Specialized and Roval are committed to delivering impressive components and carbon technologies to riders who can take advantage of them without missing a mortgage or rent payment. Sure, these might not be the absolute lightest versions, but there are no sacrifices in strength or construction, and the performance may well supersede direct competitors that cost more. With the Traverse Carbon 29er trail wheelset, Roval upholds those values by delivering cutting edge carbon technology that combines performance and durability at a very affordable price- in this case just $1200 for a carbon rim trail wheelset that also features DT Swiss 350 hubs.

Built fashionably wide, the zero bead-hook (hookless) rim bed of the Traverse Carbon has a generous 30mm internal width that is optimal for tires 2.3 - 3.0” wide. This offers better sidewall support with modern wider tires, leading to less tire deformation and inconsistent feel, especially when cornering or jumping, resulting in more predictable and surefooted handling. Thousands of hours of punishing lab testing that simulates exaggerated real world forces ensure that the Traverse Carbon wheels are up to the rigors of true trail riding. Comparing this test data against every respected trail wheel in the market demonstrates that the deflection and durability of Traverse Carbon wheels meets or beats anything out there. This is testimony to the quality materials, impressive carbon construction knowledge, and wheel system expertise in the Roval facility.

The rest of the build is equally impressive and durable. The DT Swiss 350 Classic hubs manage the stress and loads front and rear, with Swiss sealed steel cartridge bearings prevailing through seasons of dust and muck with nary a glance from a mechanic. On the rear wheel, the impressive, simple to service, 36-tooth ratcheting DT Swiss rotor for SRAM XD (freehub) ensures responsive and reliable power transfer at any speed. The equally legendary DT Competition j-bend steel spokes (28 of them) lace the rims to the hubs front and rear. The redoubtable DT Swiss brass nipples are used for superior strength, hold and durability under load. Great components all, and in conjunction with the precision rim drilling, all are highly unlikely to creak, corrode or fail. The use of such common length j-bend spokes means replacement is much more convenient to replace if you happen to jam a stick through the spokes or blow a corner- it is mountain biking after all. The selection of the components of the Traverse 29" Carbon Wheelset ensure these are daily drivers that are overall durable, serviceable, and hassle-free.

Roval's “Systems Approach” delivers performance that can’t be achieved by designing a rim and sourcing third party parts for the rest. Yes, you can argue the use of DT Swiss hubs does indicate using a 3rd party product, but DT Swiss is Roval's hub partner and so the selected direct DT or hybrid hubset (i.e. Roval machined hubshells with DT Swiss internals) becomes a direct part of the design, not an afterthought. This approach encompasses the design, material science and construction processes that make the Roval Traverse 29" Carbon Wheelset a superior option, regardless of the easily accessible price-point.