Review of the Roval Alpinist SLX Wheelset

With its Alpinist SLX wheelset, Specialized offers a wheelset at a competitive price in a market that’s heavily focused on carbon. Featuring aluminum rims and high-end hubs, the set is designed specifically for mountain riding—which served as the testing ground for this 1,500-km evaluation, covering Alpine and Pyrenean passes.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: 3bikes, Specialized, lesrouleursdemecaniques.fr Given the current dominance of disc-brake bikes, carbon wheels are now used on most high-end bikes. In fact, while their braking surface—which is often less abrasive with rim brakes—was once a significant drawback, this is no longer an issue with disc brakes. To this situation, one must add the often-limited inflation pressure required to avoid overpressure at the tire beads—particularly during braking in the mountains—which was, however, the very terrain where carbon was expected to shine due to its weight savings. With this braking constraint now eliminated, manufacturers were naturally encouraged to develop carbon rims, which have become lighter while also being wider and more aerodynamic.

But this has resulted in a substantial increase in the price of “high-end wheels” and even in the overall price of mid-range wheelsets made with carbon rims. This has left a gap in the market for riders on tighter budgets. And this is where aluminum still holds a prominent place. For the Specialized Alpinist SLX wheels we’re looking at here, you’ll pay €850 for a set weighing 1,485 g. To judge the value for money, we can compare them to other wheel models from the same brand: the carbon Alpinist CL model costs €1,700, while weighing in at 1,375 g—110 g less (but for twice the price). And for the top-of-the-line model (Alpinist CLX II), after shelling out €2,600, the weight comes in at just 1,265 g. However, part of the weight savings comes from the hubs, which are less significant than the rim itself due to their distance from the axis of rotation: every gram saved on the rim is more significant in terms of dynamics than on the hub. Admittedly, performance isn’t judged solely by weight, and the Alpinist CLX II has other strengths besides this one, but once again, the stakes are not the same.

Refined Features

In the history of Roval wheels, this SLX model is the first aluminum model to bear the Alpinist name. Although it features the same 6069 aluminum rim (24 mm) as the previous SLX model, its new shot-blasted finish is designed to increase the wheelset’s lifespan. In addition, with DT Swiss 350 hubs—which need no introduction for their value—and Sapim spokes, the American brand reports that the total weight has been reduced by 30 grams.

Aesthetically speaking, and once installed on the bike, the Alpinist SLX now seems to have an old-school vibe at a time when rim heights often average around 40 to 50 mm (though typically in carbon). This visual aspect stands out even more on a frame with a more aerodynamic focus, such as the Factor Ostro VAM, which was used for this test ride.

In the mountains, a smooth ride

From the very first few meters, the feel resulting from the low rim height and modest weight makes each pedal stroke feel “lighter” compared to a wheelset with high rims. It even seems to reduce the slightly “clunky” feel associated with an aero disc bike. In particular, there’s less need to rock the bike from side to side to find the right rhythm when riding out of the saddle. The lower inertia—due to the light weight, which is positioned far from the axis of rotation—accentuates this effect. When riding at a steady tempo—by definition the most efficient way to ride in the mountains—the Roval Alpinist SLX wheels continue to deliver a smooth and effortless ride. They respond smoothly to the pedal stroke and are easy to handle. They even compensate for the high stiffness of a frame like the Factor Ostro.

When riding at a steady tempo—by definition the most efficient way to ride in the mountains—the Roval Alpinist SLX wheels continue to deliver a smooth and effortless ride.

Accelerations pose no problem whatsoever, as long as they’re performed at an intensity level compatible with mountain riding—that is, far from maximum effort. It’s really only when pushing them to their absolute limit that you notice the difference compared to 45/50 mm carbon wheels.

Later, when descending and approaching the first corners, there’s no longer any need to jerk the front wheel slightly to get it into the turn. Once again, everything feels smoother and easier, and ultimately that “old” feeling returns—the one most often associated with low-profile rims. Another advantage of the Roval Alpinist SLX is their lack of sensitivity to crosswinds, which once again tempers the tendencies of an aerodynamic frame. The overall riding experience—both on descents and once back on flat terrain—is that the bike feels significantly more relaxed to ride, thanks to less twitchy steering.

However—and this comes as no surprise—long stretches of flat terrain where you have to ride fast and alone won’t play to the Alpinist SLX’s strengths. In fact, while wheelsets with high rims give the impression of literally propelling the rider as soon as they reach a high cruising speed, here the rider will encounter more resistance and feel like they have to fight to maintain a high cruising speed, even on slight downhill sections.

All in all, an excellent price-to-performance ratio

By returning to the concept of low-profile aluminum rims, Roval makes this performance more accessible than its carbon models. But above all, regardless of the price point, the rider will never feel like they’re using budget wheels. With their overall climbing efficiency and smooth ride quality on both climbs and descents, the Alpinist SLX are excellent, no-fuss, all-around wheels. They can also serve as a training wheelset, helping you preserve your prized carbon wheels.

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