

Roval is saying its latest Rapide CLX Sprint, Rapide CLX III and Rapide CL III are “the fastest wheels in the world”, bold claims that are backed up by extensive CFD modeling, wind tunnel testing and no fewer than 923 simulations across WorldTour stages.
Interestingly, however, based on the research, Roval is saying 90% of the aerodynamic benefits comes from the front wheel, resulting in anywhere from a 3mm to a 5mm deeper rim profile up front compared to the rear.
“Traditional wheel designs favor deep rear profiles for aerodynamics. Our engineering team challenged this convention by applying aerodynamic theory and real-world rider data to create a front-deep, rear-shallow system. The proven principle: up to 90% of the aerodynamic benefit of deep wheels comes from the front wheel. Prioritizing the front rim depth maximizes drag reduction, while reducing rear depth saves weight and improves acceleration and climbing speed without significant aerodynamic loss. A deeper rear wheel provides aero benefit, but it provides less benefit for the same increase in weight relative to the front. If your goal is to maximise real-world speed, a deeper rear wheel may not be the best solution. Instead, maximizing weight savings in the rear to reduce rotating mass for faster accelerations, and aerodynamics in the front to put aero advantage where it matters most, presents the best weight-to-aero ratio possible. But in most situations, a deeper front wheel is faster because it optimizes aerodynamics at the front, aka the leading edge, of the bike. There is less aerodynamic advantage to be had at the rear of the bike, which makes it easier to reduce the rim depth and hence reduce overall weight. A shallower rear wheel also improves ride quality characteristics,” explains Roval.
Roval has positioned the Rapide CLX Sprint at the top, saying it’s fastest spoked wheelset the brand has ever made, which features a front rim depth of 63mm and a rear at 58mm, which is optimized around 28mm tires (although Roval says that 26-30mm tires work well), tipping the scales at a feathery 1,395g.
Elsewhere, the wheels are laced with Roval’s Aero Composite spokes that were developed in partnership with Arris Composites, producing a wheelset that’s 96.6g lighter than steel alternatives, while things spin on Roval’s LF Hub with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals and SINC ceramic bearings.
“The Rapide CLX Sprint is the secret weapon for raw speed in bunch sprints. Each spoke has titanium end pieces, and is 2.3g lighter than an aero-bladed steel spoke and 20% stronger.The composite construction maintains tensile strength under load while reducing rotational mass, a critical factor for acceleration,” boasts Roval.
The Rapide CLX III wheelset comes in a bit shallower at 51mm up front and 48mm in the rear, bringing the weight down to an even more svelte 1,305g, while still maintaining “excellent aerodynamic gains”.
“The Rapide CLX III wheelset matches the aerodynamic advantage of the Rapide CLX II, but does not exceed it. However, the Rapide CLX III wheels are also significantly lighter than the Rapide CLX II. That means you get all of the aerodynamic benefits, and pay less of a weight penalty. Reduced weight means faster acceleration too,” says Roval.
Like the Rapide CLX Sprint, the wheelset also features Roval’s LF hubs with DT Swiss 180 EXP 36T internals, SINC ceramic bearings and Aero Composite spokes by Arris.
“While the Rapide CLX Sprint wheelset is faster for sprinting and fast, flat courses, the Rapide CLX III wheelset is faster for all-around road courses, as it offers the best combination of light, fast and confidence-inspiring handling,” says Roval.
The Rapide CL III wheelset is the least expensive option. Still, enthusiasts are treated to a 51mm front rim and 48mm rear, which are equipped with DT Swiss 350 hubs with 36T star ratchet internals, as well as stainless steel bearings and DT Swiss’ Competition Race stainless steel spokes.
Roval says the Rapide CL III is designed for “those who want aero, stability, and tubeless protection, at a more accessible price point”.
Naturally, all of the wheelsets are tubeless-ready, which also feature Roval’s wide FlatStop Bead Hook design that’s intended to resist pinch flats by spreading impact force while also keeping the tire secure at all times.
“Our new Rapide series wheelsets have best-in-class tubeless tire retention under impact. The hooked design helping to ensure the tyre remains seated at high pressures and if it goes flat for any reason,” says Roval.
The Rapide CLX Sprint and Rapide CLX III both sell for $3,500, while the Rapide C III can be had for $2,2000.