The Lab: Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS Long Term Review
When it came to top-end enduro race bikes in 2014, bright yellow became ‘the new black’. Hanging a Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 wheelset off your steed signalled to other riders that “Shit yeah, I race on the weekends, so get out of my way.”
Made from exotic-sounding Maxtal and Zicral (sexy names for aluminium) and with thick straight-pull spokes, the Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 wheelset certainly look like a pro factory setup. After 2,000 km, Trev has been impressed; they are responsive and accelerate quickly for a 1710g wheelset, with a freehub that bites almost instantly.
Through the corners the Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 wheelset feel superb, with bags of flex-free feedback and control. However with only 21/19 mm (front/rear) of width, they are too narrow. They work well when paired with the supplied Mavic Charge and Roam tires, but different tires left us wanting more width for support.
The rear wheel is sensitive to losing its true, and Trev made it square on more than one occasion (although he managed to save it with some spoke key magic). The rims are also sensitive to damage, so you have to be careful when at full gas through sharp rocks.
After twelve months of riding, Trev found that Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 wheelset worked well for racing as long as you are handy with a spoke key; they give great feedback and accuracy, and are good for those who live in areas where the trails are not rocky. However, if your trails are super-rough or you’re a heavy rider, there are stronger wheels out there for less than the Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 wheelset – though they will be less yellow.
Tester: Trev Worsey
Price: € 825
Test period: 12 months, 2000km
You can find more information about the Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS 27.5 on the Mavic website.
Words: Trevor Worsey Photos: Christoph Bayer