ROVAL

When you think of lightweight XC wheels, aluminum probably doesn't come to mind. In reality, though, high-grade alloy wheels have all of the tremendous performance properties found in carbon, like light overall weight, durability, and resilience to impact. And when made with the right hands, they're perfect for competitive racers and everyday trail riders alike. The problem is that, while many carbon wheels can check these boxes with ease, most alloy wheels don't live up to these expectations. In the case of the Control 29 wheels, however, there’s finally an aluminum wheelset that's truly ready to race.

What sets the Control 29 wheels apart is that they share many of the same advanced technologies as our carbon version, the Control SL. They adopt the same rim shape with a 25-millimeter inner width, extensive on-trail testing, and our Zero Bead Hook technology.

Our Zero Bead Hook rim takes away the dated mountain wheel design known as a bead hook. This hook is the part of the rim that crests at the top, sitting several millimeters inward from the rim’s sidewall, and it catches the tire’s bead under its hook. We know this may not sound too bad, but the hook establishes a weak spot in the rim that's easily crushed or bent. Without a hook, a rim can be manufactured to much tighter tolerances and can be made lighter due to the hook not needing to be reinforced. For these wheels, this means that we're able to nearly equal the strength of carbon, while also making them lighter than many carbon wheels. More importantly, a Zero Bead Hook all but gets rid of the aforementioned weak spot in the rim that's plagued riders with flat spots and dents for decades. If you happen to be one of those riders that enjoys riding your four-inch travel XC bike like it’s a six-inch trail bike, you’re in luck.

Our objective of low weight and reliability, at an accessible price, also carries into the Control 29 build. We hand-build each rim to our alloy hubs, which feature DT Swiss internals at the rear and a design that allows for the same spoke lengths at both front and rear, via perfectly tensioned DT Swiss Revolution J-Bend spokes and Pro Lock nipples. We fully support the art of hand-building and do so with our wheels, knowing that real people can catch things that a machine simply cannot.

• Rim: Control Alloy Clincher, 29, Disc Brake, Tubeless Ready, Zero Bead Hook design
• Rim Details: 18.15mm Depth, 30mm External Width, 25mm Internal Width
• Hub: Roval JFM02, DT Swiss 360 3 pawl internals, 24t (15deg), XD Freehub, 110x15mm & 142x12mm thru-axle compatible, (Convertible freehub and endcaps)
• Bearing Type: Sealed Steel Cartridge
• Spokes: DT Swiss Competition Race J-Bend, F: Two-Cross 28 count, L: 287mm, R: Two-cross 28 count, L: DS 287mm NDS 287mm
• Nipple: DT Swiss Hex Prolock Al 2.0x14mm
• Tire Size: 1.95" - 2.6"; Max Pressure: XX psi
• Weight: Wheelset 1690g
• Assembly Method: Hand built at every step.
• Extras: 19 and 31mm OD end cap options included, Roval tubeless plugs and tubeless valve, System Weight Limit: 240lbs / 109kg;

In the early design phases of our Traverse Fattie 27.5, we recognized that the number of aluminum wheels that had the prowess to both shred rowdy descents and to provide the efficiency required of our Northern California testing grounds' relentless climbs were far and few between. We also came to realize that trail riders expect certain features in a super nimble, send-it-ready wheelset. And for the price, we found that alloy hit many of these expectations, while also keeping enough jingle-jangle in your wallet for a post-ride beverage.

Along with light overall weight, stiffness, and durability, another top priority for the Traverse was ease of use. First off, we got rid of the creaky straight-pull spokes and corrosion-prone alloy nipples. Next up, we landed on 28 J-bend spokes, for front and rear wheels, that are all the same length—making it easy to find replacements if needed. And finally, we engineered a new hub design, with a wider profile and higher flange to aid in overall stiffness.

We took the traditional 19- to 23-millimeter standard and moved it out to what we found worked best in testing—a whopping 30mm “Fattie” width. A wide rim does a variety of things for ride performance—it better supports the tire for increased confidence and grip, it affords you the ability to run lower pressures, and it spreads impact out over a larger surface area to reduce the risk of damage. We also added our Zero Bead hook design to the mix, and this ultimately aids in preventing “burps” during hard cornering, while also making tubeless set up quick and easy.

