600 grams for a 51mm-deep carbon front wheel lands in territory that forces a double-take. Wheels this light typically sacrifice depth for weight savings, while wheels this deep typically carry a weight penalty that shows up on climbs and accelerations. The Roval Rapide CLX III Front Wheel threads that needle through composite spoke technology developed with Arris, cutting 215 grams from the complete wheelset compared to steel-spoke equivalents while maintaining the structural integrity that deep-section racing demands.

The 51mm depth reflects Roval's conclusion that roughly 90 percent of a wheelset's aerodynamic benefit originates at the front wheel, where the rim encounters undisturbed air before the rider's body creates turbulence. Maximizing depth here yields disproportionate drag reduction compared to adding depth at the rear. The rim's 35mm external width creates a smooth aerodynamic transition to 28mm tires, the pairing Roval optimized during wind tunnel development. Wider tires remain compatible—the 21mm internal width accommodates rubber from 24mm to 38mm—but the aerodynamic optimization targets that 28mm sweet spot.

Each composite spoke saves 2.3 grams over steel while delivering 63 percent more strength, a combination that seemed contradictory until aerospace manufacturing techniques made it achievable. Titanium end fittings handle the interface stresses at hub and rim without the weight penalty of traditional brass or steel hardware. The 18-spoke front build laces in a two-cross/radial 2:1 pattern, balancing lateral stiffness for cornering loads with the compliance needed for real-world road surfaces.... Read More