As Specialized celebrates both five years of having its own wind tunnel and the Amgen Tour of California rolling through its hometown of Morgan Hill, the company is releasing Roval Disc wheels in disc- and rim-brake models plus more affordable versions of the Tarmac Disc.
Roval 321 Disc
Specialized-sponsored teams have been racing the Roval disc wheels for over a year, but now the 1,005g wheels are being publicized and will be available for sale in a few weeks for $2,500.
The discs are clincher only (and tubeless compatible), as Specialized has tested its clinchers as faster than tubulars in terms of rolling resistance and aerodynamics.
Specialized designed not only the wheels but all the tooling for their construction in house. The first six months of team wheels were also made in Morgan Hill. The early wheels had Lightweight-like flat spokes integrated into each side of the solid wheel, but the company has since shifted to solid wheels made of 1K carbon.
Designed for 26mm tires, the disc features a shallow pocket for the derailleur, but otherwise pushes out as wide as possible.
DT Swiss internals are used on the hubs.
Tarmac 10R and 9R Disc bikes
The Tarmac Disc was initially released in only the elite S-Works construction and build. While many outlets — including BikeRadar — rave about the bike, it isn't exactly affordable. Now Specialized has trickled much of the technology down to 10R and 9R bikes with Shimano Ultegra hydraulic groups.
The new bikes will retail for approximately $2,500 and $3,000. UK and Euro pricing was not immediately available.
There are a few main differences between the S-Works and these new bikes. The carbon fiber is heavier and more affordable, and the seatpost is a standard rounded design instead of an integrated aero style. The front triangle shape is the same.
