Rear wheels operate in disturbed air that the front wheel and frame have already churned, which changes the aerodynamic optimization equation entirely. Roval designed the Rapide CL II rear rim to minimize drag at the trailing edge of the bike system rather than slicing through clean air, resulting in a 60mm depth that exceeds the 51mm front. The narrower 30mm external width reflects this different aerodynamic role: where the front rim needs width for crosswind stability at the steering axis, the rear benefits from a tighter profile that cleans up turbulence behind the seat tube and rider's legs. Because the rear wheel doesn't influence steering feel, the deeper section adds aerodynamic benefit without the handling penalties that deep front wheels can introduce.

The rim itself is identical to Roval's flagship CLX II, sharing the same carbon layup and hooked tubeless profile. That means the aerodynamic shaping, impact tolerance, and tire interface come directly from the top-tier wheelset, with the cost difference living entirely at the hub. DT Swiss 350 hubs replace the ceramic-bearing units found in the CLX, using sealed steel cartridge bearings that deliver proven reliability without the price premium of ceramic internals. The Star Ratchet system with 36-tooth engagement provides 10 degrees of pickup, translating pedal force to forward motion with the consistent feel that DT Swiss hardware delivers. The ratchet system also offers upgrade potential for riders who want finer engagement, as higher tooth-count rings can be swapped into the existing hub shell.

Hooked rim construction provides pressure flexibility that hookless carbon designs cannot match. Tubeless setups can run up to 110psi for riders who prefer firm tires in the 24-35mm range, with tubed configurations reaching 130psi. Wider rubber from 36-38mm drops to 60psi maximum. The 21mm internal channel supports tire profiles across that full range without the sidewall distortion that narrower rims create with modern tire widths.... Read More