Recently, I added the Roval Rapid2 wheelset to my Durac50.
I took the Rapid2 for its first spin last weekend - a 60km round trip on flat ground with a few bumps along the way. It felt great cutting through headwinds.
I used the same setup as I did on my Dura (TPU tube and 28c Pirelli tires) with the Rapid2.
In the past, crosswinds (sudden gusts) made the handlebars feel like they were going to be ripped out of my hands on the Dura.
With the Rapid2, it felt more like I was being pushed, making steering a bit easier.
When climbing on flat ground, I definitely felt some power savings compared to the Dura. Even though I'm still doing winter training and bulking up, I thought I would only be able to ride for an hour with the headwind, but I was able to keep going for 2 hours and 30 minutes. I did intervals in between, but... lately, my thighs haven't been as strong, so I couldn't sustain the intervals as long as I used to. Still, climbing bumps wasn't a problem.
When dancing up gentle slopes or bumps, I definitely felt that the rear end of the Rapid2 was heavier than the Dura and the handlebars didn't shake as much.
Now I understand why Roval3 came out like that in the Special Edition.
I'm really curious about the Rapid3, but I don't have a chance to try it...
And for that price, maybe an ENVE??
So this week, I tried climbing with the Rapid2 in front and the Durac50 in back.
On the initial gentle incline, it felt easier to pedal than usual. In the main uphill section, sitting down felt similar, but when I mixed in some dancing, I felt that familiar handlebar turning sensation from the Dura.
It's a bit weird, but I think I'll stick with this combination for a while.
I never thought there would be such a big difference between the 50 and 60.
But since the Rapid2 + Durac50 combo is good for both uphill climbs and headwinds, I wonder if I should put a Roval 60 in the back... haha
