Roval Rapide CL III or upgrade to CLX III or go for something with a larger internal width?

I just ordered a Tarmac SL8 and want to upgrade the wheel set. I live in Florida and the roads are flat so aero is what it’s all about. Should I upgrade to the CLX III or go for something with a larger internal width of 23mm + like the Farsports EVOs5/6? Ideally I’d be running 30s or 32s

Wider internal will increase the tire width a bit. This allows for lower tire pressure. If your roads are chip seal like Texas roads I would go wider internal width for comfort.

Reserves would be my choice.

If open to Farsports, check out the new Airia LB range, deep and light. Consider that these rims bulb out to 30-32mm and could make a 32c tyre quite big. I’ve paused the idea of getting a set, might only have 2-3mm clearance each side on my frame :smiling_face_with_tear:.

I’ve just changed from Yoeleo’s latest wheelset (which is comparable to Farsports) to Roval CLIII The Yoeleo were 23mm internal and 31mm external and 1340g. I’ve gained almost 200g and lost 2mm of internal width, but gained a wider external width in the front.

Here’s my initial take (I’ve owned CLX and CLII previously). The Rovals feel smoother, faster and the Pro Corsa I have feel more supple. I’ve given up a marginal quickness from standing starts, but I’d forgot just how good a wheelset Roval Rapide are.

Don’t get lost in weight and profile specs (as I did). “Internal width must be 25mm, must be the 105% rule, must be over 30mm external, must be sub 1300g” blah blah - you get the idea.

I believe that anything you swap to will be of such marginal gain (or loss), that it’s not worth it. Ride your awesome bike and enjoy it.

Ps I like the 50mm front and rear (I know it’s reverse mullet but they look the same) better than the 60/51mm previous profiles.

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I’d love to try CLXiii, I ride CLii, that wide front rim is a game changer for me, I wouldn’t go back to a front rim less than 34mm, with the stability in gusty winds it gives.

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Definitely getting lost in the specs and overthinking lol
I just ordered the new sl8 pro and it comes with the new Rapide CL III but I can upgrade to the clx III or to whatever else I want to. This sl8 is already a huge upgrade to my dated current bike, but I keep my bikes for a while and would rather upgrade now rather than later if I choose to do so. I’m planning on riding 30s (maybe try 32s one day) but my roads are luckily pretty good but the crosswinds can be brutal.

I understand, the heart wants what the heart wants :grin:.

Having owned the various versions of the Rapide and the new ones, there’s no performance difference. Better hubs (DTSwiss 180 vs 350) and spokes but same rims… so crosswind stability is equal.

If you were going to upgrade or change for some bling, just go full hog and get the new Enve 4.5 pro. Mini hook, lighter and will seriously drain the wallet (also shallower front wheel) :face_savoring_food:

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