Schmolke TLO Gravel vs Roval Terra CLX III

The Schmolke TLO Gravel and Roval Terra CLX III take different routes to premium gravel performance.

Roval builds around proprietary composite spokes and an extremely low published weight. Schmolke combines a wider 29mm internal rim, complete DT Swiss 180 hubs, proven Sapim CX-Ray spokes and German carbon manufacture.

For riders choosing a wheelset to perform across loose corners, repeated climbs, rough surfaces and changing speeds, the Schmolke package has compelling advantages where gravel performance actually happens.

Schmolke TLO Gravel vs Roval Terra CLX III

Published weights are not quoted on an identical basis. Roval includes tubeless tape and valves. Schmolke does not state whether these are included.

Why the 29mm rim matters

A gravel wheel does more than hold the tyre. Its internal width influences the tyre’s shape, support and behaviour when pressures are reduced.

The Schmolke rim is designed around the 40 to 45mm tyres used on modern performance gravel bikes. Its 29mm internal width provides a broad base beneath the tyre, helping it maintain a supported shape when pressures are lowered for grip and comfort.

That support matters when loading the bike into loose corners, driving across off-camber surfaces or pushing through rough sections. The tyre can work without feeling vague or folding excessively beneath the rider.

The Roval offers wider stated tyre compatibility. The Schmolke focuses directly on the tyre sizes most performance gravel riders actually use.

Performance is more than total wheelset weight

Schmolke keeps each carbon rim to approximately 320g. That matters because the rim sits at the outside of the wheel, where weight has the greatest influence on how quickly the wheel responds to acceleration.

The result is a wheelset built for the constantly changing demands of gravel:

• Repeated accelerations out of slower corners
• Short, steep rises that interrupt momentum
• Fast changes of direction across uneven terrain
• Hard efforts when the surface or gradient changes

The TLO Gravel does not simply reduce the number on the bike scale. It gives the bike a quicker, sharper response whenever the rider changes pace or direction.

Complete DT Swiss 180 hubs

Both wheelsets use Ratchet EXP internals and SINC ceramic bearings, but they are not using the same complete hub.

Schmolke builds the TLO Gravel around full DT Swiss 180 Center Lock hubs. Roval uses proprietary low-flange hub shells containing DT Swiss 180 EXP internals.

The DT Swiss 180 is the flagship hub package. It combines smooth ceramic bearings, dependable Ratchet EXP engagement and a service system already understood by experienced workshops.

A wheelset that can be serviced

Roval’s composite spokes help produce an impressive specification, but they are proprietary components. Roval includes four replacement spokes and nipples with the wheelset for a reason.

Schmolke uses Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes. They are proven performance spokes used by wheel builders around the world and do not lock the owner into a highly specialised replacement system.

That is a genuine advantage for gravel riders. Damage does not always happen near the original retailer, and a premium wheelset should not become a logistics problem because one spoke needs replacing.

More ways to build the right wheelset

The Roval is offered for conventional 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear spacing.

Schmolke offers both standard and Boost configurations, with multiple freehub and decal choices. That makes the TLO Gravel suitable for a broader range of high-performance gravel and drop-bar off-road builds.

Premium hardware for $305 less

The Schmolke costs $305 less, despite using complete DT Swiss 180 hubs, SINC ceramic bearings and carbon rims manufactured in Germany.

You are not paying less because the Schmolke cuts back on the hardware. You are getting flagship hubs, a wider internal rim and a more conventional wheel build at the lower price.

Why choose the Schmolke TLO Gravel?

Final verdict

The Roval Terra CLX III is built around an eye-catching headline specification. The Schmolke TLO Gravel is built around the complete riding experience.

Its 29mm rim supports the tyre where grip and control are created. Its approximately 320g rims respond quickly when the pace changes. Its complete DT Swiss 180 hubs deliver flagship rolling performance, while Sapim CX-Ray spokes keep the wheelset practical to service.

For a premium gravel bike that needs to feel fast, precise and composed across real terrain, the Schmolke TLO Gravel is the better wheelset to own.

Specifications and prices checked September 2026. Product specifications and prices may change.