got reynolds aero 58/72 mixed set and also enve 4.5 - not quite the comparison you’re looking at but similar at a lower rim depth. i couldn’t comment on the aero performances but one thing i would note is the enves are a lot smoother rolling, likely because of the significant extra internal rim width which simply gives you more air in the tyres. this most likely translates to rolling resistance savings as well as more comfort = less fatigue.

the 90 front might be tricky if you face much wind, consider getting a 72/90 mixed set if you go reynolds

I would disagree with this. My Aero 72s felt way faster than my ENVE 4.5 and 6.7 and were way better in crosswinds. My RZR 92 was pretty fast and good in crosswinds, but there’s faster. If I were you I’d go with a Jet+ or Stinger 90 and a rear disc. Will be better than the 7.8 for less cash. Alternatively the Aero 90 + disc for will likely be as fast, if not faster than the RZR92 with the right front tire+latex tube.