Roval has released its new Control Carbon mountain bike wheelset that shares much of the technology and learning from its top-tier Control SL wheelset but offers the resulting performance at a more affordable price point.
Roval is claiming that these new wheels are able to bring racing levels of performance and mix it with the durability needed in a wheelset that's going to get ridden every week. So whether you are racing or simply looking for a durable, lightweight wheelset for riding trails, Roval believes that the Control Carbon's will excel.
The Control Carbon uses the same zero-bead-hook design as the premium Control SL rim which has a broad 29mm inner width to support the tire when riding over rough or loose terrain at low pressures. To keep the rim lightweight, Roval claims to use a unique carbon layup schedule so that there aren't any sacrifices in strength.
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Durable internals
Reliability was clearly an important area for Roval when speccing the Control Carbon wheelsets. DT Swiss' reputation for durability and reliability made them the ideal choice for the hubs and spokes. The Control Carbons use DT Swiss' new 350 hub which comes equipped with a 36-tooth star ratchet. The hubs follow the standard 100x15mm and 148x12mm spacings and six-bolt rotor fittings.
The result is a 29er wheelset that Roval claims weighs in at 1,450g including tubeless rim tape - which is very respectable. Roval prices the Control Carbon wheelset at $1,350.00, which includes a lifetime warranty making them almost half the price of the top-of-the-range Control SL - all at a weight penalty of just 210g.