After developing what we found to be the perfect alloy trail wheels, we went farther down the perfection path, hand-lacing the rims to our own alloy hubs that allow for the same spoke length throughout the entire wheelset, via 28 DT Swiss Revolution J-Bend spokes and Pro Lock nipples. Inside our hubs, you'll find sealed cartridge bearings and DT Swiss 360 rear internals that'll keep you rolling smoothly for miles. We also wanted to ensure that each wheel was built correctly, so we built them by hand.

Each wheelset comes packaged with a SRAM XD-driver and a tubeless valve stem in order to make tubeless set-up a touch easier. Please note that Shimano freehubs are sold separately.

• Rim Material: E5 high-strength alloy
• Rim Width: 30mm internal
• Front Spoke Pattern: Two-cross
• Rear Spoke Pattern: Two-cross
• Spoke Count: 28h Front, 28h Rear
• Spoke Type: DT Swiss Competition Race J-bend
• Nipple Type: DT Swiss Brass Pro Lock hexagonal
• Front Hub: Alloy body, 15mmx110 thru-axle, 19 and 31mm OD end cap options included.
• Rear Hub: CNC-machined alloy body, high-quality DT 360 internals, includes SRAM XX1 11-speed freehub and 148 end cap.
• Bearing Type: Sealed cartridge

Convert existing Roval wheels with 142mm or 142+ to be used with Boost spacing (110/148mm) suspension forks and frames.

• Kits include front and rear hub end caps, rotor spacers, and kit-specific rotor bolts.
• Compatible with select 2013 to 2018 Roval wheels. Choose the appropriate SKU for each wheelset.
• Each conversion kit requires the existing rear wheel to be re-dished to center. Consult an authorized Roval dealer to perform this operation.

• Rim Type: Carbon Clincher, tubeless-first
• Rim Material: Advanced Carbon Composite
• Rim Width (internal): 30mm
• Rim Depth: 25.3mm
• Front Spoke Pattern: Radial/Two-cross (2:1)
• Rear Spoke Pattern: One-cross/Two-cross (2:1)
• Spoke Count: Front/Rear: 24/24
• Spoke Type: DT Swiss Aerolite T-head
• Nipple Type: DT Swiss Pro Lock Alloy hexagonal
• Spoke Length (front): 700c Right/Left: 283mm/279mm 650b Right/Left: 264mm/260mm
• Spoke Length (rear): 700c Drive-Side/Non-Drive: 278mm/284mm 650b Drive-Side/Non-Drive: 259mm/265mm
• Front Hub: Roval AFD1, Centerlock, 12mm thru-axle end cap
• Rear Hub: Roval AFD2, Centerlock, DT Swiss EXP internals, Shimano HG, 142x12mm thru-axle end cap
• Assembly Method: Handbuilt
• Extras: Roval padded wheelbag, Roval tubeless rim tape and valves (pre-installed)
• Weight (with rim tape and tubeless valves): 700c: 1357g

When we set out to create a lightweight wheelset, we didn’t want it to be “just another climbing wheel." We wanted to provide the lightest wheelset out there with the aerodynamic attributes of something twice its depth. One wheel that'll get you to the base of a climb quickly and up it as efficiently as possible, yet still be strong enough for day-to-day abuse. It was a tall order, but in the end, the CLX 32 gave us more than what we asked for.

Our design process started with a low overall weight at the forefront, as we knew what weight we could hit with the information and technology we had available. With that weight in mind, we then turned our focus to aerodynamics and began an iterative process of designing and testing over 150 individual rims to find the optimal shape. These innumerable Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, Win Tunnel hours, and shots of espresso left us with a 32mm-deep shape that boasts more logged wind tunnel time than any other wheel in its category.

For the CLX 32 tubular rear, we mated the rim to our Aero Flange (AF) series hub with DT Swiss Aero spokes to create the best overall system. This results in a 665-gram, front wheel with an extremely low inertia value. In cycling, inertia relates to the amount of force it takes to accelerate or decelerate, so wheels that are built with lightweight rims, like the CLX 32, result in a lower inertia value that creates a lively wheel that allows you to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction with less effort. But why so wide? Well, additional width does three primary things for a rim—it provides additional structural strength, it allows for a clean rim and tire interface when using wide tires (resulting in enhanced aerodynamics and faster rolling properties), and it better supports the tire in hard cornering. This boosts both predictable grip and confidence when things get twisty on the descents.

