Mavic's 2017 Quest XA Carbon Wheelset - First Look

May 20, 2016
by Paul Aston  
Mavic, the legendary wheel builder has fallen from the limelight over recent years, but 2017 could see a comeback for the brand from Annecy, France. Today they introduce their Quest XA wheelsets that are almost entirely new, with a long-awaited carbon version and their widest trail rims to date built into a package that bleeds 'Le Sang Jaune.' mavic.com/


Mavic XA Wheels


Mavic says that their wheels are designed around four factors: quick acceleration, lateral stiffness with vertical compliance, impact resistance, and tubeless compatibility. Get these four right and you will accelerate out of corners, have control and traction, be able to ride again and again and won't waste your Sunday trying to inflate your tires while your buddies are out riding. To change to a carbon material "you raise those four basic expectations to a whole new level..."


So what's new? Everything except the hub internals; the XA Carbon is an entirely new wheelset. The large diameter alloy spokes we found on previous CrossMax wheelset are gone and replaced with straight-pull, bladed and butted steel spokes, but still a low count of 24. The lacing pattern also employs a 2-cross pattern instead of a more traditional 3-cross which is said to improve compliance.

Straight pull spokes might not be top of everybody's wishlist but they are stronger than a standard j-bend spoke and make life a lot easier, and in case of a breakage, spokes can be replaced without the need to remove the cassette or discs.
XA Pro Carbon Details
• Unidirectional carbon fiber rims
• Width: 26mm internal width, 32mm outer
• UST tubeless system
• 24 spokes with 2-cross lacing
• Steel straight pull, bladed, double butted spokes
• Aluminum nipples
• Adjustable sealed cartridge bearings
• 10/11s freewheel, convertible to XD driver
• Front: 15x100, 15x110, Torque Caps and Lefty options
• Rear: 12x142, 12x148, convertible to QR
• 6 bolt disc mount
• 1490g (27.5’’) / 1535g (29’’)
• €1700, US$1849.90, £1300
• Available September 1st

Mavic XA Wheels

Mavic s 2017 Quest XA Wheelsets
Mavic XA Wheels

Mavic XA Wheels


The spoke bed in carbon rims is offset by 2mm to bring the spoke angle more in line with the center of the hub. Doing this helps to even out spoke tension, meaning a lower maximum tension and a stronger wheel. The rims have a 26mm internal width which continues the wider trend but is still narrower than many, but Mavic says this width complements the 2.4" Quest tires perfectly. Mavic is sticking with the UST system but have moved on to a hookless design which should further help to reduce burping and gives the tire a better shape. All wheelsets are delivered with Mavic Tyre Sealant, QR reducers, UST valve and accessories, tubeless rim tape and an adjustment wrench for the hubs.



Mavic XA Wheels
XA Elite Details
• Maxtal Alloy rims
• Width: 25mm internal width, 28mm outer
• UST System
• 24 spokes with 2-cross lacing
• Steel straight pull, bladed, double butted spokes
• Aluminum nipples
• Adjustable sealed cartridge bearings
• 10/11s freewheel, convertible to XD driver
• Front: 15x100, 15x110, Torque Caps and Lefty options
• Rear: 12x142, 12x148, convertible to QR
• 6 bolt disc mount
• 1695g (27.5’’) / 1770g (29’’)
• €600, US$749.90, £450
• Available September 1st

The XA Elite wheelset is aimed towards consumers on a lower budget or those who simply don't want to move towards carbon. But a lower budget does not necessarily mean cheap as this is still a high-end wheelset. The 25mm internal width rims are extruded in Maxtal alloy and machined to save weight using Mavic's 'ISM4D' Process. The XA Elite wheels are slightly narrower but use the same spokes and configuration as the XA Carbon wheels. All of the same options of wheel and hub sizes are available but with the addition of some funky colors that diverge from the traditional black and yellow.


Mavic XA Wheels

Mavic XA Wheels
Mavic XA Wheels

Mavic XA Wheels


For added peace of mind, a Mavic Care Package is available. By registering online you can benefit from an extended three-year warranty and a crash replacement program which offers repairs or new wheels at a reduced price. Both Quest wheelsets should be available at your local Mavic dealer on September 1st. Unfortunately, I missed the press camp in the stunning Basque region of Spain due to illness, but we are looking forward to getting a pair in for a long-term test soon, so watch this space.

