Recently 2 things happened…
- Roval (Specialized) released (and bragged about) their Roval Control World Cup MTB wheels. Apparently the lightest MTB wheels in the world. 🪶
- I assembled (and bragged about) the lightest MTB wheels I’ve ever built, with rims and hubs made by Nextie.
In this article I compare Roval’s offering to the Nextie wheels that I assemble in my workshop right here in George, in the Garden Route.
Ready? Let’s go.
The differences
- 152g weight difference
- 20 vs. 28 spokes per wheel
- 125kg vs. 140kg weight limit
- Proprietary carbon spokes vs steel ones.
- Nextie hubs available in black, silver, red or gold
Nextie don’t drill their spoke holes – they’re molded into the rim, keeping the carbon fibers intact.
I assemble the Nextie wheels using Pillar PBA1420 light bladed steel spokes (similar to Sapim CX Ray) and use black brass DSN nipples for the ultimate in durability and reliability.
Yes, with alloy nipples I could get these wheels under 1100g – but sacrifice longevity.
I assemble the Nextie wheels myself. By hand. With love, patience and care.
Roval include wheel bags, extra hub end caps and spare decals.
The similarities
- Both have hubs based on DT Swiss star-ratchet technology.
- Both use modern, wide rims suitable for 2.1” – 2.5” tyres.
- Both are incredibly light – light enough to race and win on.
- Both options come with spare spokes and nipples.
- Both options come with tape and valves installed.
Both options use centerlock discs.
Ok, and the Rovals are almost double the price…
(And only 20 spokes per wheel for mountain biking?)
So if you’re spending your own hard-earned cash, and you’re not sponsored by Spez, which wheels are you buying?
CLICK HERE to get a free, no-obligation quote for your next set of custom, hand-built wheels for your road, gravel or mountain bike.
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