Only 998 g the set for "the fastest XC wheels on the planet": the Roval Control World Cup arrives

Specialized has just introduced the new Roval Control World Cup, weighing 998g for the set, it is the latest in competition Cross Country wheels and are proclaimed as the "fastest XC wheels on the planet" with performance and resistance tested in the World Cup.

Key features of the new Roval Control World Cup

• 998g for the wheelset
• Replaceable carbon spokes with titanium heads
• Roval Low Flange hubs made by DT Swiss
• Optimized carbon rims
• Ultra-light inner tape
• Exceptional resistance/performance
• Price: 2950€ for the set

Roval Control World Cup wheels: lightness, performance, and high resistance taken to excellence

Specialized has developed this new set of wheels together with the Specialized Factory Racing team in competition, and has done so with a single purpose: to make it as fast as to win any XCO World Cup.

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Now, after successfully testing them during the 2024 season, they are coming to the market to offer any cyclist the same advantages that professionals enjoy. According to the brand, we are facing the fastest XC wheels on the planet and, pending verification, the truth is that their numbers are impressive. With only 998g for the set (including valves and rim tape) they have managed to break the mythical kilo barrier without sacrificing performance or resistance.

In modern XC, circuits are becoming more technical and demanding on the equipment. Therefore, extreme lightness alone is no longer enough if resistance is sacrificed. The new Roval Control World Cup wheels have redefined the balance between weight and durability. With just 998 grams for the set, saving more than 250g compared to the previous version, Roval has applied engineering advances in every detail of its design to achieve exceptional performance and resistance.

Design and construction of the new Roval Control World Cup

The rims, made 100% in carbon, have an internal width of 28.5 mm and a hookless profile with a flat edge of 4 mm thickness on each side. This Specialized Flatstop design reinforces the rim walls against impacts and almost eliminates the risk of pinch flats.

The asymmetric design of the rim balances the tension of the spokes and maximizes resistance. The rim profile has been carefully designed to offer unmatched lateral stiffness without sacrificing vertical impact absorption. In fact, after 1,017 virtual prototypes for the rim design, engineers managed to reduce 44g of weight just in the rim, surpassing the durability and quality standards required.

Thanks to the balance between lateral and torsional stiffness, the new Roval Control World Cup wheels provide greater control and speed in technical sections, as the wheel does not bounce but better copies irregularities. Traction is maximized where other stiffer designs would lose contact, without the wheel feeling imprecise. The result is a safer and more efficient ride in demanding conditions.

Even seemingly minor details, such as the tubeless tape, were optimized: Specialized developed a special rim tape that saved another 10 grams in the obsessive search for every gram of weight.

Another key aspect of the design is their carbon fiber spokes. Roval invested three years of development until they found the final formula for these exclusive spokes. Each wheel mounts 20 straight high-modulus carbon spokes, anchored with alloy nipples and titanium hardware. Together, these spokes are lighter than traditional steel ones, while significantly more resistant and durable - in laboratory figures, they withstand up to 63% more tension before breaking compared to standard metal spokes.

Thanks to this reduction in rotational mass, more than 100 grams were saved just in spokes compared to a conventional assembly) the wheels achieve faster acceleration. In addition, Roval has made these spokes replaceable and tensionable with standard tools (following a specific procedure), facilitating maintenance.

At the heart of the Roval Control World Cup are exclusive Roval Low Flange hubs, made by DT Swiss with their proven 36-tooth Ratchet EXP gear system and SINC ceramic bearings. These hubs have also been designed to minimize weight and do away with paint, showcasing the natural carbon.

Competition performance

On paper, the numbers are impressive, but it is on the World Cup circuits where the Roval Control World Cup wheels have won over their testers. Riders describe the feeling as "floating" on climbs and Victor Koretzky, XCC world champion, commented that "not only do they feel fast, my tests show they are faster", highlighting the immediacy with which they transmit each pedal stroke.

"They are light, durable, and above all give me the confidence to go all out in technical sections", stated Haley Batten, world runner-up, highlighting the smoothness and precision of the ride they offer.

Roval Control World Cup: price and availability

Although this wheelset is one of the most exclusive on the market, the price of the Roval Control World Cup is below some of its direct competitors. The set costs 2950€ (1225€ for the front wheel and 1275€ for the rear wheel) and are already available through authorized Specialized dealers.

There is no doubt that, pending reaching the general public, the new Roval Control World Cup sets a new benchmark in competition MTB.