MENTIONS: @mavic



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164 Comments
  • 60 6
 not sure why people are saying the rims are narrow, enve M70 wheels are 25mm internal and Stans Bravo is 26mm internal, looks to me like mavic are right on the mark with these wheels, let alone they cost less than both enve and stans! not to mention they are lighter as well.
  • 25 27
 Roval Traverse SL fattie aret $300 cheaper and are wider than these wheels.
The aluminum version are cheaper and wider too.
  • 42 15
 I have owned many rims of all sorts of widths from 17 to 29 inner and I find no real advantage above 25 inner for 2.5" tyres. At least for 1.5ply casings. My wives bike has 23 inner and they are just ok with paper thin Schwalbes, but my DTs at 25 are just great. In fact I feel that wider rims make the tyre a bit stiff. Lower pressure argument is bollocks, I tried that theory for a few rides and was puncturing as hell.
  • 47 1
 @WAKIdesigns: you are the marketing departments nightmare. How can they sell more and more product if you start saying there is no real advantage going from a 25mm to a 27mm internal width rim? These people need to eat.
  • 77 8
 WIDER IS BETTER NO ONE EVER WON A RACE ON 25 MILLIMETER WIDE RIMS EVER
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: What? you can't totally tell the difference 1mm (per side) makes on tire profile? Seriously though, I'm not sure why they would bother going "wider" if they're only making such minimal changes. Seems more like making a concession to the current trend than actually making a noticeable change.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: hahaha always the voice of the counter-counter culture
  • 8 50
flag endurocat (May 20, 2016 at 7:05) (Below Threshold)
 @TEAM-ROBOT: Actually you're wrong.
Fabien barrel: Mavic
Jerome Clementz: Mavic
Justin Leov :Bontrager's
Jared Graves : DT Swiss
  • 6 2
 @enrico650: but they're specialized
  • 27 0
 @TEAM-ROBOT: well that just went over everyone's head.
  • 18 1
 @enrico650: Missed the sarcasm aye?
  • 11 2
 @enrico650: Wider isn't always better. I run crossmax xl pro ltd and they are 23 mm internal. Never burped once, super stiff and light. I couldn't be more stoked about a set of wheels.
  • 6 1
 @IamZOSO: I think most of us did missed it, was probably missing a smile of LOL Wink lol xD Big Grin

I will find the door myself don't worry ...
  • 3 2
 @WAKIdesigns: 2.4" tyres on Blunt P35s are great. I definitely subscribe to the wide is better philosopy when it comes to rims.
  • 2 1
 @TEAM-ROBOT: Not against someone with a 27mm wide rim they didn't.
  • 4 0
 Enve did some testing to back up their rim widths: blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/enve-hv-rims
  • 14 0
 @WAKIdesigns: How many wives do you have?! And isn't it a bit mean to make them all ride the same bike?
  • 1 0
 @fartymarty: agreed. I have the same wheels.
  • 2 0
 @mcgetskinny: riding the same bike on skinny rims.
  • 4 0
 @WayneParsons: People aren't used to Americans using sarcasm, I guess. Encourage it, people!
  • 4 2
 When can we start talking about more spokes more better? I hear you can corner 2000% faster with a 48 spoke wheel. I'm working on a Boost, 48 spoke carbon wheelset with a 40mm wide rim. Send $3000 via PayPal, you won't regret it.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I agree regarding lower pressure. In these dates of faster "flow" trails be they in the bike park or at your local lap, higher pressures are the norm in my experience. Lower pressures seem to be a relic of the old school trails with their woodwork and low speed maneuvers.
  • 1 1
 @enrico650: i.imgur.com/3Gpey.jpg
  • 7 3
 @sngltrkmnd: it's not only flow trails. Modern geometries allow people to ride faster with ease. General average skill level also went up for sure. So making pseudo scientific statements that wider rims allow you to ride lower pressures is laughable. Because of increased speeds the risk of puncture goes up as well as the risk of burping the tyre. For really fast guys ut also means rolling the tyre off the rim.

