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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 unique asymmetrical profile (51 mm in the front, 48 mm in the rear), composite spokes, and a weight reduction of nearly 200 g compared to the previous generation, they promise explosive performance for road riders and climbers. We tested them over several hundred kilometers. Here’s what we think.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr
In a cycling world where technological advances come thick and fast, Specialized launched a new generation of wheels in late June that redefines the standards. The third-generation Roval Rapide CLX (following the models launched in 2020, and then in late 2022) are part of an expanded family that also includes the Rapide CLX Sprint (featuring the same technology but with slightly taller rims) and the more affordable Rapide CL III (with the same profile as the CLX III but not quite the same technology). These new models address a recurring goal: combining aerodynamic performance, light weight, and handling on a variety of routes.
To develop products tailored 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 scenarios and wind tunnel testing, supplemented by feedback from professional riders on four top-tier teams (two men’s teams, two women’s teams). These tools have helped validate a new rim design philosophy, as the brand’s engineers concluded that 90% of aerodynamic gains come from the front wheel, which interacts with the air first and dictates the bike’s stability.
A New Philosophy
Traditionally, competitors’ high-profile wheels feature the same profile on both the front and rear, or a higher profile on the rear to optimize overall aerodynamic drag. This was also the case with the first two generations of Roval Rapide wheels, which had a 51 mm rim height at the front (with a wider rim to optimize stability) and a 60 mm rim height at the rear. But for this third generation, the decision was made to reduce the rear rim height (from 60 to 48 mm) to save weight and improve the bike’s overall stability in various conditions, particularly on fast descents or flat sections with crosswinds, without any significant loss of aerodynamic performance. As a result, the Roval Rapide CLX III features an asymmetrical profile—a first for Specialized and the cycling industry in general—which provides greater responsiveness, better control, and a weight reduction of approximately 200 g compared to the previous model.
New Spokes and New Hubs
In addition to this distinctive profile, a major innovation lies in the flat composite spokes, developed in collaboration with Arris Composites—a first for Roval. Featuring a titanium end cap, they weigh only 1.9 g each—2.3 g less per spoke than an aerodynamic steel model—while offering 20% more strength.
The Roval LF hubs, which are 50 g lighter than the previous generation, feature Sinc ceramic bearings and a 36-tooth DT Swiss 180 EXP freehub body for optimal responsiveness on every acceleration. The finish looks great, and the wheels seem to roll smoothly. However, we’ve already encountered some reliability issues with these Sinc bearings on other wheels, so we’ll reserve judgment on this point
The tubeless rims, equipped with widened FlatStop Bead Hooks, enhance durability and reduce the risk of tire detachment. 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. However, the wheels remain compatible with tire widths ranging from 24 to 38 mm.
In terms of weight, we measured 607 g for the front wheel and 709 g for the rear wheel (including valves and tubeless rim strips), for a total of 1,316 g, compared to 1,510 g for the CLX II and 1,407 g for the first-generation CLX, which were not yet tubeless-compatible.
Priced at €3,498, these high-end wheels are aimed at demanding amateur riders and professionals looking for a versatile tool to ride fast on the flats, accelerate, sprint, and climb thanks to their light weight. But beyond the specs, it’s on the road that the Rapide CLX III reveals its true nature: a responsiveness that could very well turn your riding experience into a decisive advantage…
Refined Handling
Aesthetically, it takes a trained eye to spot the 3-mm difference in height between the front and rear wheels, even though the proportions here are unusual and stand in stark contrast to the first two generations of Roval Rapide. In terms of weight, however, the improvement is noticeable on the scale, though not entirely revolutionary once the wheels are mounted on the bike. The real benefit of these new wheels lies elsewhere.
The first few meters out of the saddle set the tone, with exceptional responsiveness for wheels featuring tall, aerodynamic rims. Thanks to the carbon spokes, the Rapide CLX III wheels are taut but not stiff. They feel laterally rigid, yet with a very slight elastic give that helps propel the bike forward with every acceleration. This is addictive when riding in the city or in traffic, and makes the bike feel 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 roads with a rough surface, even though we used well-inflated 28 mm tires for this test.
This choice is perfectly consistent with the handling of the Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, which are precise and responsive during direction changes, allowing for refined control—whether in the middle of a peloton or through a series of technical turns. They seem to be an integral part of the bike and never feel the slightest bit unstable, whether you’re pedaling hard out of the saddle or dodging a pothole on a descent.
In fact, on one of our benchmark descents—tackled on open terrain at over 60 km/h—the bike seems less affected by crosswinds than it did with the first-generation Roval Rapide wheels. While the front wheel is nearly identical, the lower-profile rear rim seems to offer even more stability than previous generations. The ride feel on flat terrain with strong crosswinds (gusts up to 50 km/h) is also more reassuring, with less wobbling and, ultimately, less difficulty riding in these conditions.
On flat terrain, the Rapide CLX III wheels maintain excellent momentum when riding at a steady, sustained pace. The gear ratio handles well, without making you feel the need to constantly accelerate again, as is often the case with very lightweight wheels and a low-profile design when riding over 40 km/h. They don’t quite match the performance of the older Roval CLX 64s in this regard, but this wheel set weighs 300 g less. As a result, it’s much more versatile, whether for quick accelerations, sprinting, or climbing any hill. Under these conditions, the light weight, stiffness (without being stiff), and responsiveness work wonders. These aren’t pure mountain wheels when you’re shaving off every last gram, but they hold their own very well on any slope, especially if you like to frequently stand up on the pedals and accelerate.
An Exceptional Balance
In this ultra-high-end segment, the Roval Rapide CLX III faces formidable competition, whether from renowned wheel brands (Campagnolo, Zipp, Lightweight…) or from certain master craftsmen in the art of ultra-specialization. With these wheels, this is also the first time 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 wheels are neither the lightest, nor the stiffest, nor the most aerodynamic on the market. Their innovative design, while sophisticated, does not 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 single category, but they excel in all of them. If you already own a high-end bike and are looking for the ultimate set of wheels—comfortable in all conditions and on all terrains—the Roval Rapide CLX III is probably the best choice we can recommend.
The ROVAL RAPIDE CLX III at a glance…Pros: responsiveness, efficiency, control, versatility, weight Wheels compatible with tubed and tubeless tires – Rim height: front 51 mm, rear 48 mm – Rim width: internal 21 mm, external 35 mm front, 31 mm rear – Spokes: 18 front, 21 rear, composite with carbon and titanium – Hubs: Roval Low Flange, Sinc ceramic bearings – Freehub body: DT Swiss Ratchet EXP (36T) – Brake disc mount: Centerlock – Weight: 1,316 g per pair (607 g + 709 g) – Price: €3,498 per pair (€1,499 for front wheel + €1,999 for rear wheel) – Available in a matte finish with white or black logos, and a glossy finish with white logos – Comes with wheel bags, four spare spokes, and Shimano HG and SRAM XRD cassette bodies – Limited lifetime warranty. Contact: specialized.com |
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