Review – Reserve 34|37 SL Turbulent Aero Wheels

Reserve’s 34|37 SL Turbulent Aero wheels are designed with climbing performance in mind, offering a lightweight and aerodynamic solution for riders tackling mountainous terrain. The wheelset features a front rim depth of 34mm and a rear depth of 37mm, combined with wide internal and external widths that accommodate tyre sizes from 25 to 38mm, making them versatile for various road conditions. Constructed with Tune Pico straightpull hubs and Vonoa carbon fibre spokes, these wheels weigh just 1,148 grams ready to ride, positioning them among the lightest in Reserve’s SL Turbulent Aero range. The build quality and technical specifications reflect a focus on precision and performance. The hubs, made in Germany, utilise pawl engagement for quick responsiveness, while the semi-hooked rim design balances the benefits of hooked and hookless profiles. Included accessories such as tubeless tape, Fillmore valves, and both HG and XDR freehub bodies add to the comprehensive package, although the non-removable valve cores were noted as a minor inconvenience during tubeless maintenance. The wheels’ stiffness and responsiveness were praised, particularly for climbing and accelerating on steep gradients. On the road, the 34|37 SL wheels demonstrated an impressive blend of lightness and aerodynamic efficiency, maintaining speed on flats while excelling on climbs. The reviewer highlighted the wheels’ lively feel and smooth rolling, with a comfortable ride quality even at higher tyre pressures. Despite their relatively shallow rim depths, the combination of rim width and tyre choice created a favourable aerodynamic profile, making these wheels suitable for riders seeking a balanced performance across varied terrain. While the price point of $3,500 places these wheels in the premium category, it is competitive within the lightweight climbing wheel market. The overall verdict positions the Reserve 34|37 SL Turbulent Aero wheels as a well-rounded option for cyclists prioritising climbing efficiency without sacrificing speed or ride comfort. Interested riders are encouraged to visit Reserve’s website to locate local stockists and explore availability.