Roval Rapide Wheels: Carbon, Sprint & Shallower Rims
- Specialized's Roval has rolled out updates to its Rapide wheelset lineup, focusing on enhanced aerodynamics, reduced weight, and improved handling.
- A key change is the shift to a deeper front rim and a shallower rear rim.
- The Rapide CLX Sprint targets high-speed specialists, the CLX III aims for all-around performance, and the CL III offers similar features at a lower price.
Experiance the next generation of speed and handling with the revamped Roval Rapide wheelsets. The key upgrade? A deeper front rim paired with a shallower rear, optimizing aerodynamics and reducing weight-a crucial change for any cyclist aiming for peak performance. The Roval Rapide CLX Sprint,CLX III,and CL III models feature this innovative design,offering options for sprinters to all-around road racers. These new carbon wheelsets boast tubeless compatibility, reinforced bead hooks, and are optimized for 28 mm tires, promising enhanced control and a smoother ride. Learn how the carbon composite spokes and staggered rim depths are revolutionizing the cycling experience. This is news from News Directory 3. Curious about what’s next for Roval?
Roval Revamps Rapide Wheelsets for Speed and Handling
Specialized’s Roval has rolled out updates to its Rapide wheelset lineup, focusing on enhanced aerodynamics, reduced weight, and improved handling. The new Roval Rapide CLX Sprint, Roval Rapide CLX III, and Roval Rapide CL III wheels feature staggered rim depths, reinforced bead hooks, and tubeless compatibility.
A key change is the shift to a deeper front rim and a shallower rear rim. Roval says that because most aerodynamic drag occurs at the front wheel, this configuration preserves aero efficiency while cutting weight and improving handling.All three models maintain a 21 mm internal rim width and are optimized for 28 mm tires.
The Rapide CLX Sprint targets high-speed specialists, the CLX III aims for all-around performance, and the CL III offers similar features at a lower price.
Key Updates to the Roval Rapide Wheelsets
- Asymmetric rim depths: deeper front (51-63 mm) and shallower rear (48-58 mm).
- The CLX Sprint is the most aero-focused, with a 63/58 mm depth and carbon composite spokes.
- The CLX III sheds 215 g while maintaining similar aero performance.
- The CL III mirrors the CLX III’s rim shapes but uses DT 350 hubs and steel spokes.
- All models are tubeless compatible and optimized for 28 mm tires.
- FlatStop bead hooks improve pinch-flat resistance by 39 percent.
specialized says trimming rear wheel depth cuts weight and improves responsiveness without sacrificing aero performance. While deeper wheels are faster in high yaw angle conditions, the company believes optimizing the rear rim profile maintains aero efficiency.
At 215 grams lighter than the Rapide CLX II wheels, the Rapide CLX III wheels totally transform the notion of intuitive handling, all while maintaining the speed that has always made the Rapide line-up truly fantastic. If your wheels are the same depth front and rear – or worse, bigger in the rear than in the front – you’re already off the back, sacrificing notable grams for negligible aero gains.
Roval Rapide Sprint
- Weight: 1,395 g (640 g front, 755 g rear)
- Rim Depth: 51 mm front/48 mm rear
- width: 21 mm internal, 35 mm front/31.3 mm rear external
- Spokes: Carbon composite, 18 front/24 rear
- Hub: DT 180 EXP, SINC ceramic
The Rapide CLX Sprint features a 63 mm front rim and 58 mm rear rim. Carbon composite spokes, co-developed with Arris, are 20 percent stronger than steel and save nearly 100 grams. Roval says the Sprint model produced an 18 cm lead in a 250 m sprint simulation compared to the CLX II.
Roval Rapide CLX III
- Weight: 1,305 g (600 g front, 705 g rear)
- Rim Depth: 51 mm front/48 mm rear
- Width: 21mm internal, 35mm front/31.3mm rear external
- Spokes: Carbon composite,18 front/24 rear
- Hub: DT 180 EXP,SINC ceramic
The CLX III replaces the CLX II as Roval’s top-tier all-around road racing wheelset. It features shallower rims (51mm front, 48mm rear) and carbon composite spokes. Roval says it delivers the same drag numbers as the CLX II but cuts 215 grams.
Roval Rapide CL III
- Weight: 1,555 g (716 g front, 839 g rear)
- Rim Depth: 51 mm front/48 mm rear
- width: 21mm internal, 35mm front/31.3mm rear external
- Spokes: DT Competition Race, 18 front / 24 rear
- hub: DT 350, stainless bearings
The CL III uses the same rim profiles as the CLX III but substitutes DT 350 hubs, stainless steel bearings, and DT Competition race spokes. It retains the FlatStop bead hook and tubeless compatibility and is approved for e-road applications up to 350W.
Roval Rapide Wheelset Specs and Pricing
| model | Weight (g) | Rim Depth (F/R mm) | Spoke Type | Hubs | Bearings | Price, pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roval Rapide CLX Sprint | 1,395 | 63 / 58 | Carbon composite | DT 180 EXP | SINC Ceramic | $3500/£2998/€3498/$5,000 AUD |
| Roval Rapide CLX III | 1,305 | 51 / 48 | Carbon composite | DT 180 EXP | SINC Ceramic | $3500/£2998/€3498/$5,000 AUD |
| Roval Rapide CL III | 1,555 | 51 / 48 | DT Competition Race double butted | DT 350 | Stainless Steel | $2200/£1548/€1798/$2,600 AUD |
The price has increased roughly $700 compared to the outgoing Roval Rapide CLX II wheels, though they are ~$200 less expensive than the limited roval Rapide Team wheels from last year.