Roval or American Classic?
Elliot Schwartz wants to know more about Roval wheels, but we haven’t had a chance to test them yet, but we do have good news about the Roval’s and we have a look at the American Classic 350′s for him
Question: Since you haven’t tested the Roval wheels, how about the American Classic 350′s?
Hi Elliot,
The good news is that we received a pair of Roval Fusee Star E5 and a pair of Roval Fusee Aluminum E5 wheels and in the next couple of weeks you will be able to read our full review.
First impressions are good, the bearings are top quality and the rims and braking surfaces are perfect. Both sets of wheels are very well put together, strong and fast, we are comparing them and evaluating how they handle in different riding situations, there is a weight difference, the Star wheels are heavier, but they seem to handle well on descents and corners, the E5 Aluminum seem better for climbing, but as we say this is early days and you will have to wait for the full test report in a little while, keep coming back.
As to the American Classic 350′s, well they are very light, probably one of the lightest sets of wheels available, coming in at 1,355 grams a pair, they actually advise that riders shouldn’t be over 82 Kgs, the Fusee E5 Star and Alloy are 1,650 and 1,500 grams respectively.
The front hub is small flanged with a normal radial spoke pattern; the rear is a large, or high, flange with a cross spoke pattern. The rear hub has four sets of bearings and the cassette body has six pawls for the freewheel set-up. The flanges are close together on the rear giving better aerodynamics and evening out the spoke tensions. The 350rims are 19mm section depth with a very small braking surface and they are called 350 because that’s what they weigh, 350 grams.
They can be ordered in 16, 18, 20, 24, 32 spoke front wheel and 24, 28, 32, 36 spoke rear, so even if you are over 82 Kgs then the more spokes should sort you out. Hubs come in either Shimano or Campagnolo and in black or silver, rims are only available in black, quick-release come as alloy but can be upgraded to titanium. The American Classic are very similar to the Roval E5 Alloy, same good handling and especially for climbing, light and strong.
The American Classic 350′s are a very good set of wheels, if you cant wait for our full report on the Roval’s then if you like the Classics they would make a very fine addition to your bike.
American Classic 350
