High Rollin: 5 Premium Carbon Wheels in Test

SRAM Roam 60 Review

SRAM is a powerhouse when it comes to drivetrains and brakes, and in partnership with RockShox they can address all componentry needs when it comes to the OEM market. It seemed like wheels were the next obvious choice.

After spending a lot of time on their popular aluminium wheels, we were keen to test the latest SRAM ROAM 60’s. The 27.5 inch only SRAM ROAM carbon wheels have an internal width of 30 mm, perfect for the current range of high volume tires. The hookless sidewall supports the bead well and we experienced no burping, even under very low pressures. The 505 g rim is not the lightest but has proven immensely strong. The asymmetric 24 spoke pattern laces in SRAM ROAM 60’s on Double Time hubs, with a 4 pawl 52 tooth engagement. While the 6.9-degree engagement is no match for the Industry Nine or Chris King, they pick up swiftly and do not feel lazy on the trail. We did experience short bearing life on last years SRAM aluminium wheelsets, but stripping down the ROAM 60’s we notice different seals on the internal bearing and as yet we have had no issues at all.

SRAM have added a secret ingredient to their carbon layup (we know what it is but are sworn to secrecy) to boost the compliance and it really does work. On the trail, the wheels offer an exceptionally smooth ride, well damped and compliant. The ride offers up plenty of feedback while taking the buzz out small imperfections on the trail. While super aggressive riders may seek the pure stiffness of some of the burlier competition, the SRAM ROAM 60 wheels provide a more refined ride that offers good grip in loose corners, responding very well to line changes and hard riding. The refined ride is refreshing after riding a brutally stiff wheel and is arguably faster for most riders. We were impressed with the SRAM ROAM 60’s but would like to see a faster-engaging freehub for the premium price. Spoke tension was impressive through testing, and the angled flanges, wide dish and straight pull spokes have held up well, with only a few spokes working loose at the start.

With the ROAM 60, SRAM have built an exceptionally good wheel for real-world riders. They offer up a sublime ride that balances aggressiveness and accuracy with grip and compliance. For the high price, we would expect to see a hub with a faster engagement.

For more information head to sram.com