Tech of the week from Roval, Giant and more

It's been a steady week for tech news, as brands have released fresh products and made some important announcements. Here's what's landed in our inboxes and ended up on the site this week.
- The reader’s guide to off-road.cc’s review scoring system
- 9 tips to keep your suspension running sweeter for longer
- 5 sneaky bike marketing terms you shouldn't trust
Roval updates Traverse wheelsets
The Traverse range got updated for 2023 and now includes a trail, enduro and bike park wheelset. The brand promised improved durability, performance and control, backing this up with a new **it happens crash policy.
The range consists of two carbon and one alloy wheelset, all undergoing some updates of their own. Perhaps of most interest is Roval's new **it happens policy, something offered for two years on top of the lifetime warranty to cover any damage that happens while riding, and would've otherwise fallen out with the warranty.
- Read the full details about the updated Traverse wheelsets here.
We spotted some fresh prototypes from Privateer
Take a sneak peek at these Privateer prototype bikes! We've got some spy shots of something new coming up from Privateer - the generation two 141 and 161 trail bikes.
We were treated to a look behind the scenes at two new prototypes from the brand to get an early idea of what to expect in the future. There are some refinements in the pipeline as well as a greater degree of adjustability.
We'll update the details as and when we find out more but don't miss out on taking a first look.
- Liam gives us the lowdown on everything he learned about Privateer's Gen 2 141 and 161 prototypes
Giant has new Roost and Rail MTB helmets
Giant has released completely revamped versions of the Roost and Rail mountain bike helmets.
With refinements and changes, both helmets received a five-star safety rating from the prestigious Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Lab. Available in three sizes from S-L (to fit heads from 51-63cm) they retail for $190 USD or €170 for Rail and $110 USD or €100 for Roost.
- See all the updates to the Giant Roost and Rail MTB helmets here.
Trek releases the Fuel EXe Alloy
Now in a more affordable alloy package, Trek has brought the EXe to market starting at £5,175. With three models in the range (the Fuel EXe 5, Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS and Fuel EXe 8 XT), the new alloy EXe bikes are virtually identical to their carbon counterparts - just a little cheaper.
Each model has 140mm rear travel and 150mm up front and the same geometry as the carbon bikes. The only change is the increased compatibility with long dropper posts and bigger coil shocks. Thanks to the frame material riders can also spec it with an angle-adjusting headset found on the Fuel EX.
There are typical price increases and specification upgrades on each model in the range, and they are available now.
- Want all the details on the new alloy Trek Exe range? Find them here.
Syncros releases the new carbon Capital SL wheelset
While the Capital SL wheelset has been tried and tested by UCI MTB World Cup racers for the past few seasons, Syncros has now adapted that technology for the gravel market.
The new Capital SL monocoque wheels have been refined to make them stronger thanks to the monocoque bracing structure. This structure also eliminates the need for spoke tensioning as they come pre-tensioned.
Weighing in around 1,170g they offer a hookless design and the ability to choose a range of tyre sizes.
- Want the finer details on the new Syncros Capital SL wheelset? See them here.
PNW launches new moss green collection
PNW Components has just released the PNW Loam Grips and Lever 2 in a new Moss Green colourway.
If you're looking for a new way to refresh your bike, this new colour addition to the already pretty extensive choices in the Loam Grips and Lever 2 line-up could be right up your street. Nothing has changed in terms of performance or with the products, they are just available in this new moss green colour.
- Find more details about the PNW Loam Grips here.
- See the options for the PNW Loam Lever 2 here.