A_M _B_2015_02_03_

62 - AMB

When I look for a pair of wheels, I want something
that will setup tubeless easily, be pretty light
for the intended use, with easy to service hubs
and spokes/nipples, a fast engagement in the
freehub, with easy changes for different axle
configurations. Why all those things? That’s easy

• you end up with a wheel you don’t even think
  about. You end up just riding your bike.

The SRAM Roam series fits between the cross-
country oriented Rise and gravity oriented Rail. The
Roam 30 and 40 are new for 2015, sitting below the
50 and 60.

TESTED

I rode these wheels on the Whyte T 130, and so

when getting the bike ready I experienced how

easily they sealed up tubeless, being a UST rim.

No worries there, with some FRM sealant.

SRAM have designed their own hubs for the Roam

30 and 40, and done a great job of it. I love fast

engagement, and the 40’s have 52 engagement

points. That’s pretty snappy. The hubs are

designed to the use the same spoke length front

and back, and each side. The nipples are regular

external ones so maintenance is easy, as is

stocking spares. The seals on the hubs didn’t

need touching the whole test, but SRAM have

managed to combine stronger outer seals with

lower friction inner seals to keep the bearings

running smoothly, but without too much drag.

While our bike was set up for 142x12 rear and

QR15 front, there are adapters for regular QR,

10x135, 12x135 and 20mm front as well. XD1

drivers and 10sp freehubs are both available. And

at 1615g, the weight is good for a trail wheel too.

That’s just about everything I want - the Roam

40’s tick every box for a quality mountain bike

wheel. But... I didn’t love them at first. I do wonder

if SRAM should have made the rim a bit wider.

The Roam range uses a 21mm internal width and

25mm external for stability. That’s not overly wide,

but the carbon Roam 60 goes to 28mm external

although internal remains at 21mm. Some trail

rims are 23-25mm.

It just meant I ran a little higher pressure than

expected, but the wheels were otherwise a dream

to ride. The build is very stiff, and they track really

precisely. I did hit a few rocks pretty hard and there

were no flat spots and they didn’t come out of

true – a testament to the build quality. But it’s the

fast engagement that I really liked, being able to

ratchet through technical sections, and get started

again easily on tech climbs. To me, it just makes

power transfer that much smoother when climbing

on loose terrain, helping you maintain traction.

They’re available in all three wheel sizes and

will work for anything from cross-country racing

through to all mountain riding. Best of all, they

are the kind of wheel you are unlikely to think

about, letting you focus on the ride.

HiTS

• Easy maintenance


• Easy to setup tubeless


• Strong, light, good value


• Excellent hub engagement

MiSSES

• I would like a slightly wider rim width

Price: $469.95 front, $539.95 rear (for all sizes)

From: Monza Imports

ESSENTiALS

HiTS

• Light weight


• Can help improve chain line

MiSSES

• Limited range of 28-34t

Price: About $120

From: http://www.scvimports.com.au

ESSENTiALS

What started years ago with the timeless Widget

has now become either a craze or passion.

Mountain bikers everywhere are ditching their

excess chain rings, shifters and front derailleurs.

Reasons to do so abound: lower weight, greater

simplicity, lower running costs, wider range

cassettes and of course fashion.

It was the launch of XX1 by SRAM that really got 1x

setups over the line for most riders, with a huge

10-42 range with their massive cassette. The 40

and 42T modifications help bring this to riders who

are happily set on a 10 speed setup. I have even

seen one used on a 2x setup for extra range.

A dedicated 1x chain ring is essential for

success when running a single chain ring. Most

manufacturers have adopted a narrow-wide

tooth profile, with teeth that are also taller to

hold the chain.

Absolute Black are new player in the market, you

might have seen their hubs already. Their British

designed, Polish made chain rings (and more of

their range) are now available in Australia via

SCV imports.

We tested one of the spiderless chain ring designs,

which they make for SRAM and Cannondale cranks.

They also have rings for 64mm and 104mm bolt

circles, and oval options too.

The rings are CNC machined from heat treated

7075 aluminium, and the teeth have a tall narrow-

wide profile for retention. They can be used for

a 1x setup on a 9, 10 or 11 speed drivetrain –

although a 10 speed chain needs to be used on a

9 speed setup due to the tooth shape. Absolute

Black back their chain rings up for a year of

excellent chain retention.

The tolerances for fitting on my Cannondale SI SL

cranks was spot on, and the offset shape of the

ring helps make a great chain line, which isn’t

always the case when you make a bike 1x. Best of

all, it’s light. I fitted a 34t ring which is 73g. I did

this while fitting a new XTR M9000 1x11 drivetrain

on my Bianchi Methanol 29 FS. As is always

recommended, I used a new chain. The Shimano

11 speed chain mated perfectly, and with plenty of

hours on the combination already I haven’t had a

dropped chain, or any skipping.

The benefit of the spiderless design is low weight,

stiffness, and less parts to loosen off and creak.

SRAM have also made spiderless XX1 rings

now, but if your cranks have a removable spider,

the Absolute Black chain rings might offer a

very neat, light, and efficient way to bring your

bike into 2015. And they certainly are one of the

lightest options out there.

Absolute blAck

spiderless chAin ring

srAM roAM 40

Wheels – 27.5

WoRDS: MIkE BLEWITT
PhoToS: ANDREW RAILToN

WoRDS AND PhoToS: MIkE BLEWITT