{"id":45850,"date":"2026-03-27T20:58:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovecyclist.me\/?p=45850"},"modified":"2026-06-09T21:02:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T12:02:33","slug":"roval-rapide-clx3-vs-sprint-clx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovecyclist.me\/en\/roval-rapide-clx3-vs-sprint-clx\/","title":{"rendered":"ROVAL’s Latest Flagship Wheels Reviewed (Part 1): RAPIDE CLX III vs SPRINT CLX \u2014 A Three-Rider Showdown Across Weight Classes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Carbon spokes on road wheels have been spreading rapidly \u2014 largely driven by Chinese manufacturers \u2014 while the major Western brands have, until now, taken a cautious stance.
\nThat stance has begun to shift, and in 2025 ROVAL has finally committed to carbon spokes across three new models: the RAPIDE CLX III<\/strong>, the RAPIDE SPRINT CLX<\/strong> (hereafter SPRINT CLX), and the ALPINIST CLX III<\/strong>. Equally noteworthy is their new rim configuration \u2014 the RAPIDE CLX III pairs a 51mm front with a 48mm rear, while the SPRINT CLX uses a 63mm front and 58mm rear. How does this asymmetric design, which breaks from conventional wisdom, work in concert with carbon spokes?<\/p>\n

In this first part, we dig into how the design philosophy behind the RAPIDE CLX III and SPRINT CLX translates into actual ride feel. The follow-up will round out the picture with a test of the ALPINIST CLX III, ultimately serving as a selection guide tailored to how \u2014 and where \u2014 you ride.<\/p>\n

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Reviewer<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Ryuji<\/strong> (@ryuji_ride<\/strong><\/a>)
\n<\/strong>Company executive. 16 years riding sport bikes. POC ambassador. A former competitive racer with podium finishes to his name, he also knows the industry inside out through past stints editing a cycling magazine and working at a cycle apparel brand. Current bikes: S-Works Tarmac SL8 and Cannondale SuperX.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

text & photo \/ Ryuji<\/strong> (\uff20ryuji_ride<\/a>)
\nedit \/ Tats<\/strong> (\uff20tats_lovecyclist<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

*The RAPIDE CLX III in this review was supplied by Specialized Japan; the other models were loaned for an extended period of real-world testing.<\/span><\/p>\n