Specialized’s New Roval Terra Aero CLX and Terra CLX III Gravel Wheels on Review

Roval are bringing speed to the dirt paths. With the Terra Aero, Specialized have presented their first consistently aero-optimised gravel wheelset. But that is not all as the proven Terra CLX is entering its third generation, aiming to shine through minimal weight and improved handling. We have been out on our test track to see how these new additions perform.

Gravel racing is no longer a niche phenomenon, as we already noted in our last race gravel bike group test. The increasing professionalisation of this segment means that races are getting faster and faster, which makes aerodynamics massively important off-road too. After Roval set new standards on the road with the Rapide CLX III last year, these findings are now flowing directly into the gravel sector.

It’s taken Specialized a while to release an aerodynamically optimised gravel performance wheelset. Now it’s here, and it perfectly reflects the transformation we experienced in road racing a decade ago. Specialized are promising nothing less than the fastest gravel wheel lineup ever built – a bold claim backed by plenty of marketing terminology.

Behind names like Chopped Aero Speed Shape and FlatStop-Bead lies a particularly sophisticated construction designed specifically for the demands of gravel bikes. Because wider tires, lower speeds and tougher wind conditions require specific aerodynamics, the system wasn’t just trimmed for pure air resistance in the lab. Instead, the focus was on how it functions with wider gravel tyres at various inflow angles. We’re excited to see if we might see an aero-optimised successor to the ageing Specialized Crux later this year.

Specialized are introducing two new specialists for the gravel segment: the Terra CLX III as the lightweight successor to the Terra range with a shallow 27 mm rim, and the completely new Terra Aero CLX with a 50 mm rim depth at the front and 45 mm at the rear. While the Terra Aero CLX is designed to deliver road-level aerodynamics to the front wheel with its blunt, flattened profile and weighs 1,315 g on our scales, the Terra CLX III drops the weight to just 1,050 g. Both wheelsets have been consistently designed as a system consisting of wheel and tire – an approach found in almost all modern performance wheels.

Both new models use carbon spokes and feature an internal width that has grown from 25 mm to 27 mm . The in-house 45 mm Pathfinder TLR tires measure a full 44 mm wide on these rims. Inspired by the Rapide CLX III, both wheels also feature a wider rim flange. This supports the tire better and protects the casing more effectively against pinch flats and snakebites during hard impacts. Ultimately, Specialized aren’t just concerned with pure tempo, but with the combination of speed, improved puncture protection and tuned compliance. You can find out whether this overall package is reflected in the riding experience in our review.

On Review: What Are the New Roval Terra Aero CLX and Terra CLX III Actually Capable of?

Visually, the shallow, almost blunt rim shape is polarising. In practice, the wide rim flanges look less chunky than expected, though the visible spoke nipples slightly mar the otherwise very clean look.

While riding, the Terra Aero CLX is pleasantly nimble without feeling twitchy. It’s reassuringly stable on the gravel track, reacts precisely to direction changes, and conveys a high level of efficiency. However, in a direct comparison with the Terra CLX III, it lacks a touch of that explosive snap when accelerating and the razor-sharp directness in handling. This is exactly where the Terra CLX III comes in: it’s lighter, more playful and more immediate. It accelerates more willingly, reacts much more directly to steering inputs and feels more alive overall.

Both wheelsets impress with smooth rolling characteristics. Combined with the 45 mm wide Pathfinder TLR tire, they roll along surprisingly smoothly, and the Terra Aero CLX in particular offers more comfort than you’d expect from an aero wheelset with carbon spokes.

Who Are the New Roval Wheels For?

The new Roval wheels are clearly aimed at racers and fit seamlessly into Specialized’s ecosystem, where everything is designed as a system including the bike, tires and wheels. With the Terra Aero CLX, there’s finally a dedicated aero gravel wheelset that hasn’t just been adapted from the road, but was specifically developed for the demands of gravel.

The Terra Aero CLX is aimed at anyone who wants to turn every watt into speed in fast gravel races. It plays to its strengths on long straight sections and at high average speeds with constant pressure on the pedals. By contrast, the Terra CLX III truly comes into its own on mountainous, technical, and playful terrain. It stands out with nimble handling, sharp acceleration, and a more responsive ride feel—making it an ideal choice for demanding race courses or a fast, everyday setup for riders who want maximum versatility.

Conclusions about the New Roval Terra Aero CLX and Terra CLX III

Both the Roval Terra Aero CLX and the Terra CLX III are impressive in our review and set different priorities. The Aero CLX scores with high efficiency and strong rolling performance, while the CLX III impressed us with its lively acceleration and noticeably more agile nature. The carbon spokes contribute to direct power transfer on both models. In terms of price, both are clearly in the high-end segment – which is typical for Roval. With the Terra Aero CLX, Specialized are showing very clearly where the journey is heading. We’re excited to see if the American manufacturer have more aero tricks up their sleeves this year.

Find out more on specialized.com/roval

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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Lars Engmann, Jan Fock