Test exclusive new Roval Rapide CLX III wheels

In the ultimate quest for the perfect balance between aerodynamics, lightness, and handling, Roval, Specialized's high-end components division, unveils the new Rapide CLX III wheels. With a new asymmetric profile (51 mm at the front, 48 mm at the rear), composite spokes, and a weight saving of nearly 200 g compared to the previous generation, they promise explosive sensations for rollers and climbers. We have them testover several hundred kilometers. Here's what we think.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

In a cycling world where technological advances follow one another at a frenetic pace, Specialized launched a new generation of wheels at the end of June that redefines the standards. The third-generation Roval Rapide CLX (following the models launched in 2020. then end of 2022) are part of an extended family that also includes the Rapide CLX Sprint (with the same technology but slightly higher rims) and the more accessible Rapide CL III (with the same profile as the CLX III but not quite the same technology). These new features respond to a recurring quest: to combine aerodynamic performance, lightness and maneuverability on varied courses..

To develop products adapted to the demands of modern cycling, Specialized relies on its Ride Science department, which collects data via telemetry. The brand also uses CFD simulations for various racing situations and tests in the wind tunnel, supplemented by feedback from professional riders from four high-level teams (two men's teams, two women's teams). Tools that have enabled the validation of a new rim design philosophy, since the brand's engineers have concluded that 90% of aerodynamic gains come from the front wheel, which interacts first with the air and dictates the stability of the bike.

A new philosophy

Traditionally, competing high-rim wheels feature an equal profile front and rear, or higher at the rear to optimize overall aerodynamic drag. This was also the case for the first two generations of Roval Rapide wheels, with a 51mm height at the front (with a wider rim to optimize stability) and a 60mm height at the rear. But for this third generation, a decrease in the height of the rear rim (from 60 to 48 mm) was decided in order to save weight and improve the overall stability of the bike in different conditions, and in particular fast descents or flat sections with crosswinds, without significant loss of aerodynamic performance. This is how the Roval Rapide CLX III adopts an unprecedented asymmetrical profile at Specialized and the cycling industry in general, which allows them to benefit from more liveliness, better control, and to save around 200g on the previous model.

New spokes and new hubs

In addition to this differentiated profile, A major innovation is the flat composite spokes, developed with Arris Composites – a first for Roval. Featuring a titanium end cap, they weigh just 1,9g each, 2,3g less per spoke than an aerodynamic steel model, while offering 20% ​​more strength.

The Roval LF hubs, 50 g lighter than the previous generation, incorporate ceramic bearings Sync and DT Swiss 180 EXP 36 tooth freewheel body for optimal responsiveness with every restart. The finish is very attractive and the fluidity seems to be there. However, we have already encountered some reliability issues with these Sinc bearings on other wheels, and we will therefore reserve our opinion on this subject

Tubeless rims, equipped with enlarged FlatStop Bead Hooks, increase strength and reduce the risk of wheel slippage.tage. The internal width remains at 21 mm, as on previous generations, with an external width of 35 mm at the front and 31 mm at the rear, optimized for 28 mm tires. The wheels remain compatible with sections from 24 to 38 mm.

Weight-wise, we measured 607 g for the front wheel and 709 g for the rear wheel (with tubeless valves and rim tapes), or a total of 1316 g, compared to 1510 g for the CLX II and 1407 g for the first generation CLX, which were not yet tubeless compatible.

À € 3498, these high-end wheels target demanding amateur racers and professionals looking for a versatile tool for riding fast on the flat, relaunching, sprinting and climbing thanks to their lightness. But beyond the specifications, it's on the route that the Rapide CLX III reveal their true nature : a liveliness that could well transform your sensations into a decisive ally…

Pilotagand refined

Aesthetically, It takes a keen eye to distinguish the 3 mm height difference between the front and rear wheels, even if the proportions are unusual here, and they contrast with the first two generations of Roval Rapide. In terms of weight, however, the improvement is noticeable on the scale, but not completely revolutionary once the wheels are mounted on the bike. The benefit of these new wheels lies elsewhere.

The first meters in the dancer set the tone, with exceptional liveliness for wheels with high aerodynamic rims. Thanks to the carbon spokes, the Rapide CLX III are tense but not stiffWe feel them. laterally rigid, but with a very slight elastic return which helps propel the bike forward with each acceleration. An addictive characteristic when riding in the city or in traffic, and which makes the bike less sluggish and less demanding than with most wheels of this type. The spokes also significantly dampen vibrations compared to steel spokes of the same profile, which slightly improves comfort on the routes with a grainy coating, even if we have kept for this test 28mm tires well inflated.

A choice perfectly consistent with the behavior of the Roval Rapide CLX III, moreover, wheels precise and sharp in trajectory changes, which allow you to refine the pilotage, whether in the middle of a peloton or in a succession of technical turns. They seem to be completely one with the bike and never give the slightest feeling of vagueness, whether pedaling hard while standing, or to avoid a hole on the route on a descent.

In one of our reference descents, tackled on open ground at over 60 km/h, the bike seems less buffeted by the crosswind than with the first Roval Rapide. While the front wheel is almost identical, the lower rear rim appears to offer even more stability than with previous generations. The sensations on the flat with a strong side wind (gusts up to 50 km/h) are also more reassuring, with less swerving and ultimately less difficulty riding in these conditions.

Still on the flat,The Rapide CLX III maintains very good inertia when moving at a sustained and regular pace.. The gear ratio is easy to handle, without you feeling the need to constantly relaunch as is often the case with very light wheels and with a low profile beyond 40 km/h. We are not at the level of the old Roval CLX 64 in this area, but the wheelset is 300 g lighter. It is therefore much more versatile, whether for relaunching sharply, sprinting, or climbing any bump. In these conditions, the light weight, the rigidity (without it being brittle) and the nervousness work wonders. These are not pure wheels of mytagwhen you're chasing the slightest gram, but they hold their own very honorably on any slope, especially when you like to frequently get into the dance and start again.

An exceptional balance

In this very high-end segment, the Roval Rapide CLX III faces formidable competition, whether among renowned wheel brands (Campagnolo, Zipp, Lighweight, etc.), or among certain craftsmen who are masters in the art of ultra-specialization. With these wheels, it is also the first time that Specialized has crossed such a price threshold, previously reserved for the most exceptional models in terms of design or materials used.

Upon closer inspection, the Roval Rapide CLX III are neither the lightest, nor the stiffest, nor the most aerodynamic on the market. Their innovative, though sophisticated, design doesn't make them the most specialized either. And that's a good thing. They stand out for their remarkable versatility, requiring no special precautions during use. These wheels don't dominate any category, but they excel in all of them.. If you already own a high-end bike and are looking for the ultimate wheelset, comfortable in all circumstances and on all terrains, The Roval Rapide CLX III is probably the best choice we can recommend to you..

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