Sea Otter: Mavic updates MTB wheel-tire systems
Mavic is a big proponent of the wheel-tire system (click to enlarge).
Mavic Crossmax XL Pro LTD Wheels
New this year is the alloy Mavic Crossmax XL Pro LTD, a wheelset intended for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. These UST hoops come in 27.5 only and measure 23mm wide internal with drilling for 24 beefy Zicral spokes. They also use a new extrusion process that helps reduce weight. Rotor attachment is 6-bolt.
The stock set-up for the front is 15mm thru-axle, but they can be converted to QR or 20mm with included adapters. The rear is set-up for 12×135 or 12×142, and comes with QR adapters. They’re compatible with Shimano or XD driver bodies. Other highlights include Zicral bladed straight-pull spokes and alloy hubs with adjustable sealed cartridge bearings.
The Charge XL tire has an aggressive profile with tall knobs for better mud clearing (click to enlarge).
Being that Mavic is also a big proponent of the wheel-tire system ideal, these new wheels are paired with the Crossmax Charge XL front tire and Crossmax Quest XL rear tire. Both are UST tubeless ready and measure 2.4”, but are designed for entirely different functions.
The Charge XL tire has an aggressive profile with tall knobs for better mud clearing, and the compound is Mavic’s soft super contact for improved grip. Out back the Quest XL uses a shallower profile, smaller knobs, and a new dual compound to provide fast rolling performance, traction and confident cornering. Both tires use dual ply casing for improved durability.
Claimed wheelset weight is 1710 grams sans tires. MSRP for the whole meal deal, tires and sealant included, is $1000.
The alloy hubs have adjustable sealed cartridge bearings (click to enlarge).
If our prior experience on the Mavic Crossmax Enduro wheels with a similar tire set-up is any indicator of future performance, we expect the Crossmax XL Pro LTD to be a solid all-around package that will stand up to plenty of aggressive abuse. While we found the front tire’s tread compound to wear faster than we’d like, performance was stellar with great grip and cornering traction. Same goes for the wheels, which have been durable and all but maintenance free during nearly a year of hard use. More info at www.mavic.us
Mavic Crossmax SL Pro WTS Wheels and Crossmax Pulse Tires
Mavic also has goodies for the XC racing crowd in the form of the Crossmax SL Pro WTS wheels and new Crossmax Pulse tires, which sell as a system for $1100.
Lightweight and speed are of course the main drivers of this fully UST set-up with 19mm wide rims strung with lightweight Zicral spokes. Claimed weight for the 27.5 version is 1470 grams. Mavic also offers these wheels in 29er.
The new Crossmax Pulse is UST tubeless ready with a dual compound and 127 TPI casing (click to enlarge).
Front hub set-ups run the gamut from QR to 15mm and even Lefty Supermax. The rear is QR, 12×135 or 12×142 and can accommodate Shimano or XD driver bodies. Rotor attachment is 6-bolt.
Spoke count is 20 front and rear, straight pull bladed. The front hubs is carbon with aluminum flanges, while the rear has an aluminum body and adjustable sealed cartridge bearings.
Zicral bladed straight-pull spokes help keep weight down (click to enlarge).
The new Crossmax Pulse tire is UST tubeless ready with a dual compound and 127 TPI casing. Both the 27.5 and 29er versions measure 2.10. Low profile tread is designed to improve efficiency, while a hardened compound offers less rolling resistance. Higher side knobs improve cornering grip.
For more information visit www.mavic.us.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2015 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. For more from Sea Otter CLICK HERE.
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