The rim shape of carbon wheels these days is the bulbous U-shaped profile, which is claimed to increase stability against crosswinds; seven or eight years ago, V-shaped rims were the norm.

Reynolds is one of the few brands that continues to use a V-shaped profile on its top-spec Black Label Aero rims, but its less expensive rims use a U-shaped profile.

And now Reynolds has merged the two profiles in its latest BL 46 Pro DB, BL 46 Expert DB, and AR 46 DB wheelsets: not quite a U-shape, but the sides of the rim taper upward and the rounded area toward the top is much smaller. The "U" shape is not quite a U-shape, but the sides of the rim taper upward and the rounded area toward the top is much smaller.

Like many deep-section aero rims, the rim profile of the DET 2 bulges out from the flange and is hooked rather than hookless. In the case of this rim, the inner width is not quite 21 mm, but the maximum outer width of the rim is 31 mm, and the overall rim depth is 46 mm. According to Reynolds, the tubeless-compatible rim is aero optimized for 28mm tires.

The rim profile is designed to accommodate a wide range of yaw angles that would be encountered in the real world, rather than the narrow range of yaw angles tested in the wind tunnel. This is claimed to improve stability and help riders maintain a more aero riding position.

Reynolds claims that the CR6 laminate and resin make the rims of the top-spec BL 46 Pro DB wheelset extremely stiff and torsion-resistant.

The rims are mounted on Black Label Torch hubs, which Reynolds developed with hub specialist Industry 9, and Industry 9's offset pawl free hub mechanism results in a 3-pawl free hub with a very small 6° engagement angle.

Reynolds offers its new 46mm rim profile in three different wheel ranges: the Black Label Pro, Black Label Expert, and AR. All rims come with a lifetime warranty.

The Blacklabel 46 Pro DB wheels are a premium option, using Blacklabel Torch hubs with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and alloy nipples, with 20 spokes front and 24 rear. Reynolds lists the wheelset weight at 1,397g.

The Black Label 46 Expert DB wheelset uses the same rims, but with 24 Sapim CX-Ray spokes front and rear on Reynolds/Lingle Super Bubba X Road DB hubs with 8° engagement 3-pawl ratchets. Weighing in at 1,430 g.

Finally, the Reynolds AR46 DB wheelset features Sapim Sprint spokes with brass nipples and the new Reynolds/Lingle SRX Road DB hub with 3-jaw freehub with 12° engagement angle. According to Reynolds, the weight is 1,604 g.

Top-spec Pro wheels are priced at $2,299.99 / £2,446.50 / €2,330

Expert-spec wheels are priced at $1,899.99 / £2,026.50 / €1,930

The AR-spec wheel is priced at $1,449.99 / £1,543.50 / €1,470