While ‘Fast and light’ may no longer make for the most compelling of product stories it’s a combination that’s remained de rigueur in road racing for decades. And with good reason. In a sport where success is measured in speed, either by crossing the line first or riding against the clock, being fast is everything. And, in rudimentary terms, weight continues to be a vital part of the equation.
That Roval has framed the narrative of its two latest pieces of kit, the Alpinist CLX III wheels and Alpinist cockpit, around these two measurables then is perfectly understandable. As the name suggests these are components aimed at high performance in lofty altitudes - ‘the fastest way to the top’ as the market copy promises.
And there does appear to be proof in Roval’s pudding. Demi Vollering