Roval Rapide CLX II: Specialized’s Aero Flagship

When Specialized decided to invest fully in its own wheel brand, Roval, the entire carbon wheel market took notice. The Rapide CLX II is Roval’s aero flagship, combining impressive wind-tunnel data with seamless integration into Specialized frames to become one of the most competitive high-end carbon wheelsets on the market.

Product Specifications

Item	Spec
Rim depth	Front 51mm / Rear 60mm
External rim width	35mm
Internal rim width	25mm
Weight (front + rear)	1,410g (disc brake version)
Hub	DT Swiss 350 internals, Roval proprietary shell
Engagement mechanism	Ratchet EXP 36T
Spokes	DT Swiss Aerolite
Spoke count	Front 21 / Rear 24
Compatible tires	Tubeless Ready (hookless rim)
Suggested retail price	NT$65,000-78,000

Design Philosophy: System Speed

Roval’s design philosophy follows directly from Specialized’s System Speed concept: rather than chasing the extreme of any single metric, it seeks the fastest combination within the overall system. The Rapide CLX II was developed under this philosophy alongside the Tarmac SL8 and the S-Works Turbo tire.

Asymmetric Front-Rear Design

Like the ENVE SES series, the Roval Rapide CLX II also uses asymmetric rim depths front to rear — 51mm front, 60mm rear. But Roval goes further, standardizing the external rim width at 35mm, the widest in the industry — a figure that even exceeds many gravel wheelsets.

35mm Ultra-Wide Rim

The 35mm external rim width is the Rapide CLX II’s boldest design choice. This width means that once a 28c tire is mounted, the tire’s widest point sits slightly narrower than the rim surface, forming a perfectly continuous aerodynamic profile. According to Specialized’s wind-tunnel data, this design saves 3-5 watts compared to traditional narrow-rim designs at yaw angles of 10-15 degrees.

Leading Wind-Tunnel Performance

Specialized has invested heavily in wind-tunnel testing, and the Rapide CLX II’s wind-tunnel data ranks among the best in the industry. In Specialized’s “Win Tunnel”:

• 0-degree yaw: saves approximately 2 watts compared to the Zipp 404
• 10-degree yaw: saves approximately 3 watts compared to the ENVE SES 4.5
• 15-degree yaw: demonstrates excellent low-drag characteristics

Of course, wind-tunnel testing conditions differ between brands, so these figures should be taken as reference only. Still, the Rapide CLX II’s aerodynamic performance genuinely ranks among the best in its class.

Perfect Pairing with Specialized Frames

One of the Roval Rapide CLX II’s biggest advantages is its seamless integration with the Specialized frame lineup. Paired especially with the Tarmac SL8 or Venge, the clearance and airflow transition between the wheelset and the fork and chainstays are precisely calculated, creating a genuine “System Aero” effect.

This is also Roval’s unique advantage over standalone wheel brands — as the frame brand’s own wheelset, it can be co-optimized with the frame at the design stage rather than paired after the fact.

Real-World Riding Experience

Flat-Road Cruising

On flat roads, the Rapide CLX II’s aerodynamic advantage is very noticeable. In the 35-45 km/h speed range, you can feel the efficiency with which the wheelset “cuts through” the air — especially at steady cruising speeds, where the wattage needed to maintain speed is noticeably lower.

Crosswind Stability

The 35mm ultra-wide external rim, combined with a special rim cross-section design, gives the Rapide CLX II surprisingly good stability in crosswinds. Even the 60mm-deep rear wheel doesn’t feel unsettling in strong crosswinds.

Climbing Performance

At 1,410g, the weight is quite impressive for an aero wheelset with a 51/60mm front/rear setup. On moderate 5-8% gradients, the aerodynamic advantage still holds; but on grades above 10%, the weight disadvantage begins to show.

Braking and Handling

The disc brake setup paired with hookless tubeless tires delivers excellent braking feel and handling. The hookless rim limits tire choice, but Specialized’s own S-Works Turbo tire pairs with it perfectly.

Limitations of the Hookless Rim

The Rapide CLX II uses a hookless rim design, which brings a few limitations worth noting:

• Only certified tubeless tires can be used
• Maximum tire pressure limit (typically 5 bar / 73 psi)
• Cannot be used with clincher tube setups
• Narrower range of compatible tires

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Industry-leading wind-tunnel aero data
• 35mm ultra-wide rim design delivers excellent crosswind stability
• Seamless integration with Specialized frames
• Reliable DT Swiss Ratchet EXP hub system
• Excellent weight control (1,410g for 51/60mm)
• Competitive value among high-end carbon wheelsets

Cons

• Hookless rim limits tire choice
• Riders without a Specialized frame can’t enjoy the system integration advantage
• The asymmetric front/rear design looks slightly mismatched visually
• The 60mm rear rim depth still has some impact in extreme crosswinds
• Roval brand recognition lags behind standalone wheel brands

Buying Advice for Taiwan

Where to Buy

• Authorized Specialized dealers (available in all major cities across Taiwan)
• Specialized’s official website
• Note: Roval wheelsets can generally also be installed on non-Specialized frames

Who Is It For?

• Riders on a Specialized frame who want the best system integration
• Riders who prioritize aero performance and frequently ride flat or rolling routes
• Advanced riders with a budget around NT$70,000
• Riders who accept a hookless, tubeless-only setup

Is It Suitable for Non-Specialized Riders?

Even if you’re not riding a Specialized frame, the Rapide CLX II’s aero performance is still top-tier. You simply won’t enjoy the system integration advantage with the frame. Looking purely at the wheelset’s value on its own, the Rapide CLX II remains a very strong choice at the NT$70,000 price point.

Conclusion

The Roval Rapide CLX II is a carbon wheelset built for speed. Its 35mm ultra-wide rim design and asymmetric front/rear rim depths let it dominate most competitors in wind-tunnel data. For Specialized owners, it’s an easy first choice — the system integration advantage between frame and wheelset is something other brands struggle to replicate. If your goal is to go as fast as possible on flat and rolling terrain, the Rapide CLX II will be your best weapon.

Related Reading

• Roval Wheelset Guide: Specialized’s Secret Weapon
• Bontrager Aeolus RSL 62: Trek’s Top Aero Flagship
• In-Depth Carbon Rim Depth Guide: 30mm vs 45mm vs 60mm vs 80mm
• CADEX AR 35: Giant’s All-Terrain Carbon Wheelset