Roval, Specialized's iconic wheel brand, is unveiling a revolutionary lineup for 2025 with three new models: the Rapide CLX Sprint, Rapide CLX III, and Rapide CL III. These wheels, designed to maximize speed, lightness, and stability, push the boundaries of cycling engineering with a bold approach: taller rims at the front and lower rims at the rear. Let's dive into the details of these innovations, the result of the hard work of the Specialized Science Club, and discover why these wheels are ready to redefine performance on route.
A radical aerodynamic philosophy: “ Deep in Front, Shallow in Back«
For years, bicycle wheels from route followed a conventional logic: identical or deeper rim profiles at the rear to optimize aerodynamics. But Roval engineers, led by Lionello Bardina and Phillip Somers, challenged this approach. Their finding? 90% of aerodynamic gains come from the front wheel, which cuts through the air first and dictates the bike's stability.
By relying on testUsing wind tunnel testing, CFD simulations and field data collected from professional riders, Roval validated a new philosophy: taller front rims to maximize aerodynamics and shallower rear rims to reduce weight and improve acceleration. This approach, dubbed " Deep in Front, Shallow in Back", offers a perfect balance between speed, lightness and maneuverability.
The three new models: common DNA, distinct objectives
Each model bytagThey share a common DNA, designed for competition and optimized for 28mm tires, but each addresses specific needs. Here's an overview of the Rapide CLX Sprint, Rapide CLX III, and Rapide CL III.
Roval Rapide CLX Sprint: the sprinters' weapon
Designed for explosive sprints in the peloton, the Rapide CLX Sprint are described by Roval as the fastest spoked wheels ever produced by the brand. With a featherweight 1 g, They combine extreme aerodynamics and blazing acceleration.
Main features:
- Rim profiles: 63 mm front / 58 mm rear.
- Speed gain: 18 cm advantage over a 250 m sprint compared to the Rapide CLX II.
- Roval Composite Spokes by Arris: 1,9g per spoke, 20% stronger than steel, saving 96,6g per pair.
- Roval LF hubs with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals and Sinc ceramic bearings.
- Optimized for 28mm tires, with an internal rim width of 21mm.
Their design maximizes drag at the front while reducing rotational mass at the rear, providing unparalleled responsiveness in the final meters of a sprint. testwind tunnel tests confirm their superiority for riders looking for raw speed.
Price: €3498 per pair
Roval Rapide CLX III: the queens of versatility
Featured as the racing wheels on route The fastest in the world, the Rapide CLX III offers a perfect balance between lightness, aerodynamics and stability. With a weight of 1 305 g, they are 215g lighter than the Rapide CLX II, while maintaining comparable aerodynamic performance.
Main features:
- Rim profiles: 51 mm front / 48 mm rear.
- Roval composite spokes by Arris, identical to the CLX Sprint.
- Roval LF hubs with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals and Sinc ceramic bearings.
- Optimized for 28mm tires, with an internal rim width of 21mm.
- FlatStop Technology: Reduces pinch flats by 39%.
Versatile, they excel on all terrains, from hilly courses to long, flat stages. Their lightness and stability make them an ideal choice for riders aiming for the general classification or for adventurers.
Price: €3498 per pair
Roval Rapide CL III: accessible performance
For demanding cyclists on a more modest budget, the Rapide CL III offers the same rim profiles as the CLX III (51 mm front / 48 mm rear) but with more affordable components, for a weight of 1 555 gThey remain among the best in their class in terms of performance.
Main features:
- DT Swiss Sport hubs with Star Ratchet 36T internals and stainless steel bearings.
- DT Swiss Competition Race spokes (non-composite).
- Optimized for 28mm tires, with FlatStop technology for enhanced tubeless protection.
- Compatible with ISO standards and hooks for added versatility.
These wheels combine aerodynamics, stability, and durability at a more affordable price, making Roval technology available to a wider audience. Ideal for amateur competitors or avid cyclists.
Price: € 1798
Engineering for Speed: Key Innovations
1. Composite spokes: light, strong, fast
The Rapide CLX Sprint and CLX III feature composite spokes developed with Arris Composites, a technological feat. Weighing only 1,9g per spoke, they are 20% stronger than an equivalent steel spoke and allow for a weight reduction of 96,6g per pair. Their design reduces rotational mass, improving acceleration and responsiveness.
2. Roval LF hubs: optimized lightness
The CLX Sprint and CLX III models benefit from the new Roval LF hubs, which save 50g compared to previous versions. Equipped with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T hubs and Sinc ceramic bearings, they guarantee exceptional smoothness and durability. The CL III model uses robust and reliable DT Swiss Sport hubs for a cost-performance compromise.
3. FlatStop technology: goodbye to punctures
All three models feature FlatStop Bead Hook technology, which reduces pinch flats by 39%. With a 21mm internal rim width and wider bead hooks, this innovation improves tubeless tire retention and impact resistance, providing peace of mind on routethe most demanding.
4. Optimized for 28mm tires
Roval designed these wheels around 28mm tires, identified as the best compromise to minimize rolling resistance while maximizing grip and comfort. testRolling tests have confirmed that this combination (21mm internal rim + 28mm tire) offers the lowest rolling resistance coefficient (RRC).
Contact : specialized.com
