Specialized and its affiliate ROVAL has launched its latest high-end wheelset. The ROVAL RAPIDE CLX II TEAM is the new flagship. According to 'us from toilet duck', this is the fastest wheelset ever. But we've heard that one before in itself. The approach when developing these wheels: find the highest speed in the right combination of Aerodynamics, Weight, Handling and Longevity. Not for nothing is Remco Evenepoel involved in the development of this top class wheelset.
Lightweight
One of the most striking things about this wheelset is the weight compared to its predecessor. For a total of 130 (!) grams of weight has been saved. That provides an advantage, as does the 0.5 WATT aerodynamics gain. There was a lot of testing with different types of carbon lay-up and finally this variant came out. With 40 grams of gain per wheel, that's a good start. Take to that the new silver hubs, with a low flange, and you arrive at a saving of 25 grams per hub. Small other gains, such as minimal stickering and little paint ensure optimum weight for this set (without valve and tyres).
The Fastest Race Wheels (according to Specialized)
Speed is all about balancing the right things. The combination of DT Swiss Aerolite II spokes with the brand new Roval hub provides a 0.5-watt reduction in drag compared to the Rapide CLX II wheels, making the fastest riders in the peloton faster. A 0.5-watt decrease in power may not sound like much, but over a 40km distance, that's a second.
Durability to the max
Specialized opts for 'hooked wheelsets'. They know that hookles wheels cannot perform under demanding high-pressure testing standards. Any carbon wheel can crack under intense shocks, but that's no excuse for a tyre popping off. That's why the Rapide CLX II Team wheels are not only built for longevity. The wheels also have a 'hooked' rim profile, resulting in the fastest, most reliable and versatile wheels in the world.
The Rapide CLX II Team wheels are the fastest in the peloton, but they are also the most consistent, offering riders the same aerodynamic performance in different tyre sizes. Whether you ride on a cobblestone strip with 30mm tyres or on smooth asphalt and go for 28mm tyres, the aerodynamic advantage remains the same.
The new gold - Silver standard
Where many other brands like to go for 'flashy gold', ROVAL opts for a hub made of silver. There are two reasons behind this:
- Weight saving
- Sending a message: if you see silver hubs, you will see that the fastest and best variant has been chosen
This wheelset is not for everyone. You can see that from the retail price of €3,700, which nicely positions Roval against Princeton CarbonWorks (from €3500), ENVE (€3000) and altogether high-end like Lightweight and Partington.
More info on these insane wheels? At www.specialized.com you will find all the information you need.
Read also: Ere Research launches the new Genus AE92-D and the Genus AE00-D time trial wheels.
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