Specialized Roval Traversée Wheels Review - BikeRadar

These super light wheels from Specialized rewrite the rules on wide wheel weight, but are tougher than you might think. The weight loss starts at the low profile E5 alloy rim, and the Traverse feel as fast as most top cross-country wheels. 

At 26mm they still add extra stability under tyres up to 2.4in. They distort slightly under maximum brake and cornering loads on hard surfaces, but as they’re half-a-pound less than the nearest competitors we’re not surprised.

The DT Super Comp spokes are laced 24 two-cross on the front, and 28 three-cross at the rear. Spokes remained tight, and our wheels are still die-straight after several messed-up drop-offs. We put much of this down to the rims, which are wide enough to resist abuse that might kill a more cross-country-width rim.

They come with front wheel fittings for quick release, 20mm and 25mm axles and are tubeless compatible. The fittings require no tools to swap, and the process takes longer to explain than to achieve.

The DT Swiss ratchet internals are a proven system – think of the high price as a shrewd investment. They certainly sound precise - and never missed a beat when we rode them.

If you expect burly wheels to look and feel like they fell off a tank then you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Traversee, with their catwalk looks.

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