Sizzling off the discharge of the amazingly mild Roval Management Staff mountain bike wheelset comes their counterpart for the highway. The group at Roval claims the Roval Rapide CLX II Staff wheels are the quickest on the planet. That could be a fairly hefty declare.
This uber-cool wheelset has quite a bit occurring, so let’s begin by explaining why it got here to be.
Roval Rapide CLX II Staff wheels – What’s it?
Corporations are scrambling to get their best gear to the end line earlier than the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Undoubtedly, these might be below the Olympic hopefuls for 2024. Most World Tour groups sponsored by Roval have already been experimenting with the wheels. Guaranteeing they know the driving traits in and out and prepping for the 12 months’s largest races.
We’ve seen spy pictures from the classics and all seasons of the “Secret wheel Remco is driving.” Now we all know…
How are they totally different from the Roval Rapide CLX II?
Effectively, first off, just one,500 wheelsets can be found for buy globally, making these an excellent restricted providing. Weight sensible, the brand new Rapide CLX II Staff wheels are 130g lighter than the non-team model with the identical rim form.
When the Roval group got down to create an ultra-race wheelset, the purpose was to shave off greater than 100g from the wheels whereas sustaining the aerodynamic rim form and sturdiness (bear in mind these are hooked rims). The hub and carbon rim layups are the prime locations to get this weight discount.
Name within the B.O.B.s
Specialised raised the bat-signal (or S-signal, I suppose?) and put collectively a group of ‘Specialised Science Membership’ (elite engineers) and World Tour riders and dubbed them B.O.B. (Better of the Greatest).
The group shaved 40 grams per rim whereas hitting sturdiness targets after solely ten layup iterations, however that’s not adequate for the B.O.B.s.
After a further 47 iterations with various resin programs and carbon grades and a whole bunch of rims examined, the group matched the Rapide CLX II in sturdiness whereas shedding weight. Leading to a wheel that can assist retain the tire below excessive affect so the rider can cease safely if/when a flat at pace happens — a sizzling matter these days, particularly for these driving hookless on the World Tour.
Hub Re-design
Silver hubs are some of the notable options of the Roval Staff Wheels. The XC model boasts the signatures of Specialised Manufacturing facility Staff athletes. The highway model selected to remain plain, however they couldn’t cram all these signatures on the hub anyway.
The hub is an all-new low-flange design constructed round DT Swiss EXP internals. Roval crafts the hubs in-house. These hubs are 50 grams lighter than the DT Swiss EXP.
Why the silver? Eliminating the powder coating and paint wanted to make it black saved 2g of weight, and for this wheelset, all the things counts.
So what’s the burden?
They weigh about 1,360g with out tape and valves. This weight isn’t groundbreaking for the highway, however it’s not all about weight. In comparison with the Rapide CLX II wheels, they’re 130g lighter and preserve the identical Roval sturdiness requirements; thats progress for positive.
Aero is all the things
Weight isn’t all the things, although it’s cool to have the lightest gear IMO. One of the best wheels all the time have balanced weight, aerodynamics, and maintain pace for all-around use. To make the Rapide CLX II Staff a tick quicker, the Roval group entered the Wintunnel.
The Rapide CLX II rim’s differing shapes are already quick, however there was extra to realize. The B.O.B. group hit the tunnel and experimented with carbon spokes and totally different designs. Whereas carbon spokes assist save weight, the DT Swiss Aerolite II spokes give the wheel the mandatory aerodynamic acquire to make it lighter (than the earlier) and quicker.
The mix of DT Swiss Aerolite II spokes with the brand new silver Roval Hub resulted in a 0.5-watt drag financial savings in comparison with the earlier Rapide CLX II wheels, making them 1 second quicker over 40k.
Specialised claims the Rapide CLX II Staff wheels are the quickest within the peloton. They may be, however one factor they do provide is identical aerodynamic efficiency throughout varied tire sizes. Whether or not racing Paris Roubaix with 30mm tires or driving on the graceful, glassy tarmac with 26mm tires, the aerodynamic benefit stays the identical.
