The exceptionally durable Specialized Roval Traverse HD carbon wheels have been upgraded with a highly responsive DT Swiss 240 Direct Engagement hub, which has increased engagement from 30 points to an impressive 90 points without compromising the renowned reliability of DT’s Star Ratchet system. These wheels not only meet the rigorous demands required for the latest top-tier, high-performance S-Works Levo eMTB but remain sufficiently light for any bicycle you plan to ride up a mountain before tackling the most challenging trails on the descent.
Roval Traverse HD Carbon Mountain Bike Wheels with 240 DEG for quick performance and durability
Starting at just 1780 grams for the carbon mullet configuration that we've been using intermittently since mid-January, Specialized claims that the new Roval Traverse HD 240 DEG wheels aren’t just their sturdiest; they also boast being the " the most robust carbon rim track wheel they've ever put through testing “!
A significant portion of their covert strength hinges on Specialized’s proprietary Flat Top carbon rim technology, which boasts 5-millimeter-wide beads and seamless transitions rounded into curves claiming they necessitate "an impressive 85% greater impact force before pinching flat" compared to traditional beaded wheels. These 30mm inner diameter hookless tubeless carbon rims maintain a low weight through strategic use of lightweight fibers within these widened sections, alongside a robust 24mm-deep trapezoidal profile designed for enhanced total rigidity.
What’s new?
Now, the DT Swiss 240 DEG ratchet mechanism offers rapid 90 degrees of play over engagement with just a 4-degree freehub angle, ensuring robustness without the usual issues associated with small gears or delicate components. Last year, DT addressed the challenge of achieving swift engagement alongside longevity by enlarging the well-known Star Ratchet rings by 36%, thus developing this innovative system. new DEG ratchet - boosting their point of contact count from 54T to 90T without reducing the size of their ratchet teeth. Specialized seized this opportunity to enhance reliability compared to their previous model. previous fast-engaging Navigate with HD wheels while also reducing weight simultaneously.
Tech details & pricing
- Navigate HD asymmetrical carbon rims featuring broad patent-pending Flat Top beads.
- 30mm internal hookless tubeless-ready
- 40 millimeters in width externally with a depth of 24 millimeters
- tailored for 2.4-inch Specialized Butcher or Eliminator Grid Trail T9 tubeless tires
- The Roval ThreadBed Vale features distinctive Specialized tubeless valves that screw directly into an alloy insert which is molded within the rim itself (with no external nut showing).
- DT Swiss 240 DEG Boost 6-bolt hubs featuring sealed stainless steel cartridge bearings
- 90 POE / 4° freehub engagement
- The SRAM XD driver is exclusively offered by Specialized (you can get MicroSpline and HD versions separately from DT Swiss).
- front wheel 29 inches only, with 28 spokes laced in a 2-cross pattern
- Rear wheel can be either 27.5 inches or 29 inches, featuring 32 spokes cross-laced at 3X.
- handbuilt with DT Swiss RevoLite flanged and grooved spokes along with alloy DT ProLock nipples
- 1682 grams for the mullet wheelset weight, 1795 grams for the 29er wheelset weight (these include claimed weights along with alloy tubeless valves and 32mm tape).
- 780g for the 29er front wheel, 902g for the 27.5" rear wheel, and 1015g for the 29" rear wheel (stated weights including valves and tapes).
- restricted lifelong guarantee (valid upon registration within 90 days from the date of purchase)
The Roval Traverse HD 240 DEG wheels are available as individual components, allowing you to create an ideal configuration for your bicycle or electric mountain bike. The price for either a 27.5-inch or 29er rear wheel equipped with the updated DT 240 DEG hubs is set at $1300. Corresponding 29er front wheels retail for $900 each, bringing the total cost of the pair to $2200. You can purchase these directly through your nearby authorized Specialized retailer or have them shipped right to your doorstep via Specialized.com.
Riding Review
The new Roval Traverse HD 240 DEG were initially equipped on the S-Works Levo 4 that we've been putting through rigorous tests—first in Madeira, later on familiar local trails, and unexpectedly at an enduro race just before they officially launched. We pushed these wheels hard, with three distinct testers continuously riding lap after lap as quickly as the Levo’s Super Charger could recharge this potent electric bike.
I already had a solid plan for where we would begin with the DT 240 DEG hubset, as I received an unique opportunity to try out this new hub technology For over six months prior to the launch last summer, these hubs have been active. They engage swiftly and securely—precisely what you desire in a hub designed for extensive off-road adventures with challenging terrain. While there are indeed quicker-locking hubs available, only a limited number rival the dependability of DT Swiss star ratchets. Furthermore, virtually none offer both such robust reliability along with rapid engagement.
Maintain Your Premium Hubs
The sole concern I observed with the Roval DEG wheels wasn’t related to my personal setup; rather, it pertained to another rider who had similar wheels. The problem lies in the relatively tiny teeth on these 90T DEG ratchets—similar in size to DT’s initial compact 54T high-engagement ratchet rings. Consequently, they can be somewhat sensitive to excessive lubrication. Using even DT’s specialized red grease could lead to slippage when exposed to heavy loads if applied excessively. Should this occur, simply remove the cassette without tools, cleanse the surplus grease with a clean, non-linting cloth, then put everything back together for continued use. However, applying insufficient grease will also reduce the longevity of those ratchets.
Sure, since these are high-end wheels, make sure to look after them, particularly the hubs. This does not imply you have to ride cautiously; rather, ensure you maintain them properly. At the conclusion of each cycling season, clean and reapply grease to the internal components, dry off the seals, and inspect the bearings. If done correctly, this will help extend their lifespan significantly.
Parting Thoughts
Regarding those Flat Top carbon wheels, Specialized claims they are almost impervious to damage. Although they specify their suitability for aggressive trail riding, enduro biking, and high-powered electric mountain bikes, they also mention that using these wheels can help enhance your skills as a rider. at the bicycle park, during a trail ride, or on an Enduro World Cup track Exactly, that opens them up for pretty much all kinds of mountain biking.
We’ve been thrashing them on the new 24kg S-Works Levo. And that’s included plenty of big bikepark-style jumps (everything is a bikepark with an eMTB that shuttles you back-and-forth to the top of the mountain!) Plus, sketchy rock gardens, and even a dodgy e-Enduro power stage through an abandoned factory. But as light as they are, I wouldn’t mind swapping out the heavier aluminum wheels I have on my all-mountain trail bike. Or even those on my bikepark enduro bike.
It's challenging to locate another mountain bike wheelset that matches this level of lightness while still providing the assurance needed to tackle high speeds across various terrains with ease. Plus, the reliable DT 240 DEG internal components add an extra layer of satisfaction with their quick engagement.
These carbon mountain bike wheels will put your mind at ease when it comes to worryingly denting a carbon rim during normal use.
Specialized.com
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