Roval updates Traverse wheelsets with increased durability
The brand also introduces the **it Happens' No Fault Crash Replacement policy
More News
Fresh hoops promise to out-perform in weight and toughness
We've spent two days on Specialized's latest e-bike. Here's what we think so far
The Kenevo follows in the Levo's footsteps, offering a lightweight enduro e-bike
Watch the Kenevo take on the Lake's finest
Specialized's wheel subsidiary Roval has developed and updated its Traverse MTB wheel range. It now offers three wheelsets for trail, enduro, and bike park riding, each promising improved durability, performance, and control. On top of the three wheelsets, the brand also introduces the **it Happens' crash replacement policy.
- Schrader vs Presta – which valve standard is best for you?
- Gravel cycling: the East Anglian Way
- Top tips to make the most of the off-road night riding season
The updated Traverse range features three new wheelsets; two with carbon construction and one built from alloy. With each of the carbon wheelsets, Roval has also introduced an interesting new valve and valve interface dubbed the Roval ThreadBed Valve. Essentially, this valve threads into the rim, negating the need for the compression nuts found on traditional tubeless valves. It's said that this new interface and valve minimises any air loss under rim flex, reduces sealant clogs, and makes tyre setup easier.
2023 roval traverse valve thread.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
The carbon Traverse wheelsets benefit from a 'Flat Top' bead profile, created to rid the chance of pinch flats as it apparently requires 85 per cent more force to cause a pinch flat than a standard bead. Similar to the 'ThreadBed', this is only found on the carbon wheels.
Adding to the fresh features is that Roval has gone the way of Crankbrothers, and built each wheel for specific use at the front and rear of the bike through different carbon layups.
2023 roval traverse sl II.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Starting with the Traverse SL II, Roval reckons that it's the brand's lightest yet, and it's been built to suit the demands of trail riders who appreciate nimbleness and pinch flat resistance. Claimed to weigh 1,645g, its carbon layup is said to boast 15 per cent greater strength at the front wheel while the rear is supposed to be 25 per cent beefier. Roval then says that the wheelset is 21 per cent more vertically compliant, with the intention of flex built into the rim with the aim of improving support and traction.
The Traverse SL II is available in 29in only and comes with 28 spokes both front and rear. It uses a DT Swiss 350 Star Ratchet hub that offers 10-degree engagement over 36 teeth.
2023 roval traverse HD.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Moving onto the Traverse HD - the strongest carbon wheelset in the range. These hoops get an offset rim shape, that again has been laid up with front and rear characteristics in mind. The front has been designed to deliver a smooth ride for control whilst the rear has been built with stiffness and impact resistance. This set is available in both 29in or mullet (29in front with a 650b rear) wheel sizes and gets the same spoke and hub build as the Traverse SL II. However, this one is claimed to tip the scales at 1,706g.
2023 roval traverse alloy.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Last but not least is the Traverse Alloy. Constructed with a 6013 alloy rim complete with a shot-peened finish it also gets an offset rim for a balanced spoke tension. Here, you get a 30mm internal rim width with beads that bend inwards to help retain air pressure under impact. While this alloy wheelset gets the same spoke count and DT 350 Star Ratchet hub, it doesn't get the ThreadBed valve or Flat Top bead profile. This one's available in both 29in and mullet sizes. It's also claimed to weigh 1,904g.
On top of the launch of these three new wheelsets, Roval is excited to announce its **it Happens policy. Offered for two years on top of a lifetime warranty, **it Happens is a no-fault crash replacement policy that covers damage caused while riding that's not covered under warranty. With this, damaged wheels will either be repaired or replaced and the policy covers wheels bought as part of complete bikes, or separate Roval wheel purchases.
You might also like:
Author block
