Tested: Reynolds AR25 DB Carbon Wheelset

Weight goes lower, performance goes higher, riders go faster. So states a recent press release from Reynolds.

It’s a pretty logical proposition. It’s also the raison d’etre for the new Reynolds AR25 DB wheelset – the base model in a trio of 25mm ultralight carbon road hoops designed to get us climbing like mountain goats.

When launching the 25mm range earlier in 2024 Reynolds explained: “While much attention has been paid to the deeper section rims in the market … the lower profile and its undeniable advantages has been overlooked more for reasons of style and aesthetics than anything else.” In other words, they may be shallow to look at, but the potential benefits are anything but.

First impressions

If this wheelset was a person, it would be a lanky middle-distance runner; super fit, super lean (bordering on scrawny) with barely an ounce of fat. Turn sideways and they’d almost disappear. Yes, at just 25mm deep these are some of the most slender-looking carbon rims I’ve ridden for some time. The pair weighed a tidy enough 1438 grams on my home scales, including rim tape. Reynolds says the top-of-the-range BL25 Pro wheelset is even lighter at a feathery 1250 grams, but of course you’ll pay more for the privilege. Out of the box the AR25s look and feel very well made, whilst the styling and decals are definitely on the understated side. Rim tape is pre-installed and the wheels ship with a pair of 60mm brass tubeless valves.

Tech & specs

Optimised for use with 28mm tubeless tyres, the AR25 rims measure 21mm (internal) and 30mm (external) thanks to a wide U-shape hooked profile Reynolds calls ‘DET 2’. All three 25mm models share this same profile with differing specifications of carbon layup, hubs and spokes. The two top BL, or Black Label, models feature Reynolds’ premium CR6 higher modulus carbon layup, Sapim X-Ray spokes and internal alloy nipples.

The more affordable AR25 wheelset uses a slightly heavier and more compliant CR3 layup. The AR25 review wheels are laced around super reliable Sun Ringlé SRX hubs with stainless steel Sapim Sprint spokes (24/24) and external brass nipples. The CNC machined rear hub features a three pawl system with 12 degrees of engagement. Inside the rims, Reynolds explains a deep channel ensures the best tyre/rim interface with contemporary tubeless tyre designs.

However, as I’ll get to in a moment, this wasn’t exactly my experience. Available as disc brake only, the wheels ship with end caps installed to suit standard 12mm thru-axles, with 15mm end caps also included should you need them. The brake rotor fixings are centre lock. Shimano HGR 11spd, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W freehubs are all available.

Fitting

The U-shaped rim profile runs reasonably wide and whilst Reynolds recommends 28mm tyres, I initially fitted the review wheels with a well-known brand of 25mm tubeless tyres, swapped across from my everyday carbon rims. I have to admit the seating process was a good test of my patience, especially getting the beads to nestle snuggly, even with sealant pre-applied, with both the front and rear tyres wanting to stay stubbornly in the aforementioned inner rim channel. Having installed numerous tubeless configurations over the years, I put this largely down to the quirks of compatibility. To test my theory, I immediately tried to mount a different brand of 25mm tubeless tyres on the same rims. It was a completely different experience.

They seated first time, pretty effortlessly, demonstrating that for all the elbow grease, sealant and soapy water in the world, some rim/tyre combinations simply don’t play nicely. Once installed, the 25mm tyres measured a touch over 27mm, reflecting the wider rim profile. Time to ride.

On the road

Reynolds makes no secret its new 25mm carbon rims are made for climbing and, unsurprisingly, this is where the review wheels really excelled. They ascend like a dream and, despite barely warming up, I still managed a 14-second PR on the very first climb (3.5km) I attempted, which I trimmed by a further 40 seconds the second time up the same route. Long before I hit the hills, however, the other thing I noticed was the firmness of the ride, especially for such shallow carbon rims. If you prefer a reasonably direct feel for the road you won’t be disappointed. Handling-wise, they’re enjoyably nimble and, thanks to their lightweight construction, also deliver well-above-average acceleration.

I wouldn’t call them explosive, but they’re certainly not tardy when getting up to speed. On the flip side, of course, 25mm carbon rims (and external spoke nipples on the AR model reviewed) are relatively limited in their ability to reduce drag and offer an aerodynamic advantage. Then again, that’s not why you’re buying them.

The Sun Ringlé SRX hubs felt super reliable and smooth from start to finish with solid enough engagement when really stomping on the pedals. The volume levels from the freehub were about average; it’s not whisper quiet, but nor is it a chatterbox. One final comment. Having tested the AR25s both with and without tubes, they’re absolutely at their best – for both performance and comfort – when run as tubeless at lower pressures (75-85psi in my case). So make the effort. It’s worth it.

Summing up

Reynolds has delivered an impressive low-profile carbon wheelset with the AR25. Bonafide hill munchers, they’re ideal for riders who spend plenty of time with their front wheel pointing upwards and appreciate nimble handling with a reasonably firm feel for the road. Yes, you can get lighter. Yes, you can get cheaper.

Yes, you can get fancier spokes and hubs. But it’s debatable whether you can get them all in the same package, certainly from a major manufacturer. Well worth a look if you’re in the market for a lightweight wheel upgrade.