ComparisonsRapide CL III vs Rapide CLX III

ROAD DISC WHEELSETS · SIDE BY SIDE

Roval Rapide CL III vs Roval Rapide CLX III

The Roval Rapide CLX III is 250 g lighter (1,305 g vs 1,555 g claimed per pair); the Roval Rapide CL III costs €1,350 less (€1,449 vs €2,799) at our October 2026 price check. Both share the rim depth (51 mm front / 48 mm rear), the internal width (21 mm) and the listed tyre range (24–38 mm).

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Both on the same bike.

Drag the handle to switch between the Rapide CL III (left) and the Rapide CLX III (right) on a Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 AXS. Black tyres shown for context.

Rapide CL III Rapide CLX III

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SIDE BY SIDE

Specifications.

Rows with different values are highlighted. Weights are manufacturer claims per pair.

Roval Rapide CL III and Roval Rapide CLX III specifications
SpecificationRoval Rapide CL IIIRoval Rapide CLX III
Claimed pair weight1,555 g1,305 g
Price per pair€1,449€2,799
Price checkedOctober 2026October 2026
MSRP€1,798€3,498
Rim depth · front51 mm51 mm
Rim depth · rear48 mm48 mm
Internal width · front21 mm21 mm
Internal width · rear21 mm21 mm
External width · front35 mm35 mm
External width · rear31.3 mm31.3 mm
Listed tyre range24–38 mm24–38 mm
Rim typeHookedHooked
Spokes · front / rear18 / 24 · Steel18 / 24 · Carbon
BearingsSteelCeramic
WarrantyLifetime; conditions applyLifetime; conditions apply
Crash replacementUp to 35% discount Conditions ↗Up to 35% discount Conditions ↗
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

What the differences mean.

General context for the specifications where these two differ. Numbers in superscript link to the sources below each topic. How much each point matters depends on your riding, tyres and bike.

Weight: what the grams mean

The Rapide CLX III is 250 g lighter per pair (1,305 g vs 1,555 g, manufacturer claims).

On a steady climb only total weight counts: a gram in the wheels costs the same as a gram in the frame or a bottle.1 A common rule of thumb is about 2 seconds per 100 metres of climbing for every kilogram, so 150 g works out at roughly 3 seconds on a 1,000 m climb.2

Rim weight matters somewhat more when you accelerate, because the rim spins as well as moves forward; physically that effect is at most about twice that of frame weight, and only while speeding up.1 Claimed weights are measured differently from brand to brand: some include rim tape and valves, others do not, and tolerances of around ±30 g are common.3 Independent weighing usually lands close to the claim once tape and valves are accounted for.4

  1. University of Illinois physics Q&A: rotating weight
  2. Cycling Uphill: time saved per kilogram
  3. Elitewheels: what claimed weights include
  4. BikeRadar: claimed vs weighed (Shimano RS710 review)

Carbon or steel spokes

The Rapide CL III uses steel spokes, the Rapide CLX III carbon spokes (18/24 vs 18/24 front/rear).

Close-up of the Roval Rapide CL III hub and spokes
Rapide CL III 18 front / 24 rear · steel
Close-up of the Roval Rapide CLX III hub and spokes
Rapide CLX III 18 front / 24 rear · carbon

A carbon spoke weighs roughly half as much as a premium steel bladed spoke,1 and brands state that carbon is stiffer for its weight.2 That is why carbon-spoke versions often use fewer spokes and weigh less: Hunt's Limitless Ti_UD uses 15/18 carbon spokes against 20/24 steel spokes on the standard Limitless.3 Some reviewers describe a more direct feel when sprinting; that is a riding impression, not a measurement.5

Steel spokes such as DT Swiss Aerolite or Sapim CX-Ray are standard parts that most workshops can source and replace.4 Carbon spokes are more sensitive to side impacts, for example from a derailleur or debris, and may need brand-specific parts or tools;1 some brands include spare spokes or crash replacement to offset this.5 Visually, the lower spoke count and slim blades give carbon-spoke wheels a lighter, more open look.

  1. BikeRadar: carbon spokes explained
  2. Hunt: UD carbon spokes explained
  3. road.cc: Hunt Limitless with carbon and steel spokes
  4. DT Swiss: Aerolite spoke
  5. Cyclist: Roval Rapide CLX III review

Ceramic or steel bearings

The Rapide CLX III uses ceramic hub bearings, the Rapide CL III steel bearings.

Ceramic hub bearings are a common premium option. CeramicSpeed quotes watt savings for upgrading hubs, bottom bracket and pulleys together.1 In independent Friction Facts tests of bottom brackets, the best steel and the best ceramic units were only hundredths of a watt apart, and seals and grease mattered more than the ball material.2

The lowest-friction setups tend to use lighter seals and grease, which protect less against rain and grit and need more frequent servicing.3 How long any bearing lasts depends mainly on seals, grease, hub design and maintenance.4

  1. CeramicSpeed: how to save watts
  2. BikeRadar: Friction Facts bottom bracket tests
  3. BikeRadar: ceramic bearings
  4. Zero Friction Cycling: hybrid ceramic vs steel
WHICH ONE FITS

Choose by what matters to you.

Derived from the specifications above. This is not a performance rating.

Choose the Roval Rapide CL III if…

  • You want to spend less: €1,449, €1,350 below the Rapide CLX III
  • You prefer steel spokes (the Rapide CLX III uses carbon spokes)
Full Rapide CL III profile →

Choose the Roval Rapide CLX III if…

  • Low weight matters to you: 1,305 g, 250 g less than the Rapide CL III
  • You prefer carbon spokes (the Rapide CL III uses steel spokes)
  • You want ceramic bearings (the Rapide CL III uses steel bearings)
Full Rapide CLX III profile →

Common questions.

How much lighter is the Roval Rapide CLX III than the Roval Rapide CL III?

250 g. The Roval Rapide CLX III has a claimed pair weight of 1,305 g, the Roval Rapide CL III 1,555 g. Both figures are manufacturer claims.

Do both take the same tyre widths?

Yes, the range is 24–38 mm for both. Roval approves tyres from 24 mm to 38 mm for both wheelsets. Check the manufacturer's guidance for your exact tyre and pressure.

What is the price difference between the Roval Rapide CL III and the Roval Rapide CLX III?

€1,350 at our October 2026 price check: the Roval Rapide CL III cost €1,449 and the Roval Rapide CLX III €2,799 per pair. Prices change; check the current offer with the retailer or manufacturer.

Your next step.

Roval Rapide CL III Check my Fit → Product profile Roval product page ↗
Roval Rapide CLX III Check my Fit → Product profile Roval product page ↗

Sources & data notes.

All values come from the Show My Bike catalogue, the same records used on the product pages. Prices checked October 2026. Some model-specific details were reviewed against the manufacturer pages. Manufacturer claims are identified as such. No independent product test is claimed, and no winner is declared.