Each CLX 32 tubular front wheel also employs the legendary CeramicSpeed bearings and comes with our padded wheelbag, quick-release, tubeless plugs, tubeless valve, and SwissStop Black Prince brake pads.

• Rim Type: Carbon tubular
• Rim Material: Carbon
• Braking Surface: Carbon fiber
• Brake Track Height: 12mm
• Rim Depth: 64mm
• Rim Width: 27.1mm external
• Spoke Pattern: Radial/Two-cross (2:1)
• Spoke Count: 24
• Spoke Type: DT Swiss Aerolite T-head
• Nipple Type: DT Swiss Pro Lock hexagonal

Trail wheels often fall into two categories—they’re either heavy and durable or light and flexy. And because of this, a lightweight, wide-profile, and enduro-ready carbon wheel seems like something only found in a fairytale, but lucky for you, we made it a reality. The Traverse SL Fattie 27.5 puts all the flick'able, nimble features you need in an all-mountain wheel into one package, and it has the results to prove it.

Along with light overall weight, stiffness, and durability, another top priority for the Traverse SL was ease of use. First off, we got rid of the creaky straight-pull spokes and corrosion-prone alloy nipples. Next up, we landed on 28 J-bend spokes, for both the front and rear wheels, that are all the same length—making it easy to find replacements if needed. And finally, we engineered a new hub design, with a wider profile and higher flange to aid in overall stiffness.

What's with the big-boned name, you ask? The Traverse SL Fatties may be wide, but with a 30mm inner rim width, they’re far from the girth of a fat bike rim. But let's talk width. You've probably noticed that mountain bike rim widths have hovered between 19 and 23 millimeters for decades, and they've been long overdue for a change. In the search for a better wheel design, our engineers began testing 2.3- to 2.5-inch tires on 45-millimeter-wide fat bike rims to see what, if any, benefits could be found. It only took them a few rides to realize that the wider rims offered a variety of advantages, like adding additional tire volume, which better supports the tires in hard cornering, greatly improves traction because of the ability to run lower pressures, and noticeably increases rim stiffness. They did note that there is an occurrence of diminishing returns with increasing width, however, and after testing everything from 25 to 45mm, determined that a 30mm inner width is optimal.

After determining the width, we began designing the rim using the knowledge that we gained when developing the Control SL. With this, we started with our Zero Bead Hook technology that gets rid of the weak spot found in a traditional wheel, and combined it with the wider profile to make a carbon rim that effectively dissipates forces. This way, you can take abuse from rocks without the worry of cracks or dents. Ok, so they’re strong, impact-resistant, and tire supporting—they must be heavy, right? Wrong. Even though “fattie” is in their name, they're far from fat.

To achieve this weight, we hand-build our rims to our own alloy hubs, using only the highest quality DT Swiss Competition Race spokes. Inside our hubs, you'll find DT Swiss 240 internals with a quick engaging 54t DT Swiss star ratchet system in the rear that allows you to power over rocks and roots without delay. And while machines do a pretty good job of building wheels, we choose professionally trained humans because they do so with an artistic touch that makes for minimal flaws.

Whether you need a carbon wheelset to get you through an enduro stage or one to shred your local rock garden, the Traverse SL Fattie has you covered.

• Rim Type: Carbon clincher, 2Bliss Ready, Zero Bead Hook design. Black graphic under clear coat.
• Rim Material: Carbon fiber
• Rim Width: 30mm internal
• Front Spoke Pattern: Two-cross
• Rear Spoke Pattern: Two-cross
• Spoke Count: 28h Front, 28h Rear
• Spoke Type: DT Swiss Competition Race J-bend
• Nipple Type: DT Swiss Brass Pro Lock hexagonal
• Front Hub: Alloy body, 15mmx110 thru-axle, 19 and 31mm OD end cap options included.
• Rear Hub: CNC-machined alloy body, high-quality DT 240 internals and 54t quick engagement ratchet system cassette, includes SRAM XX1 11-speed freehub and 148 end caps.