Specialized Roval CLX 32 – Tubular Front

When we set out to create a lightweight wheelset, we didn’t want it to be “just another climbing wheel." We wanted to provide the lightest wheelset out there with the aerodynamic attributes of something twice its depth. One wheel that'll get you to the base of a climb quickly and up it as efficiently as possible, yet still be strong enough for day-to-day abuse. It was a tall order, but in the end, the CLX 32 gave us more than what we asked for.

Our design process started with a low overall weight at the forefront, as we knew what weight we could hit with the information and technology we had available. With that weight in mind, we then turned our focus to aerodynamics and began an iterative process of designing and testing over 150 individual rims to find the optimal shape. These innumerable Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, Win Tunnel hours, and shots of espresso left us with a 32mm-deep shape that boasts more logged wind tunnel time than any other wheel in its category.

Once we found the most aerodynamic shape, at the 32-millimter depth, we came back to the weight focus and proceeded to experiment with over 40 different layup methods to reach our desired weight. And this made the CLX 32 lighter and faster than every other competitor in the lightweight wheel category.

For the CLX 32 tubular front, we mated the rim to our Aero Flange (AF) series hub with DT Swiss Aero spokes to create the best overall system. This results in a 490-gram, front wheel with an extremely low inertia value. In cycling, inertia relates to the amount of force it takes to accelerate or decelerate, so wheels that are built with lightweight rims, like the CLX 32, result in a lower inertia value that creates a lively wheel that allows you to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction with less effort. But why so wide? Well, additional width does three primary things for a rim—it provides additional structural strength, it allows for a clean rim and tire interface when using wide tires (resulting in enhanced aerodynamics and faster rolling properties), and it better supports the tire in hard cornering. This boosts both predictable grip and confidence when things get twisty on the descents.

Each CLX 32 tubular front wheel also employs the legendary CeramicSpeed bearings and comes with our padded wheelbag, quick-release, tubeless plugs, tubeless valve, and SwissStop Black Prince brake pads.

At a Glance

• Rim Type: Carbon tubular
• Rim Material: Carbon
• Braking Surface: Carbon fiber
• Brake Track Height: 12mm
• Rim Depth: 32mm
• Rim Width: 27.1mm external
• Spoke Pattern: Radial
• Spoke Count: 16
• Spoke Type: DT Swiss Aerolite T-head
• Nipple Type: DT Swiss Pro Lock hexagonal