Reserve 30|HD 6069 AL wheelset review

Reserve, the wheel brand derived from Santa Cruz bicycles, has built an enviable reputation for producing high-quality wheels.

While Reserve started with carbon hoops, it has since moved into building alloy wheelsets, broadening its pricing spectrum.

These 30|HD wheels are built to do it all, from downhill and ebike laps through to trail riding.

They’re constructed around DT Swiss 350 hubs, however there’s also an option to purchase them with Industry Nine hubs.

They feature 32 spokes per wheel, can only be bought as a pair and come with Reserve’s unique Fillmore valves.

Reserve 30|HD 6069 AL specifications and details

Reserve uses a 6069 alloy to build its 30mm internal-width rims.

We measured our rims at 22mm deep, with a rim-wall width of 2mm.

The rim-well depth is 11.1mm.

The rims come pre-taped and include Reserve’s Fillmore valves.

These have a distinct construction, whereby the closure of the valve is located at the base of the valve stem, rather than inside it.

This, in theory, increases airflow to make seating tubeless tyres easier, while also reducing the chances that sealant will clog the valves.

Each wheel is constructed using 32 spokes, with the rim bed being asymmetrical to aid more evenly tensioned driveside and non-driveside spokes.

Sapim double-butted spokes are used, as are Sapim aluminium nipples.

At the centre of the wheels are DT Swiss 350 hubs.

These give a 10-degree engagement angle, while offering XD and Micro Spline freehub options.

The freehub can be easily swapped by removing the axle caps and pulling the freehub off.

The hubs are built for six-bolt rotors.

Reserve offers the wheels with a lifetime warranty and there’s a crash replacement policy too.

The warranty will cover crash damage if the rim isn’t holding air, while if it still is, you may be covered by the crash replacement policy, with a rim supplied at a reduced price.

Reserve 30|HD 6069 AL performance

Though other MTB wheels I’ve tested recently (the Roval Traverse Alloy 350 in particular) might have been marginally easier to mount tyres to, the Reserve 30|HD hoops are among the easiest I’ve tested on which to inflate tyres.

This is likely a combination of the internal shape of the rim, enabling the tyre bead to transfer from the rim well to the rim wall, and the Fillmore valves.

Yes, the price of the valve on its own is eye-watering at £34.99 / $49.99, but their inclusion in the wheel price is a bonus.

Air noticeably flows through the valve more easily, meaning fewer frustrations when it comes to getting the tyres popped up and fitted properly.

That said, overall the FIllmore valves are a little trickier to live with than regular Presta valves. They don’t marry as well with some mini pumps in my experience, and their long exposed stem feels a little vulnerable.

Furthermore, I found the valves tricky to use with a tyre-pressure gauge.

Overall, though, my experience of mounting and inflating tyres with these hoops was very positive.

Down at the centre of the wheel, the DT Swiss 350 hubs are a known quantity.

The 10-degree engagement ratchet-style freehub is positive, even if the engagement angle is a touch more sluggish than some.

Serviceability is good, with the freehub pulling off by hand to re-grease or replace with a different style driver.

That said, if the wheel is out of the bike, the freehub can pop off the hub when the weight of the cassette is added, if you drop the wheel.

Fortunately, the innards are larger than pawls and springs, so if you lose parts in the undergrowth, they’re easier to find.

Reserve touts these wheels as suitable for everything from trail riding to downhill laps.

With 32 spokes, a marginally more boxy shape than the Roval Traverse Alloy 350 and Race Face Turbine, and the aforementioned versatility, I was expecting these wheels to be harsh on the trail.

However, while they’re a hint stiffer than the wheels mentioned above, it’s a world of difference from what a properly stiff carbon wheel can feel like.

As such, despite a more firm feel when pushing hard and loading the bike into a corner, or barrelling over rocks and roots, it would be remiss to say these wheels are harsh.

The alloy rim and butted spokes combine to ensure the worst of the buzz is muted, while the overall construction gives the wheels a sense of tough dependability.

During testing, I took these wheels for a week of trail and enduro riding in the Alps.

Despite rattling through bike-park tracks and navigating some deliciously technical off-piste sections, they came back without damage or complaint, and I suffered no punctures.

Furthermore, the price of these wheels, compared to their Roval and Race Face rivals, is competitive, coming in cheaper than both.

Reserve also gives you a pretty decent warranty, further boosting my confidence in the wheels and their overall value.

Reserve 30|HD 6069 AL bottom line

Reserve’s entry to the alloy wheels market is impressive.

While £700 for a pair of alloy wheels isn’t cheap, they compare well in performance terms with slightly pricier competitors.

They feel sturdy without being harsh, while the finishing touches and aftercare are up there with the best.