Why not hookless?
It seems that Roval isn’t 100% offered on hookless for highway purposes simply but. Contemplating how far the group went to regulate the tire staying on the rim when a flat happens, and contemplating these wheels are below the perfect on the planet within the World Tour, Roval apparently feels hooked rims aren’t prepared for prime time.
Restricted Version WorldWide
If these sound like your dream wheels, begin saving now, as a result of Roval solely made 1,500 to provide worldwide. Naturally, meaning they’re fairly costly.
Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset Pricing
Pricing: $3,800, € 3,700, £3,000, $ 6,000 AUS
First Impressions Roval Rapide CLX II
When the Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset field arrived, I believed it was a motorcycle body. It’s a larger-than-normal wheelbox. Why not use a bigger sq. design? Effectively, thats as a result of Roval needs you to have the “WOW” second once you open the field.
You get wheels and principally all the things you’ll want to get rolling, plus some. Unveiling the Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset, you discover a piece of paper welcoming you to the group. With this welcome, you get all of the gear wanted to keep up the wheels’ efficiency and a few extras to maintain rolling fortunately.
Whats Within the Field?
- Roval Alloy Centerlock Ring (2)
- Extra SRAM XDR Freehub Physique (Wheels include H.G. put in)
- SINC Bearings
- Roval Branded Dynaplug Racer Professional + additional set of plug
- Spoke / Nipple Equipment
- Premium Double Wheel Bag (Embroidered)
- S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Prepared T2/T5 x2 (26mm)
- Customized Roval Water Bottles (2)
I’ve had many wheels come via testing, and that is the perfect presentation I’ve skilled. The value is excessive for these wheels, however this additional little bit of upkeep equipment, high-quality wheel bag, and different goodies take a little bit of the sting off.
After sorting via the extras within the field, I mounted the tires and seated them with my ground pump. The one factor the equipment doesn’t provide is a sealant. I’m positive there’s a good motive, however it will have been useful.
The S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss seated simply in addition to they have been on my non-team model of the Rapide CLX II, and it didn’t leak any air in a single day.
Weights
Weight-wise, the wheels usually are not solely lighter in hand (and on the dimensions) but in addition a pleasure to have a look at. The decals are comfortable with a slight metallic edge. The silver hubs accent that little bit of metallic and play properly with the matte carbon rims.
- Wheelset Weight : 1393g
- Wheels Particular person: 648g (entrance) , 745g (rear)
- Tires: 261g (every)
- Lockrings: 8g (every)
Trip Impressions
My first rides have been on the roads close to my home, on a mixture of climbs, tremendous easy pavement, and a few Pittsburgh Pave’. I pumped the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss to 75 PSI entrance and 76 PSI rear. The edges are hooked for the Roval Rapide CLX II and might go tp increased pressures if thats your method.
The Roval Rapide CLX II Staff Wheels changed a set of comparable depth CADEX wheels, and the journey sensation from the start wasn’t too totally different. Within the wind, nevertheless, I bear in mind why I appreciated the Roval Rapide CLX II. There is no such thing as a slight jerk to the wheels or hesitation within the wind; they observe very clearly and easily.
An All-Round Quick Wheel
Rolling and climbing, the wheels propel you, particularly on the “sprinter hill” type rolling bits. Further light-weight wheels are glorious on the pitchy stuff, however it’s good to have a mixture of aero and weight on rolling hills. The Roval Rapide CLX II Staff wheels really feel like deeper rim wheels with out the burden penalty and climb method higher than these comparable.
I’ve had restricted time on the Roval Rapide CLX II Staff Wheelset, however my instinct suggests it’s a tremendous quick all-around wheel.
Are they “the quickest wheel on the planet”? That depends upon the place you’re driving. Suppose you’re climbing straight up a mountain. In case your course is a mixture of rolling hills, flats, and descents… nicely, solely time will inform.
We’ll observe up with a full overview within the subsequent few weeks. Ensure that and verify again. If you happen to’d wish to know extra, take a look at: Roval.com
