48mm of rim depth sits in curious territory for a race-focused rear wheel. Shallower than dedicated aero hoops, deeper than climbing wheels, it suggests a compromise until you understand Roval's reasoning. The company's wind tunnel testing indicated that roughly 90 percent of a wheelset's aerodynamic gains come from the front wheel cutting through undisturbed air. The rear wheel, operating in the turbulent wake behind the rider's body, contributes far less to drag reduction regardless of depth. What it does contribute significantly to is rotational mass—and that's where the Roval Rapide CL III Rear Wheel's measured depth becomes a deliberate advantage rather than a concession.

Reducing rim depth at the rear cuts weight where it affects acceleration most directly. Every gram of rotating mass requires energy to spin up, and rear wheel response determines how quickly a rider can wind up speed out of corners, react to attacks, or launch a finishing effort. The 48mm profile balances these acceleration demands against maintaining enough depth for aerodynamic stability and crosswind predictability. The result lands 35 grams lighter than the previous CL generation while carrying the same rim technology that Roval developed for the flagship CLX III.

DT Swiss 350 hubs provide the drivetrain interface, with a 36-tooth star ratchet delivering 10 degrees of engagement. That near-instant power pickup means minimal dead spot between pedal input and wheel response—particularly noticeable during hard accelerations when split-second timing matters. The Shimano HG 11-speed freehub body accommodates both 11-speed and 12-speed Shimano road cassettes. Stainless steel cartridge bearings handle rotational loads with proven durability across thousands of kilometers between service intervals.... Read More