Specialized Launch: Roval Rapide CLX Wheelsets with ARRIS Carbon Fiber Spokes

Obsessed with high-performance composites and fueled by a love of bikes, the ARRIS team developed next-gen carbon fiber spokes because nothing else out there achieved what we knew was possible… and it’s impossible to be more excited than we are about the Specialized release of Roval Rapide CLX wheelsets featuring these game-changing continuous carbon fiber spokes.

“Since 90% of aero benefit comes from the front wheel, we went all-in with a 63mm deep front rim to slice through the wind, and a lightweight 58mm rear with carbon spokes for blistering acceleration when it counts. Charge full gas with confidence: FlatStop bead hooks demand 39% more force to flat, delivering race-day reliability that lasts to the line. Roval is shifting the aero paradigm—depth redefined for absolute speed.”

Congratulations to the Specialized team on this product launch. Learn more at https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roval-rapide-sprint-clx/p/1000218332 and https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roval-rapide-clx-iii/p/1000256237.

• Cycling Weekly Article: Andy Carr writes, “Specialized can lay claim to the most-winningest bike in the Specialized Tarmac, and numerous other lofty accolades, alongside a level of experience that only arguably the biggest brand in WorldTour cycling can have. So when it launches a new wheelset, through in-house brand Roval, my ears prick up and perhaps so should yours. The wheels in question are the updated Rapide Sprint CLX, CLX III and CL II.”
• Road.cc Article: Mat Brett writes, “These wheels are built up with Roval Aero Composite spokes developed with Arris Composites. Roval says that each one weighs 1.9g, producing a system that’s 96.6g lighter than steel alternatives.”
• Velo Article: Alvin Holbrook writes, “The wheelset uses carbon composite spokes co-developed with Arris, which Roval says are 20 percent stronger than bladed steel alternatives and shave close to 100 grams off the system weight. Lacing is done in a 2:1 pattern, and the wheels are built around DT Swiss 180 EXP internals housed in Roval’s low-flange road hubs with ceramic SINC bearings. Even still, Specialized says the wheels still cut 215 grams over the outgoing Rapide CLX II wheels.”

Check out popular posts to learn more about ARRIS’ work with advanced composites.

• ARRIS Earns 2024 BIG Innovation Award for Carbon Fiber Spoke Innovation [ READ ]
• AURORRA By ARRIS Super Insoles Hit Shelves at Select SCHEELS Locations [ READ ]
• ARRIS & Henry Repeating Arms Technology Partnership [ READ ]