New integrated handlebars and components Roval Control SL

Although we had already seen some Specialized Factory Racing riders riding with some of these components, it has not been until now that the Specialized components brand has just officially presented its latest innovations. Among them is the Roval Control SL handlebar with integrated stem that offers a unique aesthetic while achieving the best combination of lightness, stiffness and control for today's Cross Country.

New Roval Control SL MTB components: maximum stiffness for best performance

Today's Cross Country is all about riding increasingly technical and fast tracks and trails, so control and power transfer require components to be as stiff, light and comfortable as possible. It is precisely this segment, where performance is paramount, that Specialized's new Roval Control SL family is aimed at.

Cockpit Roval Control SL integrated handlebar

In addition to all the features mentioned above, there is another equally important one in the design of the new MTBs: integration. And this is exactly what the new Roval Control SL integrated handlebar and stem set achieves.

The geometry of this high modulus carbon fiber handlebar has been designed and tested in competition, and the brand dares to claim that it does not offer the combination of lightness, stiffness and control in today's World Cup.

• Material: High modulus carbon
• Width: 780mm (including cutting guides)
• Stem: 60, 70, 80, 90 and 10mm options
• Height: 0mm, -12 degrees
• Setback: 8 degrees
• Bolt for cycling computer support
• Weight: 250g (70mm stem x 780mm wide)
• Price 450€

Roval Control SL Stem

The Control SL stem is the perfect component to combine with the 35mm Roval Control SL handlebar that we saw a few weeks ago.

• Material: Aluminum
• Length: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100mm
• Stem Angle: 6-Degrees
• Clamp Diameter: 35mm 
• Stem cover: 2 included (Roval ultralight cyclocomputer bracket)
• Screws and bolts: Titanium
• Weight: 100g (50mm), 130g (100mm)
• Price: available by the end of summer 2023

Roval Control SL Seatpost

For those who want to reduce weight on their MTB, the new ultralight Control SL seatpost can be a great option. Thanks to its 2-bolt system, it can be easily adjusted to the millimeter.

• Material: High modulus carbon
• Length: 415mm
• Offset: 0mm
• Diameter: 30.9mm
• Two-screw adjustment with 46mm cradle (same system as on the Alpinist seatpost)
• Screws and bolts: Titanium
• Weight: 180g
• Price: 150€ 

Roval Control Alloy 350 29 6B XD aluminum wheels

It is curious that Specialized has decided to present a set of aluminum wheels along with its range of top-level carbon components. But from the brand they assure that these are wheels born in the World Cup and adapted for your usual trails.

Specialized has used the engineering used in its top-tier components to develop an entirely new aluminum for these Control wheels. To increase the durability of the new material, they have customized the shot peening process - in which metal projectiles are fired into the aluminum to increase its strength - to meet the precise demands of XC riders. In addition, internal reinforcements have been included in each rim to eliminate creaking and reduce weight.

The result is aluminum wheels that claim to have the same standards as the highest-end Control SL carbon components.

• Material: Aluminum 6013 (a new aluminum 20% more durable)
• Width: 27 mm internal
• Hub: DT Swiss 350, 6-screw, DT 36T, Thru axle
• Weight: 1648g (set)
• Maximum weight allowed: 125kg
• Ring designed with Shot Peen method for increased durability
• Internal reinforcements tailored to the unique tolerances of each rim; reduce weight/eliminate cracking
• Price: 400€ front wheel and 450€ rear wheel