Specialized targets aero and low weight with two new Roval gravel wheels

Specialized, through its Roval components brand, has unveiled two new gravel wheelsets: the Rapide C 38 and Terra CL II. The headline innovation is Roval's "chopped aero" Kammtail-style rim profile, which the company asserts delivers the aerodynamic performance of a 70mm rim in a more practical 50mm depth. This design aims to balance aero efficiency with the lower weight and improved handling typically associated with shallower rims, specifically targeting the evolving demands of competitive gravel racing.

This launch signifies Specialized's continued investment in the burgeoning gravel market, a segment where performance gains are increasingly sought after, mirroring road cycling's arms race. The claim of 70mm aero performance from a 50mm rim is a bold one, reflecting the industry's relentless pursuit of marginal gains and the growing sophistication of aerodynamic design, even for off-road applications. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing weight, durability, and aero efficiency in a discipline that demands all three.

Ultimately, Roval's new wheels represent another step in the inevitable aero-ification of gravel, proving that even off the tarmac, the wind remains the primary antagonist.