Cycling

Roval's New Alpinist Cockpit and CLX III Wheels: The Ultimate Climber's Upgrade?

Explore Roval's new Alpinist CLX III wheels and Cockpit II. This ultralight climbing combo delivers elite performance, data-driven ergonomics, and control.

Kevin Curry

30 Sep 2025 — 4 min read

In the world of high-performance cycling, the pursuit of lower weight is a constant battle. Shaving every possible gram has long been the primary objective for climbing-specific gear. But as engineering evolves, a new philosophy is taking hold: weight is nothing without control and comfort. Roval’s latest offerings, the Alpinist Cockpit II and the Alpinist CLX III wheelset, are a masterclass in this modern approach, delivering staggeringly low weights alongside intelligent design that enhances rider experience on the longest, toughest days.

The Alpinist Cockpit II: A Data-Driven Approach to Comfort

At first glance, the Alpinist Cockpit II impresses with its weight—a mere 270 grams for the 400mm x 100mm size. But the real story lies in its refined ergonomics. Leveraging an unprecedented dataset of over 100,000 Body Geometry fits, Specialized and Roval have sculpted a one-piece cockpit that actively combats fatigue.

The key is in the shaping. The updated oval tops are designed to ease pressure on the palms during long seated climbs. Furthermore, a redesigned D-shape on the tops increases the surface area by 12%, providing a more substantial and comfortable platform. This isn't just about feel; it's about reducing the hand pressure that leads to numbness and fatigue on epic rides.

Performance hasn't been overlooked. A subtle four-degree flare in the drops provides a more natural wrist angle, offering enhanced control on descents and a more comfortable position for out-of-the-saddle sprinting. Roval also claims the new carbon layup provides 28.3% more damping than their aero-focused Rapide cockpit, translating to a smoother ride that filters out road buzz.

For the modern mechanic and rider, practical updates include refined internal cable routing for a seamless look and broad compatibility with both integrated Specialized frames and traditional bar-and-stem setups.

The Alpinist CLX III Wheelset: Redefining Featherweight Performance

While the cockpit focuses on control, the new Alpinist CLX III wheelset is a direct assault on gravity. Tipping the scales at a breathtaking 1,131 grams for the pair, these wheels are built for pure climbing prowess. This incredible weight reduction—a saving of 103.5 grams over the previous generation—is largely thanks to the new Roval Aero Composite spokes by Arris, the same technology featured on the latest Rapide wheels. Roval claims these spokes not only save weight but also boast a tensile strength that surpasses traditional steel spokes.

These innovative spokes are laced to newly designed lightweight Roval hubs, which house the legendary reliability of DT Swiss 180 internals. This combination ensures that the wheels are not just light, but also durable and efficient under power.

In a significant and reassuring design choice, Roval has stuck with hooked rims. While the industry trends toward hookless, Roval cites superior tire retention, enhanced flat protection, and proven long-term durability as key reasons for this decision. For riders running modern, wider tires (from 28mm to 32mm) at varying pressures, this provides crucial peace of mind on technical alpine descents.

The Ultimate Climber's Combination

Individually, the Alpinist Cockpit II and CLX III wheels are impressive feats of engineering. Together, they form a synergistic system designed for the rider who lives for the mountains. While Roval's Rapide line serves the all-rounder and aero-focused cyclist, the Alpinist series unapologetically doubles down on its purpose: to provide the most efficient, confident, and comfortable climbing experience possible.

These components prove that the future of climbing gear isn't just about shedding grams. It's about creating a system that allows a rider to push their limits for longer, with more comfort and greater control, turning a grueling ascent into a pure, confidence-inspiring performance.