Description The Volant replaces the venerable SL28. We completely redesigned this wheelset making it lighter, stronger and we increased the spoke count. The VOLANT was designed to be the perfect combination of pe...
Bike Setup: Cannondale Synapse, Ultegra 6700, Selle Italia saddle, control tech bars, Hutchinson fusion kevlar tires. ROL Volant RT wheels.
Summary: Got a set of the ROL Volant RT's a couple weeks ago. Originally ordered a set of the Volant's, then talked to Sean and he recommended the RT's which has same hub as the Race SL and the Huez but with silver spokes and the Volant rim. Very nice wheels. Have ridden them a couple hundred miles so far and have really noticed an improvement in my bikes speed and performance over the Aksiums they replaced. Like so many of the previous reviewers I just have to say what a pleasure it is to deal with Sean. he goes out of his way to make sure you are happy with your purchase. How rare now days to get a great product, for a great price and have great customer service to go along with it. for those of you looking for new wheelsets, put ROL up there on your short list.
Strengths: Great hubs, fast, rigid, strong, look good.
Weaknesses: None as of yet.
Similar Products Used: Mavic Askiums, Alex
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Summary: Great wheels! I've put about 1500 miles on these wheels in the last three months and they're still as true as the day that I got them. I'm a big rider - 6'1" 195 - and I normally torque wheels out of alignment quickly. But not these! Definitely recommend - great strong & light wheelset and a great value.
Strengths: VALUE, strong and true
Weaknesses: Not the lightest wheels in the world but they don't feel heavy when I'm climbing either.
Similar Products Used: Shimano R550, Mavic CXP 33
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Bike Setup: giant ocr 1, triple, (don't laugh, I've won races on this thing) and a cyclo cross bike
Summary: Sean, the owner, is simply wonderful. These are great wheels, but I'm 6'4", 210, and I destroy everything on a bike, all the time. The Volants are, unfortunately, no exception, but the good news is that Sean sent me a new wheel the next day, and when I destroyed that one, he custom built me a 32 spoke rear wheel with the alp'de huez rim and its still true after about 3000 miles. Support is second-to-none, and the wheels are great for normal sized riders. Seriously though, most high level bike equipment is not designed for large people, and thats okay, but in my racing/riding career, I've really broken everything that can break on a bike, often times, multiple times and that's simply because over designing bikes for large people is silly, to much weight and too much expense.
Strengths: good quality, supple yet reactive, very good value. Nice looking. Great support
Weaknesses: should not sell these things to idiots like me.
Similar Products Used: you know the drill, mavic open pro, 32, 3 cross, ultegra hub, its the default, bomb- proof wheel, nothing else near it for the price.
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Bike Setup: Lemond Victoire- Ti/carbon
ultegra 9-speed group
Fizik Aliante Carbon rails
Summary: great wheels! I actually traded a well used Ksyrium SL SSC set for these (almost new) in order to have a wheelset that can be easily repaired/maintained. These are almost as light and stiff but actually roll much better than the Ksyriums. These are definitely stiff and only about 100 grams heavier than the Ksyriums but actually feel better on climbs and descents. Rol makes a very impressive "entry level" wheel. These are all aournd the best wheels I've ridden yet.
Strengths: easy maintenance, light, stiff, roll smoothly for ever, freehub is quieter than Mavic
Bike Setup: 2007 Cannondale System Six,Full Ultegra sl with Dura Ace brakes, Thomson Elite seatpost, Fizik Aliante Kium Seat, 3t ergonova, fizik tape, conti gp4000 tires, Ultegra pedals.
Summary: I just bought these less than three weeks ago so this is a review that I will update later as I put more miles on these.
As far as initial impressions:
-Wheels are packaged very well
-Shipping is very quick
-Sean provides the type of customer service my parents told me once existed in America...He simply does everything in his power to make you happy with his products.You will not find that in many places.In fact, if you talk with him on the phone,you may wonder like me,if he has any other customers because it feels like you are his number one priority.
-Wheels were true and had even tension
-They spin up very nicely
-I would not characterize these as ultra comfortable wheels but they're not bad
-I was able to flex them a bit on a few climbs(very steep climbs) but they are good to go on most other occasions
-I think these are wonderful wheels for about 95 percent of riders however,if you are extra hard on wheels,put a substantial amount of torque on wheels and are very strong,do consider one of his custom builds.Either way,no matter what type of riding you do,Sean can and will take care of you and you will be happy.
Strengths: -Light for price
-Stiff and strong enough for 95 percent of riders
-Spin very nicely
-Nice skewers
-You will not find better customer service anywhere
Weaknesses: -Some flex when climbing extremely steep hills...I also tend to bounce back and forth so I think most would not flex these
-Minor free hub issue that is currently being taken care of.I was told and I also personally believe(I took the assembly a part)it was a complete fluke.These are very well made wheels for the money and most will almost certainly never have the issue I had so please buy with confidence.
-Just a bit harsh on some types of roads but nothing too bad...Again,for the money,you will not get more bang for your buck.
Similar Products Used: I purchased many small wheel company builds over the years as well as custom wheels and factory wheels...Basically,I've had it all.
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