Roval's new $650 Traverse alloy wheelet is aimed at riders looking for a set of do-it-all wheels that won't break the bank while also tipping the scales at a reasonable weight.
The rims have a 30mm internal width, and are constructed from Roval's E5 aluminum alloy that's said to make them “tough enough to handle backcountry rock gardens and questionable line choices at the bike park with confidence.” They're up laced with 28 J-bend DT Swiss Competition spokes and Hex Prolock nipples, a proven combination. As an added bonus, the wheels only use one size spoke for the entire set, which will make it easier to know what size you need if one breaks (283mm for the 29” wheels, and 266 for the 27.5” ones).
The rear wheels uses a Roval hub shell that houses DT Swiss' new 370 Ratchet LN internals. The 370 LN uses DT's star ratchet design rather than the pawl driven system that was used before. In this case, there's an 18-tooth ratchet ring, which equates to 20-degrees between engagement points, but riders who prefer faster engagement will find that it's a very quick procedure to upgrade to the 36- or 54- tooth options that DT offers.
The wheels are configured with an XD driver body, and have 15 x 110 / 12 x 148mm Boost spacing.
Total weight for the 29” wheels is a claimed 1870 grams, and the 27.5” version comes in at 1830 grams.
More information:
rovalcomponents.com
In the words of the immortal Jules Winnfield, "Sewer rat might taste like pumpkin pie, but I wouldn't know cause I wouldn't eat the filthy [mofo.]"
Roval's website also says these wheels have a "system weight limit" of 240lbs. Assuming "system" means bike + rider + gear, then yeah, these are not designed for questionable line choices at the bike park. Cool copy, though! They might be perfectly fine wheels for regular folks riding regular trails, but that doesn't sound sexy at all.
32 spokes for life as far as I am concerned!
As I stated in my previous comment I have 28 spoke DH wheels and no problems. I also have a set of 24 front/28 rear roval wheels that came on my specialized Enduro. Also no issues.
"When you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?"
But the mangled Roval rim in my workshop mightean that I'm slightly biased against Spez's claim that they will questionable line choices.
Each company has their own recipe to set international prices, but it’s part art and part science and typically will be set for the model year or product run. Besides accounting for profitability and estimated demand, the rubric to set MSRPs will also involve current exchange rates, 5-8 rolling quarters of currency valuation, as well as a 3-5yr weight.
My guess is since the Canadian dollar is currently stronger than it has been in nearly half a decade (compared to USD), they’re hedging their bets while trying to not overprice (and hurt demand) and basing the international MSRPs on a more average historical exchange rate.
"In this case, there's an 18-tooth ratchet ring..."
The hubs to not have a pawled freehub.
But yes, correct on the 36/54 as far as I can glean. That will cost ya!
$920+ CAD for a wheelset with 18t engagement. Plus the better part of what, $150-200 for a 54t upgrade.
I9 and Crank Brothers has 1/1 hub based wheels for the same or less. I'm sure many others do too, once you consider that upgrade. Not much more and you're into truly hand built options. I can't see the value in these Rovals here in Canada.
Also 650 is not a number I would use to decribe not breaking the bank with wheels.
EX511’s are $75 a piece
I9 hubs $400
Spokes/nipples $50
$600 and you have to lace them yourself. Those are distributor prices.
£30 for wheel build and spokes (DB sapim or DT)
£75 for rim (ex 471)
£60 for bitex front hub (80 for rear)
£350 for a superb wheelset (£50 more if you want an ex511)
Sorry but those roval wheels are over priced.