Market: With the new version of the SRAM Roam 50, the US manufacturer has given its all-round MTB wheelset a comprehensive technical update. Among other things, carbon rims are now installed, which are also much wider than the aluminum variants from the previous generation - and that with higher rigidity and only minimal additional weight. Friends of 27,5″ will look into the tube in the future.
The SRAM Roam 50 is not a new addition to the SRAM wheel portfolio, but the only thing the 2017 version has in common with its predecessors is its alignment. Designed as a light all-rounder for the trail, which is still stable enough for rough descents, the Roam 50 has been technically brought back up to date for this season. The focus is on the rims, because instead of the aluminum rims with an internal width of 21mm, they were rather narrow before , you now rely on 25mm wide carbon rims. This means that in the future, 2,4″ wide tires can also be mounted and driven without any problems – tubeless if desired, of course.
The asymmetrical rim profile enables construction with even spoke tension and spokes of equal length. Thanks to the change of material, the wheels only weigh a few grams more than before, despite the significantly wider rims and higher rigidity. However, friends and owners of 650b bikes will be disappointed, because in contrast to the predecessor, the new Roam 50 will only be available as a 29″ version; That makes sense, since the larger wheels are becoming more and more popular in this area, but it should still disappoint some people.
It's not just the rims that are new, the inner workings of the hubs will also look different from 2017: The Double Time technology, which increases the number of locking points to 52, is particularly worth mentioning. This shrinks the release angle to 6,9° - drivers in particular who travel a lot in technical terrain will appreciate this innovation.
The new SRAM Roam 50 should be available in stores in the coming weeks.
Specifications SRAM Roam 50
wheel size: 29"
Number of spokes: 24
Rim inner width: 25 mm
Weight: 1.655g (765g / 890g)
Installation dimension front wheel: Quick Release / 15x100mm / 15x110mm Boost / Predictive Steering
Installation dimension rear wheel: Quick Release / 12x142mm / 12x148mm Boost / 12x135mm
Price: €1.416 (€653 / €763)