ROL Wheels Volant wheelsets - clincher Reviews

Price Paid:  $419.00 at ROL website

Bike Setup:
2008 Trek Madone 5.2
Ultegra SL components
SRAM/Quarq crankset

Summary:
I love the stiffness of these wheels, I felt instance difference to the stock Bontrager Race Lites on my bike. Great for training and no problem with racing them. I have popped a spoke after 4 months. At 18 months, a spoke has torn through the rim within warranty. I could be a little heavy for this set at 192 lbs. ROL was great for rebuilding the wheel for me. They even include free socks.

Strengths:
Good solid stiff wheel. Able to handle the corners well.

Weaknesses:
Sorry to say that I had some durability issues with the rear wheel.

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lite.

Price Paid:  $420.00 at rolwheels.com

Favorite Ride:
Manayunk Loop

Bike Setup:
2010 Cervelo S2 w/ Ultegra
ROL Volant w/ Conti 4000s

Summary:
I can't think of anything to say that hasn't already been said by many others on this forum. I would highly recommend these wheels. To date, I've only ever met one other person who owned a set of ROLs which is surprising; they are a great wheel set. I use them for both training and racing.

As for customer service goes, I haven't had to contact ROL since I purchased them (which is good), but I've always heard great things about Sean the owner. ROL obviously has some great Quality Control in place to consistently deliver such great wheels.

I'm hoping to someday pick up a pair of their carbon wheels.

Strengths:
High Quality

Weaknesses:
Not having another set for my CX bike

Similar Products Used:
Rolf Vector Comp
Mavic Equipe Elite

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Online

Favorite Ride:
Ute Pass - Colorado Springs to Woodland Park

Bike Setup:
2005 Scott CR1 Team, Shimano 105 all around. Michelin Pro Race 3 tires.

Summary:
I've used my Rol Volants since 2006 for centuries and weekly "social" group rides. These wheels are fast and fearless. Uphill, they're stiff and light and climb, climb, climb. Downhill, they run straight as an arrow; no wobble, no wiggle. Just true, straight and fast. They corner like they are on rails. 50+ mph in recent Stonewall Century, without any problem. Rol Volants give me the confidence to let go of the brakes and let the bike fly downhill.

Strengths:
Fast, true, bullet-proof. Over 5 years, over 10,000 miles. They've never needed to be trued. Replaced front bearings this year.

Weaknesses:
None. But, watch out for LBS mechanics who aren't always skilled at achieving maximum roll after replacing bearings.

Similar Products Used:
Ksyrium Equipe

Price Paid:  $419.00 at Rolwheels.com

Favorite Ride:
Rural, windy Illinois roller

Bike Setup:
Fuji Team 2005 with Ultegra Groupset

Summary:
I have ridden these wheels for the last 3 months and have about 1500 miles on them. They are solid, light, smooth rolling, and true. The original skewers were creaking/squeaky and Rol sent me a replacement set of skewers with no questions asked. Rode RAGBRAI 2011 this past week and got several positive comments. Overall, this an awesome set of wheels at a price that other manufacturers would charge $600-$700 dollars for. I strongly recommend them.

Strengths:
Weight for the price, Looks, Smooth Rolling, Durable, Customer Service

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Shimano R20, Gipiemme Grecal Parade

Price Paid:  $320.00 at ROL

Favorite Ride:
Long and hilly

Bike Setup:
Curtlo custom steel/DuraAce/Fulcrum cranks/Edge fork

Summary:
After several thousand miles of training and racing over 3 1/2 seasons, these wheels have stayed except for 1/4 turn on a spoke a year ago. I ride on all sorts of terrain, including rough gravel. They're still rolling buttery smooth and the freehub is operating like new.

I bought these expecting to upgrade...but they outperform much more expensive wheels and have been trouble free with hard use. So I'm buying a T-shirt and jersey from the ROL site to show my appreciation.

Strengths:
Strong, light, tough, good looking, price is right, great customer service.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
Road: Campy Record/Open Pro, Ultegra/Open Pro, Mavic Askium; MTB: LX, XT, XTR wheels/Mavic rims, Crossmax