Specialized wheels for asphalt and gravel: Roval Terra CLX II and Alpinist SLX presented

Apart from the rim, everything is new. The Roval Low Flange Disc hubs have been adopted from the Alpinist CLX II and make the new Terra CLX II version 50 grams lighter. As a result, it accelerates faster, can be steered with agility in bends and is also efficient over long distances and with luggage. In addition to the low weight, the gravel wheelset is, according to the manufacturer, more resistant than ever. Specialized sees its area of application ranging from all-road to gravel; for purist gravel races, bikepacking trips across the continent and mixed-surface adventures.

Hookless? No, thank you

Only the rim remains from the previous generation. It has already won the Unbound Gravel competition several times. The Terra CLX II is not a hookless rim. Why not? Specialized explains that the design with hooks on the rim flange increases the rim's area of application. The range of tyres that can be ridden on the rim is greater and the tyre pressure can also be varied more. With a rim width of 25 millimetres, tyres from 28 to 47 millimetres are compatible; the maximum permissible pressure is 5.5 bar. This means that the set-up can be adapted to the respective requirements.

Roval LFD hubs are used, which are based on DT Swiss 180 hubs and ensure perfect ride quality. In addition, SINC ceramic bearings ensure efficiency.

Roval Terra CLX II in comparison with its predecessor

• Roval Low Flange Disc Hubs
• 50 grams lighter

The Roval Terra CLX II gravel wheelset in detail

• Rim: Terra CLX Carbon Clincher, 700C, for disc brakes, tubeless compatible, with hooks
• Rim dimensions: 32 millimetres deep, 30 millimetres outer width, 25 millimetres rim width, 577 millimetres ERD (Effective Rim Diameter)
• Front wheel hub: Roval Light (LF13), DT Swiss 180, 100 × 12 millimetres
• Rear wheel hub: Roval Light LF14R, DT Swiss 180, 142 × 12 millimetres, centre lock, EXP technology with ratchet freehub (36 teeth/10º pressure angle), Shimano RD HG freehub body 11-speed
• Bearing: DT Swiss SINC ceramic bearings
• Spokes front wheel: DT Swiss Aerolite T-head; radial/one-cross (2:1), 21 spokes, drive side: 278 millimetres, non-drive side: 290 millimetres
• Spokes rear wheel: DT Swiss Aerolite T-head; one-cross/two-cross (2:1), 24 spokes, drive side: 288 millimetres, non-drive side: 286 millimetres
• Nipples: DT Swiss Pro Lock Hex, aluminium 2.0 × 14 millimetres
• Tyre width: 28 to 47 millimetres
• Maximum tyre pressure: 28C-32C 5.5 bar (80 psi), 33C-36C 4.4 bar (65 psi), 37C-47C 4.1 bar (60 psi)
• Weight: Wheelset 1250 grams*, front wheel 570 grams*, rear wheel 680 grams* (excluding 15 g for rim tape and tubeless valves)
• Production method: Handmade from the arrangement of the carbon fibre mats to the last nipple
• Accessories: Roval tubeless rim tape, spare spokes, nipple kit - Maximum system weight: 125 kilos
• Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee
• Price: Front wheel: 1100 Euro, rear wheel: 1500 Euro

Roval Alpinist SLX

"Aluminium that feels like carbon" - that's how Specialized describes this new road bike wheelset. Its big carbon brother, the Specialized Roval Alpinist CLX II, is made for fast acceleration, good handling in bends and climbing numerous mountain passes. The front wheel costs 1100 euros, the rear wheel is 1500 euros - a complete carbon wheelset therefore costs 2600 euros.

The manufacturer has developed the new Alpinist SLX to give more road cyclists a similar riding experience. An Alpinist made from aluminium alloy. The complete wheelset costs 850 euros. The Alpinist CLX II weighs 1373 grams, while the aluminium version is only 112 grams heavier at 1485* grams. Not bad at all for aluminium.

The 24-millimetre deep rim made of 6069 aluminium alloy was treated with a shot peening process. This should significantly increase the service life. DT Swiss 350 hubs and Sapim spokes are used to keep the overall weight as low as possible. It could hardly be lighter if you stick with aluminium.

>> Four prominent wheel models in the TOUR test

Driving quality comes first

When developing the Alpinist SLX, ride quality was the top priority. The wheels had to be light, stiff and tubeless-compatible. According to the manufacturer, these goals have all been met.

Details on the Roval Alpinist SLX

• Rim: Alpinist Alloy, aluminium alloy 6061, shot-peened, 700C, for disc brakes, tubeless compatible
• Rim dimensions: 24 millimetres deep/23.5 millimetres wide, 20 millimetre jaw width
• Front wheel hubs: DT Swiss 350 Straightpull, 100 × 12 mm,
• Rear wheel hubs: DT Swiss 350 Straightpull, 142 × 12 mm, Centre Lock
• Freewheel: Ratchet freehub (36 teeth, 10º pressure angle, convertible), Shimano RD HG freehub body 11-speed
• Bearing: sealed deep groove ball bearings made of steel from DT Swiss
• Spokes: Sapim D-Light Straightpull
• Nipples: Sapim Secure Lock, double square, aluminium, black, 2.0 × 18 millimetres, 16 cNm
• Maximum tyre pressure: 8.9 bar (130 psi)
• Weight: Wheelset 1485 grams*, front wheel 694* grams, rear wheel 791* grams (excluding 15 grams for rim tape and tubeless valves)
• Production method: Made by hand
• Accessories: Roval tubeless rim tape, tubeless valves, spare spokes, nipple kit
• Price: Front wheel: 350 euros, rear wheel 500 euros

*Weight of the production sample. The actual weight may differ slightly