If you’ve been shopping for high-performance carbon wheels, you may be wondering: are Reserve wheels made by Cervélo? The short answer is no—but the connection between the two brands is closer than you might think.
Who Actually Makes Reserve Wheels?
Reserve wheels are made by Santa Cruz Bicycles, a company known for its premium mountain bikes and industry-leading carbon technology. Reserve was launched to bring the same durability and performance standards from Santa Cruz’s frames into their wheels. The brand quickly expanded from MTB into gravel and road markets.
Where Cervélo Fits Into the Picture
Cervélo, one of the most respected road bike brands in the world, often spec Reserve wheels on its high-end builds. This partnership has led many riders to believe that Cervélo manufactures the wheels themselves. In reality, Cervélo uses Reserve wheels as original equipment on selected models, but Reserve is still designed and built by Santa Cruz.
Why Riders Confuse the Two Brands
- OEM Pairing: Many Cervélo road bikes come stock with Reserve wheels.
- Shared Ownership: Both Santa Cruz and Cervélo are part of the Pon Holdings group, a global cycling powerhouse.
- Performance Synergy: Reserve’s durable carbon construction perfectly complements Cervélo’s lightweight, aerodynamic frames.
Should You Buy Reserve Wheels for Your Cervélo?
If you ride a Cervélo—or any premium road or gravel bike—Reserve wheels are a proven match. They offer lightweight performance, reliable durability, and come with a lifetime warranty. Whether you buy them as part of a complete Cervélo build or as an upgrade, they’re engineered to deliver long-term value.
FAQs
1. Are Reserve wheels exclusive to Cervélo bikes?
No. Reserve wheels can be purchased separately and are compatible with many high-end bikes, not just Cervélo.
2. Do Cervélo bikes come with Reserve wheels by default?
Some high-end Cervélo builds are spec’d with Reserve wheels, but not all models include them.
3. Are Reserve wheels good for road and gravel?
Yes. Reserve offers dedicated road and gravel wheelsets designed for speed, stiffness, and long-term durability.