Roval Rapide CLX II
The Roval Rapide CLX II delivers race-day aerodynamics with a surprisingly low weight, making it a top choice for competitive road cyclists and serious enthusiasts.
- Aero-optimized carbon rims
- Lightweight race performance
- Smooth DT Swiss hubs
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The Roval Rapide CLX II delivers race-day aerodynamics with a surprisingly low weight, making it a top choice for competitive road cyclists and serious enthusiasts. While the hookless design and premium cost may deter some, the performance gains in speed, stiffness, and handling justify the investment for those chasing marginal gains.
Technical specifications
Key features
- Full carbon rim construction with hookless bead design
- Optimized for 26-32mm tan wall and clincher tires
- DT Swiss 240 EXP hub internals with 36T ratchet star
- Aerodynamic rim depth: 51mm front / 60mm rear
- Wider internal rim width (21mm) for improved tire shape
- Sapim CX-Ray straight-pull spokes for reduced weight
Pros & cons
What we loved
- Exceptional aerodynamic efficiency at race speeds
- Impressively lightweight for a deep-section wheelset
- Smooth, reliable DT Swiss hub engagement
- Stable in crosswinds despite rim depth
- Tubeless-ready setup simplifies tire installation
- Stiff lateral rigidity aids sprinting and climbing
Watch-outs
- Hookless rim limits tire choice and max pressure
- Premium price point out of reach for many riders
- Limited brake pad/rim compatibility (rim brake N/A)
- Can be harsh over rough road surfaces
- Replacement/warranty process can be slow
Our full review
The Roval Rapide CLX II represents the pinnacle of aerodynamic road cycling wheel engineering, born from extensive wind tunnel testing and real-world race data collected by Specialized's engineering team. These carbon fiber wheels feature a distinctive hookless bead design paired with a wide internal rim width, allowing riders to run wider tires at lower pressures for improved comfort and rolling resistance without sacrificing the aerodynamic profile that makes this wheelset so compelling. The front wheel's asymmetric design and the rear's unique shape work in concert to manage crosswind stability, a critical consideration for riders who demand speed without unpredictable handling when gusts hit during a fast descent or an exposed stretch of road.
The Roval Rapide CLX II delivers race-day aerodynamics with a surprisingly low weight, making it a top choice for competitive road cyclists and serious enthusiasts.
Weighing in competitively for a deep-section aero wheelset, the Rapide CLX II strikes a balance between the aggressive aerodynamics typically reserved for time trial equipment and the everyday rideability needed for long training days, criteriums, and grand fondos. The DT Swiss 240 hub internals provide reliable, low-friction engagement, while the rim's layup schedule has been refined to enhance lateral stiffness, translating rider power directly into forward momentum rather than flex. Compatibility with both tubeless and clincher tire setups gives cyclists flexibility in tire choice, and the wheelset's rim depth—hovering around 51mm front and 60mm rear—was specifically chosen to optimize the aero-to-weight ratio that Roval engineers identified as the sweet spot for varied terrain and racing conditions.
Beyond the technical specifications, the Rapide CLX II has earned a reputation among competitive cyclists and serious enthusiasts for delivering a noticeably lively, responsive ride quality that many aero wheelsets sacrifice in pursuit of pure speed. The wheels come dressed in Roval's signature understated graphics, allowing the raw carbon weave to show through in certain color options, appealing to riders who appreciate both performance and aesthetics. Paired with a compatible tire and properly set up tubeless, the Rapide CLX II offers a ride experience that feels simultaneously fast and forgiving, making it a favorite choice for athletes competing at the professional level as well as dedicated amateurs seeking a genuine upgrade to their existing setup without stepping into full time-trial-specific equipment.
