Specialized Roval Fusee E5 Wheels
In part 1, we looked at the Roval Fusee Star wheels, in this review we give the Fusee E5 wheels a going over and compare them to the Star and a pair of Campagnolo Electron wheels. We give you our opinions on the Roval wheels and the performance of those and our usual wheels by Campagnolo
We give the Fusee wheels a trial over our usual test course of climbing, descending and cornering, with a flat section thrown in for good measure. Basically our course has it all to test wheels and rider, the wheels as always came out better than the rider.
The Technology
As with the Star wheels we will start with the technology: these wheels are quite normal in comparison to the star wheels, no BIG Star shaped flange, just a normal small low profile hub, beautifully cold forged in a gold color. The axles are adjustable for extra smoothness and maximum rolling on the bearings. The E5 alloy low profile seamless rim is used again with a 21mm width and a 24mm depth and a perfect braking surface without any imperfections in the machined side walls.
 Roval Small/Large Flange Hub |
DT Aerolite bladed butted spokes are used, 20 raidially on the front and the 24 in the rear are 8 raidially on the non gear side with a small flange and 16 crossed twice on the gear side coming out of a gear side larger flange.
The Look
I must say I prefer the look of the Fusee E5’s, maybe I am “old fashioned” but these wheels look light and fast, minimalist is the word that comes to mind. The hubs are small and unobtrusive, the spokes are slim and sleek and the rims are strong and have an aero profile, they look very smart and would be the weapon of choice for any course profile, except perhaps cobbles and very rough road conditions.
 The Wheels |
The Performance
The Roval Fusee E5 wheels are lighter than the Star wheels and climbing the steep bends that I found a little sluggish with the Stars, I didn’t notice with these, so weight is noticeable on a climb. I also noticed a difference on the crosswind section, there was no feeling of a side pressure that I found with the Star wheels. On the flat into a head wind I still think the Star wheels came out on top as they did seem to cut through the wind more easily.
And The Comparison?
Comparing the Roval Fusee Star, Fusee E5 and the Campagnolo Electron was not easy as all are top quality wheels. The performance of the E5 and the Campagnolo wheels was so similar that I couldn’t tell the difference. They are both light and fast, climb well and rode with a crosswind without any problems, cornering with the E5’s seemed to be a little sharper and more precise than the Campagnolo Electron. Now the Star wheels felt slow on steep climbs and didn’t feel too good in a crosswind, where they come into there own is when riding into a head wind, they cut the air like a knife, on a descent they were more sure in their performance, the problem is to come down you have to go up first and that is harder work with the Star wheels than with the others.
 Roval Rim |
Our Conclusion
If you want fast all-round pair of wheels then go for the Roval Fusee E5 wheels, they have everything you need, they perform well in all conditions, they roll smoothly and ride comfortably, the look is traditional and they match any frame colors or designs.
If you want some strange looks and comments from your ride partners then get a pair of the Roval Star wheels, they are definitely different, they roll well, they corner wonderfully and they ride into the wind without slowing you down. Where they are not so good is in a crosswind and on very steep sections of hills. If you can put up with this and like to look of the hubs then these are the wheels for you.
Given the choice, personally, I would go for the Roval Fusee E5 as you can use them anywhere in most conditions. The best thing about both pairs of wheels are the hub bearings, whish are super smooth and the braking surfaces of the rims are faultless and give no worries on the fastest of descents.
I like the look of the Roval Star wheels and they rode well, except where I live its very hilly, so I need a pair of wheels that you can help me climb as I need as much help as I can get fighting against gravity.
 Roval Front Hub |
If you are interested in any of the specialized wheels, take a look at their web-site: specialized.com, – Equipment – Road Components.
Marks out of ten: -
Roval Fusee Star Wheels.
Roval Fusee E5 Wheels 9.
Roval Carbon
8 Responses to “Specialized Roval Fusee E5 Wheels”
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I have owned some E5 Wheels for 6 months now and I must say when riding with them they perform exactly as per the review, great up hills and in side winds, not so hot cutting through a head wind. The major major problem I have found with them is that the spokes keep on breaking, and when they do break, basically the wheel is toast until you get them fixed. To give you some idea, I only race with them and out of 20 races (50-100K rides), the spokes have broken 8 times (front and back) and ruined the race each time.I only weigh 72kg and do not thrash the bike, so I am not sure if anyone else has the same problem.I will either change all the spokes now or get some different wheels – dissapointed enough to spend time posting a fair review of them.
Hi Guys,there is a seem, but it is invisible to the eye on the outside of the wheel.Ed, glad to hear that you agree with our review findings, but sorry that you are having problems with the spokes. It’s good to hear feed-back from readers as we cant have the time to test wheels over as long a time as an owner has. Thanks for reading and writing in.
I have owned the E5 wheels for 18 months and also have had spokes break on me. I’m not a heavy rider and I have had two spokes break within one month. One was during a timed ride – bummer!! They aren’t easy to repair on the fly either, time to phone a friend. Prior to the spokes breaking I noticed a slight squeak sound, almost spongy. It happened at the same point on the wheel no matter how fast I was pedaling. The sound would speed up or slow down with my cadence or when coasting. Come to find out the rim has a hair line crack in it and this is why the spokes kept busting and why I was hearing the slight squeak!! Each time the spokes broke I was out of the saddle climbing.Specialized is making good on it and are sending me a new wheel even though I’m passed the original warranty. I must say they are at least trying. I am ambivalent about how long the next wheel will last. Like Ed’s note above – I too have been disappointed, nothing like not being able to trust your wheel especially when you like going long distances.
What size is the spoke nut on a Roval Fusse E5? That’s the nut on inside the rim that you adjust spoke tension with?
i want to know can i get a set of weel to by
What does “seamless rim” mean? Does it really mean that the rim was not rolled and joined at a seam? Or does it mean the joint is so precise that the seam is not visible? If the later, is the joint (seam) welded or pinned together?Thanks
Hi, I am looking for the roval rims stecker? Do you have something for the rims ????
Had mine 20 months, 2 broken spokes, sad wagon trip home each time, and the latest has been a crack developing in the rim, wheels are in the bin and replaced under warranty with a pair of Dura Ace wheels.