Roval has expanded its gravel lineup with two new high-end wheelsets, saying the new Terra Aero CLX is its fastest gravel option ever, with the Terra CLX III being “the lightest, most compliant gravel wheelset we’ve ever made”, coming in at a claimed 1,079g.
Roval says, “Both wheelsets are built directly from the Terra CLX II [introduced in 2023] heritage – its proven low-mass carbon layup, and real-world gravel racing pedigree – while pushing into new territory with aero shaping, composite spokes, overall wheel durability, and massive improvements in flat protection.”
Rather than being modified road wheels, Roval says they’re purpose-built for the rougher surfaces, deeper yaw angles, and larger tyres associated with gravel.
Let’s take a look at them in turn.
Terra Aero CLX: “Aero above all”
The Terra CLX II wheelset has been at the top of Roval’s gravel range for the past three years, but the brand says that the new Terra Aero CLX – designed primarily for racing – is “up to 5.84 watts faster” at 40km/h (24.9mph) with a Specialized Tracer 45mm tyre fitted (of course, Roval is well aware that watts isn’t a measurement of speed; it means that a lower power output is required to maintain that speed).
The tubeless-compatible Terra Aero CLX rims use a truncated airfoil profile, 50mm deep at the front and 45mm at the rear.
Roval says, “The first of its kind, our Chopped Aero Speed Shape tests like a 70mm front wheel, providing aero gains without weight penalties.
“A heavily cambered leading edge increases effective depth without adding material weight; a rounded nose radius manages taller gravel tyre shoulders, reducing airflow separation behind the tread; a gradual, elongated trailing taper keeps flow attached longer at yaw — the key to gravel-speed aero gains; a wide cross-section matches the 40mm tyre profile, minimising the negative bulge effect.”
Roval argues that it makes sense to go for a deeper front wheel for maximum gains in aero efficiency. This is a strategy it already uses in its Rapide wheel range. With the launch of those wheels, Roval said, “Up to 90% of the aerodynamic benefit of deep wheels comes from the front wheel. Prioritising the front rim depth maximises drag reduction, while reducing rear depth saves weight and improves acceleration and climbing speed without significant aerodynamic loss.”
We know of another major wheel brand that is following a similar strategy with yet-to-be-released models that we’ll be able to tell you about in the coming weeks.
The Roval Terra Aero CLX front rim is 38.5mm at its widest point, while the rear is almost the same at 38.4mm. Each has a 27mm internal width. Roval says that width is especially important in gravel aerodynamics. With the Terra Aero CLX, the rim and tyre are designed to act as a single airfoil.
“Flow off the tyre shoulder is caught and guided by the rim’s larger leading radius, says Roval. “This produces dramatically lower pressure drag compared to road-rim geometries.”
Roval’s FlatStop bead hooks are 5.38mm wide on the Terra Aero CLX, designed to reduce the possibility of pinch flats. Roval says that 91% more energy is required to flat compared with the previous Terra CLX II.
The Terra Aero CLX wheels use narrow Roval Aero Composite spokes by Arris – already used in the Roval Rapide range – which reduce wheelset weight by 96.6g compared with steel spokes and “consistently outperformed rounded profiles by 0.5–0.3 watts across realistic yaw angles”.
The wheels have been designed around 45mm gravel tyres, although they’re compatible with 35-60mm.
The hubs use DT Swiss 180 EXP internals with a 36-tooth ratchet (10° engagement), and Roval quotes a wheelset weight of 1,340g with valves and tape.
In terms of price, the Terra Aero CLX 700C front wheel is £1,299, with the rear wheel coming in at £1,699.
Terra CLX III: the ultra-light one
If you’re after a lower weight, Roval says that the Terra CLX III is the lightest gravel wheelset it has ever made, hitting the scales at a claimed 1,079g (with valves and tape). Roval says these wheels are the ideal choice for “climbers, technical descenders, and riders seeking the ultimate blend of low weight and off-road compliance”.
Speaking of compliance, Roval boasts that the Terra CLX III offers 21.52% more than its predecessor for control on challenging terrain.
The Terra CLX III rims are 25.5mm deep with a 38mm external and 27mm internal width. The bead hooks are just a touch narrower than those of the Terra Aero CLX at 4.86mm, again being designed to offer flat resistance. Roval says that they will support 35-60mm tyres and are optimised for 40mm upwards.
Like the Terra Aero CLX wheelset, the Terra CLX III uses composite Roval aero spokes by Arris and DT Swiss 180 EXP hub internals.
The Roval Terra CLX II 700C front wheel is £1,149, and the rear is £1,599.
