The Fastest Roval Wheels Finally Go Tubeless With New CLX II Models

Two years after Roval Components rolled out its light, speedy carbon Rapide and Alpinist wheelsets, the company announced Tuesday that both wheels are now tubeless-ready.

In a world where weight and efficiency mean everything, dropping tubes from a road bike is a quick and easy way to upgrade. It takes a bite out of mass and rolling resistance as well as improves handling and protection from the dreaded pinch flat.

Roval wheels have been underneath the winners of more than 150 world tour races since 2020, including Mark Cavendish’s recent win on stage three of the Giro D’Italia.

Roval says its newest wheels, the Rapide CLX II and the Alpinist CLX II, are the fastest and strongest it’s ever made.

During testing, the wheels held up to 55 J of force from a blunt edge striker with no damage, far exceeding the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standard of 40 J.

Roval Rapide CLX II

Roval styled the new Rapide CLX II as a wheel that blends the deeper section of aerodynamic time trial-type wheels with the weight savings found in shallower sets tuned for climbing.

Roval says the design of the Rapide provides for a stable feel in varying wind conditions and considerable speed.

Alpinist CLX II

The Alpinist CLX II can run tubeless at pressures up to 110 psi; (photo/Roval)Roval bills the Alpinist CLX II as an extremely responsive clincher that leaves nothing on the wheel that’s not absolutely necessary to dial in handling and acceleration.

Unlike many competitors, both new Roval wheels feature a hooked-rim design that will hold tight at pressures of up to 110 psi and allow easier setup and roadside repairs.

Roval says the hooked-rim system also keeps tires in place on the wheel even if a rim cracks, enabling riders the opportunity to come to a stop upright rather than taking a tip over the bars or sliding across the tarmac.

Look for a complete review of the Alpinist CLX II soon on GearJunkie.