Revolutionary XC Wheelset: Weighs Less Than One Kilo, Boasts Carbon Spokes with Titanium Nipples, and Carries a Hefty Price Tag Exceeding Certain Entire Bikes
The Stunningly Light Roval Control World Cup Wheels Weigh Under a Kilo
Curious about the latest XC wheelset to hit the market? Specialized is shaking things up with its Roval Control World Cup wheels, that weigh an astonishing 998g for the pair, according to them. Compared to most road hoops, this lightweight wheelset sure packs a punch! But with a whopping £2,500 price tag, it might just as well be a pro contract's worth.
Two XC tyres also grace the scene, with the Air Trak taking over from the Renegade tyres, and the Fast Trak getting a reboot for improved speed and lightness.
Crafted with carbon spokes, titanium nipples, and precision engineering by its design and race team, the Roval Control World Cup wheels are bound to impress. The redesigned valve stems and ultralight rim tape add to the overall sleekness, without including the sealant you'll need to add. Altogether, with the 575g Air Trak tyres, you're looking at a rolling weight of just 2,148g, before other weighty components like the drivetrain and brake rotors. That's a seriously svelte wheel, claims Specialized, shedding a remarkable 250g compared to its previous model.
"We scrutinized every detail, from geometry and carbon layups to the minutia of rim tape design," says Specialized, demonstrating its commitment to pushing boundaries in the cycling world. The new Rovals come geared for rocky terrain, featuring wide bead hooks to reduce the risk of pinch flats.
The Slick Air Trak and Fast Trak XC Tyres
Designed for racing on hard-packed terrain, the Air Trak sets a new standard for lightweight XC tyres, compensating for its featherweight nature with robust performance. The Fast Trak tyre, on the other hand, offers more durability and a better grip for a wide range of riding conditions. Each tyre offers two casing options, Grid Lite and Flex Lite, both costing £40.
The Air Trak tyres are a racer's dream when it comes to dry conditions and shave 60g off the weight of its predecessors, making them a lightweight 575g with the Flex Lite casing. It boasts a special fast-rolling center knob configuration and Block-In-Block outer knobs, perfect for whizzing across hard surfaces.
The Fast Trak tyres cater more to those who prefer a balance of grip and control for various riding conditions. They offer Gripton T5 and T7 knobs, designed for superior grip and durability. All options are priced at £40, and the Fast Trak comes in combinations of two widths and two casings, making it adaptable for a variety of preferences.
With the World Cup season on the horizon, Specialized's latest offerings will undoubtedly turn heads as XC racers take them for a spin. Can these lightweight, high-performance tyres clinch the competition? Time will tell.
specialized.com
Insights
- The Roval Control World Cup wheels, Air Trak, and Fast Trak tyres are fresh off the production line, boasting lighter weight and improved performance compared to their predecessors.
- The Air Trak tyre has a focus on speed and features lightweight XC casings for racing, while the Fast Trak offers balance between grip and speed, catering to a broader range of riding conditions.
- Tyler Klarna claims to have played an integral role in developing the new wheels and tyres, applying his expertise as a professional XC racer to ensure the equipment performs at the highest level. His keen insights and competitive edge are likely responsible for the innovative strategies implemented in these new products.
The Roval Control World Cup wheels, designed for racing, impress with their lightweight nature and precision engineering, making them suitable for sports like cycling. The new Air Trak and Fast Trak XC tyres are engineered for high-performance, with the Air Trak focusing on speed for racing on hard-packed terrain, and the Fast Trak offering a balance between grip and speed for various riding conditions in sports settings.
