2021 SPECIALIZED RAPIDE CLX 32 DISC TUBULAR FRONT -, CARBON/GLOSS BLACK

When we set out to create a lightweight tubular disc wheel, we didn’t want it to be “just another climbing wheel." We wanted to provide the lightest disc wheelset available with the aerodynamic attributes of something twice its depth. It was a tall order, but in the end, our CLX 32 Tubular Disc not only not only delivers on this in spades, but it also provides incredible brake modulation and power in all conditions, increased impact resistance, and a disc-specific carbon layup that increases strength while decreasing weight.

Our design process started with a low overall weight at the forefront, as we knew what weight we could hit with the information and technology we had available. With that weight in mind, we then turned our focus to aerodynamics and began an iterative process of designing and testing over 150 individual rims to find the optimal shape. These innumerable Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, Win Tunnel hours, and shots of espresso left us with a 32mm-deep shape that boasts more logged wind tunnel time than any other wheel in its category.

For this CLX 32, we mated the rim to our Aero Flange (AF) series hub with DT Swiss Aero spokes to create the best overall system. This results in a 550-gram, front wheel with an extremely low inertia value. In cycling, inertia relates to the amount of force it takes to accelerate or decelerate, so wheels that are built with lightweight rims, like the CLX 32, result in a lower inertia value that creates a lively wheel that allows you to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction with less effort. But why so wide? Well, additional width does three primary things for a rim—it provides additional structural strength, it allows for a clean rim and tire interface when using wide tires (resulting in enhanced aerodynamics and faster rolling properties), and it better supports the tire in hard cornering. This boosts both predictable grip and confidence when things get twisty on the descents.

Each front wheel also employs the legendary CeramicSpeed bearings and comes with our padded wheelbag, quick-release, tubeless plugs, tubeless valve, and SwissStop Black Prince brake pads.