The completely revised, third-generation Roval Terra gravel wheels are now split into two different models and include a lot of updates. From carbon spokes to a truncated airfoil shape to upgraded durability and flat protection, Specialized is calling them the “fastest gravel wheel family” ever.
Choose between the Terra Aero CLX, their most aero option, or the Terra CLX III, their lightest-ever gravel wheel, depending on your needs. While the more technical story is the Aero version, we’ll warm up with the Terra CLX III, because we’re weight weenies at heart…
Roval Terra CLX III
Weighing in at just 1,079g for the set, they’re the “lightest, most compliant” gravel race wheels they’ve ever made (because of course they are). And that weight includes tubeless rim tape and valve stems.
The compliance part (21.52% improvement over Terra CLX II – you know it’s serious when we’re getting into two decimal points) comes from a shallower (27mm) rim than the aero model as well as bladed carbon spokes that offer great lateral stiffness, but claim to flex to allow the rim to compress over rocks and ruts.
Rims measure 27mm internal, and 38mm external, and are optimized for 45mm tires but are compatible with 35-60mm tires. That huge 11mm difference between inner and outer results from an intentionally designed 4.86mm hooked bead profile that blunts any impacts to prevent pinch flats and maximizes tire compatibility.
So, light, comfortable, and tough enough for the roughest courses. MSRP is $3,200 for the pair ($1,400 front, $1,800 rear).
Roval Terra Aero CLX
The Terra Aero CLX mixes things up a bit. The rims are deeper and vary from front to back. The front is 50mm deep, the rear is 45mm. They have the same 27mm internal width, but bulge a bit more to 38.5mm external. This extra width spreads the hooked bead profiles to 5.38mm for even better pinch flat protection.
They say both wheels’ pinch flat prevention designs were borrowed from their Roval mountain bike wheels, and that these new shapes take almost twice the energy to cause a flat compared to the CLX II models.
But the real story here is the flat-back rim profiles. The 45-50mm deep rims use a truncated airfoil shape that “performs like a 70mm deep” rim, but without the added weight. And, likely, with much better crosswind stability. Like all Roval wheels, it was designed with CFD and matched with tires and a frame to produce better “real world” virtual designs that reduce turbulence when paired with popular tires.
If you’re going for full aero, the new rim shape nearly perfectly matches a mounted 40mm gravel tire’s width, minimizing the bulge effect that creates drag. They say the combo is 5.84 watts faster than Terra CLX II with a Specialized Tracer 45 tire, which sounds nothing like an apples to apples comparison, but still gains.
Regardless, the compound curve and flat tail yielded big gains from 5º to 20º yaw (crosswind angle), which is pretty common in wide open race situations. It’s also compatible with 35-60mm tires, but aero optimized for 35-45mm tires, and specifically the Tracer 45mm family.
These also get bladed carbon spokes, but they’re upgraded. Made by ARRIS using a proprietary thermoplastic composite and titanium ends, the outer ends are wider and flatter than normal, which saves another 0.3 to 0.5 watts versus round shapes. They’re also 96.6g lighter than using steel spokes, while being stronger and supposedly more durable.
The extra depth and width add up to a 1,340g wheelset. MSRP is $3,400 for the pair ($1,500 front, $1,900 rear).
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