The Roval 321 is Specialized's first effort at a disc wheel. Not surprisingly it was developed in their "Win" tunnel and comes with claims of seconds saved. The Roval Disc wheels are available in both disc and rim brake versions and sells for $2500.
During a recent tour attended by RoadBikeReview, the Specialized design team showed off the in-house tooling that went into making the first iterations of the Roval 321.
After rounds of testing, Specialized concluded that clinchers roll faster than tubulars when considering rolling resistance and aerodynamics. The Roval 321 was designed for 26mm clincher tires and it's tubeless compatible.
It has a unique shape and shallow derailleur pocket, but otherwise pushes out as wide as possible. The pocket allows air to hold on until the very last moment, says Specialized.
The valve section is also cut out, allowing space for a floor pump head. The cutout will fit up to a 60mm valve stem, so riders will not have to carry adapter extenders on rides. A slick cover snaps into place, eliminating the need for sticker covers or other homemade solutions.
Key Specifications Clincher
- Rim Type: Carbon clincher, tubeless ready
- Rim Material: Carbon
- Braking Surface: Carbon Fiber
- Brake Track Height: 12mm
- Rim Depth: Solid Disc
- Rim Width: 19mm internal, 27.3mm external (at brake track)
- Rear Hub: Roval Disc, CeramicSpeed bearings, DT Swiss 240 internals, 11-speed
- Extras: Roval padded wheel bag, Roval steel quick-release, Roval tubeless valve, SwissStop Black Prince brake pads, Roval valve pocket cover
- Claimed Weight: 1000g
- Price: $2500
Key Specifications Disc
- Rim Material: Carbon
- Braking Surface: Disc brake only
- Rim Depth: Solid Disc
- Rim Width: 19mm internal, 27.3mm external (at brake track)
- Rear Hub: Roval Disc 142x12mm, CeramicSpeed bearings, DT Swiss 240 internals, 11-speed
- Extras: Roval padded wheel bag, Roval tubeless valve, Roval valve pocket cover
- Claimed Weight: 1015g
- Price: $2500