We’ve said it time and time again, modern cross-country is constantly getting gnarlier with every race weekend. As such, we’ve seen XC bikes get more suspension travel to help cope with the extra dash of rigor. However, these bikes still need to be lightweight, so Reynolds has stepped up to the plate with its new 309 XC and TR wheelsets that are built to shed grams, not durability.
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Reynolds’ new 309 XC lineup is built to cope with the new demands of cross-country racing, and they’re built towards a new formula — structural integrity, lightweight construction, engineered compliance, and lateral stiffness — all buzzwords that we’ve seen on a range of modern XC hoops.
With a range comprised of three models, each uses a carbon rim that benefits from Reynolds’ MR5 layup, which is credited for the wheels’ balance of lightweight and strength, according to the brand. It’s then said that the top-level BL 309 XC Pro wheelset tips the scale at 1,332g.
Each model gets an all-new rim profile. It’s asymmetric and FEA optimised while boasting a new carbon layup that’s said to “incorporate the perfect amount of performance-oriented vertical compliance”. This has been done in a bid to reduce fatigue, boost traction, and improve handling. In fact, this design note has been borrowed from the brand’s gravity wheels, and it believes that more vertical compliance provides a significant improvement to overall performance.
For XCO and XCM athletes, that reduction in fatigue through increased vibration damping is the real sell here.
As for measurements, the 309 XC family uses a 30mm internal width, a 35.5mm external width, and a 21mm rim depth. Then, as an XC wheel, it’s only available in a 29-inch diameter, and no, there’s no sign of 32in hoops just yet.
One rim, three models
Built to please a range of riders, from budding XC enthusiasts to top-level athletes, Reynolds is bringing three models to the mix. The Blacklabel 309 XC Pro sits atop the hierarchy. This wheelset uses Industry Nine’s Solix freehub that’s said to achieve a 0.59-degree engagement via five continuously phased pawls. As for spokes, there are 24 up front and 28 at the rear.
Middling the range is the Blacklabel 209 XC Expert, and it gets all of the same kit but uses Reynolds/Ringle SBX hubs that promise a four-degree engagement via six pawls. This wheelset claims to weigh in at 1,405g.
At the lowest point in the range is the TR 309 XC, which uses a slightly different carbon layup, the brand’s CR3 TSS ASYM, in fact. In a move that may appeal more to a down-country and trail crowd, this model gets 28 brass spokes at the front wheel, rather than 24 alloy, and they’re Sapim’s Sprint spokes, rather than Sapim’s CX-Ray models on the other wheels. This wheelset should weigh 1,607g.
At the moment, we don’t have GBP pricing, but if you’re reading from Europe, expect to spend €2,550 on the 309 XC Pro, €2,106 on the 309 XC Expert, and €1,608.00 on the TR 309 XC.
