In rugged trails, where challenges emerge swiftly, Roval have tested wheels like the Traverse 29 Carbon and found them to excel. These mountain bike wheels were born from the demanding climbs and descents, resulting in radical designs that surpass expectations. Starting with the rim, engineers opted for carbon fibre, implementing a Zero Bead Hook design to ensure continuous fibre layup across the sidewall and rim bed. Paired with a generous 30mm internal rim width, this design provides remarkable resilience to impacts, low rolling resistance, and superb traction. It also aids in preventing "burping" during aggressive cornering, while simplifying tubeless setup.
Ease of use was a top priority for the Traverse. Roval replaced creaky straight-pull spokes and corrosion-prone alloy nipples with 28 J-bend spokes of uniform length for both front and rear wheels, facilitating replacements if needed. The hub design was revamped for enhanced stiffness, featuring a wider profile and higher flange.
A wider rim enhances ride performance by better supporting the tyre, increasing confidence and grip, and enabling lower pressures to spread impact over a larger surface area, reducing the risk of damage. Combining this with the fast-rolling 29 platform results in a stiff, quick-accelerating wheelset that excels in climbing and descents alike.
For the wheel build, Roval hand-lace the rims with DT Swiss 350 Classic hubs using 28 DT Swiss Competition Race spokes and brass Pro Lock nipples. Inside, sealed cartridge bearings and a 36t quick engagement ratchet system ensure rapid accelerations. Each wheel is meticulously hand-built to guarantee precision, as machines can overlook minor errors.
Every wheelset includes a SRAM XD driver, 11-speed freehub, and tubeless valve stem for simplified tubeless setup. (Please note that Shimano freehubs are sold separately).