Specialized Roval Rapide SL Carbon

Price Paid:  $660.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Any rolling hills & smooth roads

Bike Setup:
06 Roubaix Expert

Summary:
These are the 2008 model, I believe the last year made. I got these barely used for a steal of a price, $660 on ebay ($2400 msrp). First, the difference between full carbon rims and alloy is dramatic in terms of comfort, especially on crappy chip seal roads. They are light, quiet and fast. The 08's have DT Swiss 240 hubs which just keep on spinning, and DT bladed spokes. Aero profile (32mm) a plus at higher speeds.

Seem well made and durable so far, but I only weigh 120 lbs, so I'm not very hard on wheels.

No brake squeal problems with Swisstop yellow pads.

If you can pick up a used set, you will not be sorry! Make sure to look for 08 model over 07's as they had a few upgrades. I'll never go back to alloy rims.

Strengths:
Light, fast, super comfortable, quality DT 240 hubs.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Ultegra

Price Paid:  $0.00 at cycles de ORO

Favorite Ride:
Sworks tarmac SL2

Bike Setup:
Tarmac SL2 with Sworks carbon cranks, DuraAce everything else.

Summary:
I have owned my set of Rovals for over 2 years now. Great wheelset and have never had any trouble with them. I tried many brake pads with them and Swissstop Yellow kings work the best ... stopping power is great for carbon, even when wet.

Strengths:
Lightweight, accelerate quick. Flow around corners. Take the bumps out of the road.

Weaknesses:
I wish the spokes were bladed.

Similar Products Used:
Easton Tempest II. Mavic R-sys.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
08 Kestrel Evoke SL, SRAM force, thompson seatpost (due to odd sizing and needed zero setback, but good post), speedplay x1 pedals (happy with them), kestrel carbon bars (my next item to change out) and a specialized toupe saddle (like it).

Summary:
This is a nice wheelset, but not a major jump from my Mavic Ksyrium ES wheelset. They track well and spin up rather quickly.

Strengths:
Quick spin up, and track very well. Dampen road nicely. Aero profile is a plus.

Weaknesses:
Squeel like a stuck pig! I have tried the red roval pads, then the dura ace carbon pads and all squeel like crazy.
Brake pads must be loosened off these rims due because if they are too close, the wheels hit during hard cornoring or hard acceleration.
Did I mention they squeel??? No stealth braking with these. If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know!

Similar Products Used:
Ksyrium ES

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