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Roval, Specialized’s iconic wheel brand, is unveiling a revolutionary range in 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 through a bold approach: deeper rims at the front and shallower at the rear. Let’s dive into the details of these innovations, the result of the Specialized Science Club’s hard work, and discover why these wheels are ready to redefine road performance.
A radical aerodynamic philosophy: “Deep in Front, Shallow in Back“
For years, road bike wheels have followed a conventional logic: identical or deeper rim depths 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 bike stability.
Based on wind tunnel tests, CFD simulations, and field data collected from professional riders, Roval validated a new philosophy: deeper 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 of speed, lightness, and handling.
The three new models: a common DNA, distinct objectives
Each model shares a common DNA, designed for competition and optimized for 28 mm 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 peloton sprints, the Rapide CLX Sprint are described by Roval as the fastest spoked wheels ever produced by the brand. With a featherlight weight of 1,395 g, they combine extreme aerodynamics and blistering acceleration.
Key features:
- Rim depths: 63 mm front / 58 mm rear.
- Speed gain: 18 cm lead over a 250 m sprint compared to Rapide CLX II.
- Roval composite spokes by Arris: 1.9 g per spoke, 20% stronger than steel, saving 96.6 g per pair.
- Roval LF hubs with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals and Sinc ceramic bearings.
- Optimized for 28 mm tires, with an internal width of 21 mm.
Their design maximizes front drag while reducing rotational mass at the rear, offering unparalleled responsiveness in the final meters of a sprint. Wind tunnel tests confirm their superiority for riders seeking raw speed.
Price: €3498 per pair
Roval Rapide CLX III: the queens of versatility
Presented as the fastest road racing wheels in the world, the Rapide CLX III offer a perfect balance of lightness, aerodynamics, and stability. Weighing 1,305 g, they are 215 g lighter than the Rapide CLX II, while maintaining comparable aerodynamic performance.
Key features:
- Rim depths: 51 mm front / 48 mm rear.
- Roval composite spokes by Arris, identical to CLX Sprint.
- Roval LF hubs with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals and Sinc ceramic bearings.
- Optimized for 28 mm tires, with an internal width of 21 mm.
- 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 breakaway specialists.
Price: €3498 per pair
Roval Rapide CL III: accessible performance
For demanding cyclists with a more limited budget, the Rapide CL III offer the same rim depths as the CLX III (51 mm front / 48 mm rear) but with more affordable components, for a weight of 1,555 g. They remain among the best in their category in terms of performance.
Key features:
- DT Swiss Sport hubs with Star Ratchet 36T internals and stainless steel bearings.
- DT Swiss Competition Race spokes (non-composite).
- Optimized for 28 mm tires, with FlatStop technology for enhanced tubeless protection.
- Compatible with ISO standards and rim hooks for increased versatility.
These wheels combine aerodynamics, stability, and durability at a more accessible price, making Roval technology available to a wider audience. Ideal for amateur competitors or passionate 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 1.9 g per spoke, they are 20% stronger than an equivalent steel spoke and allow for a reduction of 96.6 g 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 50 g compared to previous versions. Equipped with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals 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 punctures
All three models incorporate FlatStop Bead Hook technology, which reduces pinch flats by 39%. With an internal width of 21 mm and wider rim hooks, this innovation improves tubeless tire retention and impact resistance, offering peace of mind on the most demanding roads.
4. Optimized for 28 mm tires
Roval designed these wheels around 28 mm tires, identified as the best compromise for minimizing rolling resistance while maximizing grip and comfort. Rolling tests confirmed that this combination (21 mm internal rim width + 28 mm tire) offers the lowest rolling resistance coefficient (Crr).
Contact: specialized.com
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