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The second version of the Roval Rapide CLX wheels is now tubeless-compatible and features several improvements to the hubs and bearings. We tested them over 3,000 km in all kinds of weather.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr
In the spring of 2022, Roval launched the new versions of its Alpinist CLX wheels (with 33-mm-high rims) and Rapide CLX wheels (with 51 mm rims in the front and 60 mm in the rear), making them compatible with tubeless tires—unlike the first models launched in 2020, which were designed only for tube-type tires. This limitation did not seem to pose any performance issues up until then, as these wheels had already enjoyed widespread success among pros, racking up 155 victories in 2020 and 2021. But with the expanded compatibility of these new versions, the brand—which is owned by Specialized—intends to broaden the range of possibilities by taking advantage of the generally superior rolling characteristics of tubeless tires compared to conventional tires. It’s worth noting that the announcement of these new wheels came almost simultaneously with the unveiling of new Specialized tubeless tires, including the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2BR.
The Rapide CLX II: A Few Subtle Changes
The Roval Rapide CLX II wheels are high-profile wheels that offer great versatility, thanks to their controlled weight and a shape that promotes stability in crosswinds. This second version looks identical to the previous model on the outside, and it’s only by digging a little deeper into the spec sheet that you can spot a difference.
The front and rear rims have different heights—51 and 60 mm, but they also have different outer widths—35 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear—to improve aerodynamics and make the front wheel’s movements more predictable while riding. The front rim is noticeably curved and has an almost oval shape, while the rear is slightly more tapered. The internal width for both rims remains at 21 mm, making the wheels ideal for tires with a 25- to 30-mm cross-section. This tubeless-compatible version retains the rim hooks and can therefore be fitted with all tire brands, including, of course, tube-type tires as well. Installing tubeless or tube-type tires is a bit of a challenge but not particularly difficult. Except with Continental GP 5000 tires, as was already the case with the first Rapide models.
The Roval Rapide CLX II features the same specifications as the first version, but the switch to tubeless compatibility adds about 100 grams to the wheels’ weight, with rims that are sealed and reinforced at the rim hooks. The wheels thus weigh in at 1,510 g per pair (including rim tapes and tubeless valves), which is still among the best for this rim height, though this does not detract from their performance on short, steep climbs during testing.
The hubs feature the latest version of the DT Swiss EXP freehub body with new SINC ceramic bearings and a lighter ratchet system. The bearings in the freehub body are also spaced further apart for greater stiffness.
Wheels that deliver performance
During testing in winter conditions, the benefits of these wheels in terms of performance quickly became apparent. Mounted on a winter bike—not specifically designed for pure aerodynamic performance, with round tubes, a classic handlebar setup, non-integrated brake hoses, and low-profile rims—they offer a smoother ride and greater speed compared to the stock setup, at least at a steady, sustained pace.
While not extreme, the stiffness is sufficient to give the bike a responsive feel during accelerations and when tackling the short climbs in the Chevreuse Valley. The difference in weight compared to the first version is completely imperceptible on this type of climb. The slight increase in weight must also be put into perspective alongside the weight savings achieved with the Specialized tubeless tires, which weigh no more than 260 g to 270 g with the sealant. With this setup, the wheelset remains competitive compared to previous Rapide CLX models fitted with conventional tires (weighing between 220 and 250 g each, depending on the model) and inner tubes (weighing from 30 to over 100 g each, depending on the tube used). However, when also tested with conventional tires and inner tubes, the wheels maintained their performance.
In gusty winter winds, the Rapide CLX II stands out from many other wheels with this rim height thanks to its stability. And what was true of the previous model still holds: overall, the bike’s handling remains stable during direction changes, and it can be kept on track on long, open, wind-swept straights… up to a certain point, which depends on the rider’s size. In our experience, the Rapide CLX II becomes challenging to handle when wind speeds exceed about 25 km/h, but only if the rider weighs less than 60 kg. Some of our riding companions who are about ten or fifteen kilos heavier are less affected by gusts in the same wind conditions. And it’s important to keep in mind that these wheels remain more stable than many competing models under the same conditions.
With these new wheels, Roval has also incorporated SINC ceramic bearings, whereas the previous version was equipped with steel bearings. Prior to 2020, Roval supplied its CLX wheels with high-performance Ceramic Speed bearings. It’s clear that the SINC bearings don’t come close to matching Ceramic Speed in terms of smoothness and durability. You never get the impression that the hubs spin completely freely by hand. On the road, this is barely noticeable once the wheels and bike are up to speed, but in this regard, they’re no different from many other wheels on the market—even though one might have expected something smoother and more responsive from so-called ceramic bearings. In our view, this is the only disappointment with the Rapide CLX II.
Our take on the Roval Rapide CLX II wheels
This new version retains the qualities that made the first iteration, released in 2020, such a success—qualities we appreciate for their versatility, stability, efficiency, and excellent weight-to-aerodynamics ratio. The extra 100 g in this tubeless-compatible version are barely noticeable during use. However, the addition of SINC bearings doesn’t add much, especially since they don’t measure up to other well-known ceramic bearings on the market, such as Ceramic Speed, CyclingCeramic, or Campagnolo/Fulcrum bearings.
The ROVAL RAPIDE CLX II wheels at a glance… Rating: ***** Pros: aerodynamics, stability, weight Tubeless Ready – Rim dimensions: Front: 51 mm height/35 mm width – Rear: 60 mm height/30 mm width – 21 mm internal width for both – Aero Flange hubs with EXP freehub body featuring SINC ceramic bearings – DT Swiss Aerolite spokes: front: 18 / rear: 24 – 110 PSI max tubeless with 26 mm tires – Structural limit: 125 kg – Hand-built – Weight: 1,510 g per pair, including rim tapes and tubeless valves – Price: €1,150 (front wheel), €1,550 (rear wheel) – Contact: specialized.com |
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