Roval has launched a new alloy wheelset that brings durability to enduro riders at a cheaper cost than the brand's high-end carbon models. While the new alloy Traverse wheels are significantly cheaper than their carbon stablemates, performance is still incredibly good having been used extensively during training by the Specialized Enduro Team.
Roval says that it's the combination of durability, flex, and trail feel that has made the Traverse Alloy a popular option with the Specialized Enduro Team. Carbon wheels, while lighter and potentially stronger than alloy, can be very stiff and lack the compliance and grip often needed on rutted and techy enduro trails.
The budget price also doesn't seem to sacrifice the high levels of trickle-down technology which Roval has stitched into the package. The rim features the same profile and design as the carbon Traverse, using a hookless design and a 30mm internal rim width to give tires support and stability in corners and technical terrain.
Naturally, there is a weight penalty but at 70g per wheel, the difference isn't as large as you would expect. Roval quotes the wheelset weights at 1,870g for the 29er and 1,830g in 27.5 which is very competitive even when compared to significantly pricier wheels.
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Spinning on DT Swiss internals
The wheels also use DT Swiss 370 hub internals, featuring DT Swiss's new 18-tooth Ratchet LN system, which replaces pawl technology to improve hub engagement and durability. The ratchet internals can also be upgraded to a quicker 54-tooth engagement ratchet for snappier acceleration out of corners. The sealed bearings should keep the wheels spinning for a while and are specced with a six-bolt rotor attachment.
In addition to DT Swiss internals, the hubs feature 28 hole "Step Flange" design that Roval claims improves the bracing angle of the spokes to reduce the risk of failure. The wheels use J-bend spokes of equal length on each side, too, which should make any spoke repairs a simple process.
The wheels will be available in 29-and 27.5 inch sizes and will only available with Boost hub spacing. The Roval Traverse Alloy is only available as a front and rear set which will retail for $650.00 or 29 front ($300) and 27.5 rear ($350) individually for those that run a mullet wheelset up. As an added assurance, the wheels are covered by the brand's lifetime warranty and two-year No Fault Crash Replacement Policy.
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Tech Specs: Roval Traverse Alloy wheelset
- Rim width: 30mm (internal)
- Axles: 110x15mm & 148x12mm
- Spoke length 29 Front Right/Left: 283mm/283mm
- Spoke length 29 Rear Drive-Side/Non-Drive: 283mm/283mm
- Spoke length 27.5 Front Right/Left: 266mm/266mm
- Spoke length 27.5 Rear Drive-Side/Non-Drive: 266mm/266mm
- Weight: 1,870g (29) and 1,830g (27.5)
- Price: $650 (per set)
