Tube-type specific construction was a deliberate choice, not an oversight. When Roval's engineers developed the original Alpinist CLX, they determined that the weight penalties required for tubeless compatibility would undermine the climbing-focused mission of the wheelset. By designing exclusively for clincher tires with inner tubes, the team eliminated the reinforced bead hooks and additional rim material that tubeless systems require, achieving a 686-gram rear wheel that represented the lightest road clincher Roval had produced. For riders chasing mountain stages and summit finishes where every gram costs watts, that weight reduction outweighed the convenience benefits of running sealant.

The 33mm rim depth reflects the climbing priorities that shaped this design. Shallow enough to minimize rotational mass yet deep enough to provide lateral stiffness under high-torque efforts, the profile handles the varied demands that mountain stages present: explosive accelerations on steep gradients, sustained power on long climbs, and confident handling through technical descents. The 21mm internal width supports tire widths from 24-32mm, with the 25-28mm range providing the ideal balance of rolling efficiency and road feel for mountain terrain.

Roval's AeroFlange hub architecture contributes to both the weight achievement and the wheel's structural performance. The sculpted aluminum hub shell positions flanges at specific heights and angles that shorten spoke lengths while maintaining the tension geometry necessary for lateral stiffness. Inside, DT Swiss EXP internals provide the freehub mechanism, with a single-actuated star ratchet design that reduces drag and weight while moving bearings outboard for increased axle strength. The 36-tooth engagement delivers 10 degrees of pickup, translating pedal inputs with the immediacy that climbing attacks require.... Read More