[wolf-otm]

I am building up a new 29er HT and I have a pair of Stan's Race 29er wheels (brand new) and I was going to also get a pair of Crest 29ers to use as everyday/training wheels.

I have the opportunity to buy a pair of new Carbon Roval 29ers from my LBS (in stock). I weigh about 165 in gear and ride pretty smooth xc, no jumps or big drops. I am just getting into racing (maybe 5 - 7 midwest races this year)

I have a few questions:

1) has anyone ridden the Stan's Race 29er wheels and the new Roval Carbon 29ers and what do you think?

2) Other than stiffness, why would I spend more money on 1 set of Rovals when I could have 2 sets of Stan's wheels seemingly perfect for racing and everyday riding for a little less money?

3) If I decided to get the Rovals and wanted to sell the Stan's Race Wheels, is there a market for these? What might they be worth?

Thanks in advance for any information. I only have a couple days to pull the trigger on the Rovals and I am told that they are on back order from Specialized until the Fall.

 

[4slomo]

Keep in mind that with the Rovals, Specialized wants the LBS to send them back to the factory for warranty replacements, even for broken spokes.

 

[Guest]

I am running Stans products on two of my Mt Bikes...zero issues with them, if something goes wrong just pop into the shop and have them fixed and back on the trail...having to send your wheels off in the event of a problem means you need to have a spare set to ride on or train on...there is usually always a market for bike wheels but you will never get what you paid for them..nature of the beast..I have never used Roval wheels so can not speak as to their performance...and when selling used wheels it is really gonna depend on the build and what hubs they are laced to more than the rim I imagine.

 

[brentos]

If my experience with carbon wheels applies to Rovals, the biggest benefit is that you get race day weight with all mountain durability.

I love that I can train with what I race on and that I don't have to spend time switching wheels, or even truing wheels for that matter. Don't forget the cost of an extra set of tires, rotors, and cassette. I'm already pressed for time, switching parts across doesn't fit into my schedule.

I've always been impressed with NoTubes products though, and have no experience with Rovals. But for me, I'll always try to go carbon rim if I can afford it.