Roval Traverse: Robust carbon rims for Enduro & Trail - now with a new version

Roval Traverse HD 350 DEG: the most affordable wheel in the range

The Roval Traverse wheels have now been supplemented with a new model. The HD 350 DEG wheels with the DT Swiss 350 DEG hub of the same name have been developed for use on the trail. Their Ratchet DEG system has 72 ratchet points with an engagement angle of 5° - the other models have 4 degrees. The user-friendly design and ease of maintenance in particular should enable quick removal. The cheapest wheels in the series cost 1500 euros as a set - 700 euros individually for the front wheel and 800 euros for the rear wheel.

The Roval Traverse HD wheels are primarily aimed at enduro riders who are looking for particularly robust and high-performance components for demanding applications.

Durable rims with FlatStop technology

A central feature of the new Roval Traverse wheels is the so-called FlatStop technology. This is a special rim profile with a 5 millimetre wide, flat section in the area of the tyre seat.

According to Specialized, this design should significantly increase resistance to punctures. Specifically, the developers state that, compared to a conventional round rim profile, 85 per cent more force is required to cause a puncture. The flat profile distributes the impact energy over a larger area and thus reduces the risk of damage to the tyre and rim. For bikers, this should mean fewer punctures and more fun on technical trails.

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Two models for different areas of application

The Roval Traverse wheel series comprises two different models that are tailored to specific areas of use. The Traverse SL II is designed as a lighter version for trail use. It is designed to offer a good balance between low weight for efficient uphill riding and sufficient stability for demanding downhill rides. The rims of the SL II have different carbon layups for the front and rear wheels. The strength of the front wheel has been increased by 15 per cent and that of the rear wheel by as much as 25 per cent. The SL II also has 21 per cent more vertical compliance, which should improve the absorption of shocks and vibrations.

The Traverse HD is designed as a particularly robust version for tough enduro use. According to Specialized, these are the most stable carbon wheels that the manufacturer has ever tested. The HD version is designed to withstand hard impacts and aggressive riding without damage. To achieve this, a particularly robust rim shape is used, which is complemented by a special offset spoke hole design.

Innovative valve design for better air retention

Another technical highlight of the new Roval Traverse wheels is the so-called ThreadBed valve system. This is a valve that is screwed directly into the rim without the need for additional lock nuts.

According to Specialized, this design should offer several advantages: It prevents air loss due to rim deformation, makes it easier to fit tyres and reduces the risk of blockages caused by sealant. The system is compatible with conventional Presta valve inserts and also allows the use of standard tubeless valves.

Various hub options for different requirements

The Roval Traverse wheels are offered with various hub options to cover different requirements in terms of weight, durability and price. The Traverse SL II is equipped with Industry Nine Hydra2 hubs. With 870 engagement points and an engagement angle of just 0.41 degrees, these are said to enable particularly fast power transmission. According to the manufacturer, the freewheel resistance has been reduced by 60 per cent compared to the previous model.

DT Swiss 240 DEG hubs are available for the Traverse HD. With 90 engagement points and an engagement angle of 4 degrees, the legendary 240 also offers rapid power transmission. DT Swiss hubs are considered to be particularly durable and easy to maintain. They enable quick disassembly and the uncomplicated replacement of wearing parts.

The Traverse HD 350 DEG with the eponymous DT Swiss 350 DEG hub rounds off the programme at the bottom.

Comprehensive warranty and crash replacement

To underline the confidence in the quality of the new wheels, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on the Roval Traverse models. This is subject to registration within 90 days of purchase. In addition, an "It Happens" crash replacement guarantee applies for the first two years. This also covers damage that is not covered by the regular warranty. However, the exact conditions depend on the respective region.

Roval Traverse wheels: Technical specifications, models & price

Roval Traverse SL II Hydra2

• Field of application: Trail
• Weight (29 inch): 1757 grams (incl. valves and rim tape)
• Front wheel: 795 grammes
• Rear wheel: 962 grammes
• Number of spokes: 28 front and rear
• Hub: Industry Nine Hydra2
• Snap-in points: 145 teeth / 0.41 degrees
• Wheel sizes: 29 inch
• Weight limit (driver and luggage): 125 kilogrammes / 275 pounds
• Guarantee: Lifetime (if registered within 90 days)
• Price:
  Traverse SL II HYDRA 6B 29 FRONT 28H: 1100 Euro
  Traverse SL II HYDRA 6B 29 REAR 28H SATIN: 1400 Euro

Roval Traverse HD 240 DEG

• Field of application: Aggressive trails, Enduro
• Weight (29 inch): 1795 grams (incl. valves and rim tape)
• Front wheel: 780 grammes
• Rear wheel: 1,015 grammes
• Weight (27.5 inch): 1682 grams (incl. valves and rim tape)
• Front wheel: 780 grammes
• Rear wheel: 902 grammes
• Number of spokes: 28 front, 32 rear
• Hub: DT Swiss 240 DEG
• Snap-in points: 90 teeth / 4 degrees
• Wheel sizes: 29 inch (front/rear), 27.5 inch (rear)
• Weight limit (driver and luggage): 125 kilogrammes / 275 pounds
• Guarantee: Lifetime (if registered within 90 days)
• Price:
  Traverse HD 240 27.5 6B REAR 32H 240: 1300 Euro
  Traverse HD 240 29 6B REAR 32H 240: 1300 Euro
  Traverse HD 240 29 6B FRONT 28H 240: 950 Euro

Roval Traverse HD 350 DEG

• Field of application: Aggressive trails, Enduro
• Weight (29 inch): 1884 grams (incl. valves and rim tape)
• Front wheel: 824 grammes
• Rear wheel: 1060 grammes
• Weight (27.5 inch): 1778 grams (incl. valves and rim tape)
• Front wheel: 824 grammes
• Rear wheel: 954 grammes
• Number of spokes: 28 front, 32 rear
• Hub: DT Swiss 350 DEG
• Snap-in points: 72 teeth / 5 degrees
• Wheel sizes: 29 inch (front/rear), 27.5 inch (rear)
• Weight limit (driver and luggage): 125 kilogrammes / 275 pounds
• Guarantee: Lifetime (if registered within 90 days)
• Price: 700 Euro (front wheel) / 800 Euro (rear wheel)