Specialized is expanding its wheel portfolio with a new top model for cross-country racing. The Roval Control World Cup wheelset was developed in close collaboration with the Specialized Factory Racing Team and, according to the manufacturer, should set new standards in terms of weight and performance. We can already confirm the former. In our BIKE test lab, the wheels weighed just 991 grams - including valves and rim tape. This means that the newcomer undercuts its predecessor by over 250 grams. But that's not all. With this sensational value, the Roval Control World Cup is currently the lightest race wheelset on the market. For comparison: In BIKE 12/24 we compared the five most popular race wheelsets. And even the lightest candidate from this test, the Newmen Phase Lightthe new set from Specialized is 167 (!) grams lighter - amazing!
The rims of the Roval Control World Cup are made of carbon and have an asymmetrical profile. According to Specialized, this enables a more even spoke tension and increases stiffness. The inner rim width is 28.5 millimetres. Approved tyre width: 1.9 to 2.6 inches wide. The maximum tyre pressure is set by the Americans at 2.8 bar. An extra-wide rim flange (4 mm) is also intended to reduce the risk of punctures.
The facts about the Roval Control World Cup
- Weight: 998 grams (wheelset incl. valves and rim tape)
- Rim material: Carbon
- Price: 2950 Euro
- Inner rim width: 28.5 millimetres
- Rim design: Hookless
- Compatible tyre widths: 1.9 to 2.6 inches
- Maximum tyre pressure: 40 psi (2.8 bar)
- Spokes: Carbon with titanium fittings, 304 millimetre length
- Hubs: Roval Low Flange Mountain Hub (LFM23), DT Swiss EXP-System
- Bearing: Sinc Ceramic
- Freewheel: 36 detent points
- Freehub compatibility: Shimano HG MTB, Shimano Micro Spline, SRAM XD
- Maximum disc size: <200 millimetres
- Structural weight limit: 125 kilograms
- Area of application: XC-Racing (ASTM category 3)
- Guarantee: Lifetime
Roval Control World Cup: Innovative spoke technology
A special feature of the new wheels are the carbon spokes with titanium nipples. According to the manufacturer, these are 1.7 grams lighter and 63 per cent stronger than conventional steel spokes and are therefore partly responsible for the record weight. Overall, the spoke construction is said to save 101.6 grams compared to a comparable wheelset with steel spokes. Also good: the same 304 millimetre long spokes are used on the front and rear wheels.
Roval XC wheels: Hubs and freehub
The hubs of the Roval Control World Cup were designed by Roval, but are manufactured by DT Swiss. They are based on the DT Swiss EXP system and are equipped with Sinc Ceramic bearings. The freehub has 36 engagement points and is compatible with Shimano HG, Shimano Micro-Spline and SRAM XD freehub bodies.
Stiffness and driving behaviour
Specialized emphasises the balance between stiffness and comfort of the Roval Control World Cup. The optimised rim shape and the laminate structure are intended to increase torsional stiffness, while at the same time the rim can adapt to the ground. This leads to more control and higher speeds in technical passages. At the same time, the stiffness in the direction of travel is designed so that the wheels accelerate quickly and brake precisely. We are currently subjecting the wheels to a detailed practical test and will report on whether the newcomers actually ride as well as Specialized promises.
Despite its extremely low weight, the Roval Control World Cup is designed to withstand the rigours of modern World Cup tracks. Specialized states that the Specialized Factory Racing Team survived the entire 2024 season without a single rim breakage. This is partly due to the optimised laminate structure, which distributes the impact energy over the entire rim. The asymmetric rim shape also ensures maximum stability.
Availability and scope of delivery
The Roval Control World Cup wheelset costs 2950 euros and comes with a matching wheel bag. The scope of delivery also includes four spare spokes and nipples, 31-millimetre end caps and two sets of Roval stickers in Liquid Silver and Metallic White. Specialized grants a lifetime warranty on the wheels. In some regions, a two-year free crash replacement programme also applies.
Max Fuchs
Editor