Finally we have to remember than in ladt few years we've been given those great 1.5"casings like EXO TR, Super Gravity or GRID to increase puncture resistance and general durability. One of the characteristics of such tyre is also higher stability, further diminishing the argument for extra wide rims (30-ish and more)
  • 4 0
 I personally think 29mm inner is the sweet spot, but that's just me.
  • 2 2
 @TEAM-ROBOT...I hope your joking!!!!
  • 1 0
 @jwillsaylor: I think my Blunt P35s are 29mm internal. With a 2.4" Ibex I run 19 psi front and 22 psi rear and I weigh around 100kg fully kitted up on a 29 hardtail. With my Flow Ex I have to run 4-5 more psi with Exo Minions or what ever they are called these days (the non DH ones).
  • 1 0
 IW = 29mm is great for 2.4 - 2.5" tyres. I think thats the conclusion Enve came to.
  • 6 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I have recently changed my wheels from 19 mm internal width to 25. The same tyre (minion dhf) got 2 mm wider. And when I thought about this, it makes perfect sense since the perimeter of a circle is 3.14 the diameter. And since my buddy has the same tyres on his 19mm wheels we compared the profile and to be honest I couldn't see huge difference. All these stories about squared profiles are a bit exaggerated. The conclusion is that it is not the most important to get rim 1 or 2 mm wider at an expense of excessive weight or strength. I must admit however that after I went to 25 mm rim I converted them to tubeless. And that's dog's bollocks. It is much nicer to pedal a bike with wheels 150g lighter where it matters most. Oh and while I am on that topic I wish the manufacturers would state the weight of the rim used in the wheelset. Since 70g difference in the hub weight have marginall effect on pedaling efficiency but 70g difference in a rim...
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: "My wives bike..."

You have more than one wife? I have enough trouble getting my one wife to let me go mountain biking with or without her. You must be doing something right.
  • 3 1
 @fartymarty: this is weird then. I am not saying you are talking trash, just wondering what's going on. Last year I had LIght bicycle carbon rims with 27mm internal. I had Rock Razor Snake Skin Evo on. I weigh 85kg fully kitted. I got the pressure down from 30PSI (previously having crossmaxes St at 19mm int.) to 26PSI. I punctured the tubeless tyre rather quickly on 2nd or third ride on it. Same again on next ride. I put tube in, pump it to 35PSi to get home, psssssst again. Yes Schwalbes EVO are worthless, but then I tried on Minion DHF Exo. 26 PSI - pssssssssssssssssssss. So 21mm or 29mm I prefer to stay around 28-30PSI, unless we are talking DH casings
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I roll nox carbon 35mm and all I can say is I'm never going back to anything less..Super stiff and corner on rails!
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns:

I feel ya.

I'm running 27psi front, 30-32 rear on roval traverse fatties. Im like 175lb with gear. They're 29mm internal and i think that's the sweet spot for my maxxis dhf/hr2. Any less pressure and I'm destroying my rim, tire or both.

Anything wider than 30mm is unnecessary, but the performance gap between 19mm and 25mm internal widths is substantial.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: It will depend on a lot of things. Firstly have all y'all got propper tyre gauges? I'm not talking about the crappy things on your track pump. I have 3 - an Apico 0-30psi gauge which is quite accurate (probably to 1/4 psi), a SKS air checker which tallys with the Apico and a Topeak smarthead which is about 1 psi lower.

Secondly whats the ground. Around here in the Surrey Hills its all dirt (clay and some chalk) with roots. There's very kittle in the way of rocks. Hence I can run less pressure than if I were riding in Wales where it's all rock.

Thirdly I am running split tube tubeless. I think this gives you a little more security as you have the split tube between the rim and bead.

Fourthly I'm running 36 hole aluminium rims which aren't laced that tightly. As such you get a bit more flex when hitting things. From memory it was either Nico or Fab Barel who liked a bit if flex in their wheels.

Fifthly I do have 4 dents in my rear rim so maybe I havent got it quite right yet.... but they maybe from riding stairs etc.

In summary if I were riding carbon rims in rocks I would run higher pressures.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I think you are pretty much right on. Many have said there is no benefit in going past 30mm internal and in fact a detriment. Having considered seriously a set of Ibis 941 rims for my next build (34mm internal) and wading through the 26 page thread on MTBR about what tires work on them, it looks like it can be hit and miss getting tires that work correclty. Rim strikes also seem to go way up on the super wide rims.
  • 2 0
 @carym: i must say here that switching from 19mm Mavics to 27mm Light Bicycles was incredible. But so was the change back to alu rims EX471. Sweet Jesus protect me from carbon rims in the future. Harsh loud ride as if I had at least 5PSI more inthe tyres while in fact I should put 5 PSI more to not damage these expensive beauties.
  • 1 2
 @WAKIdesigns:
Strange. I run 10-12psi on LB 26" 32mm inner width rims all the time; 2.5 DHF & 2.4 HRII. Feels great to me. Running over a year and no issues yet...
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I think the PSI issue is based on terrain. On most terrain with basic surface chatter the lower psi is always faster (notice I didn't say better) --- it's mathematical fact. If it wasn't, all the pros would ride 200psi.
  • 4 0
 @andyk: 10-12PSI?
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Yup, that's correct. I'm 75Kg & try to be a fluid rider on the traditional shore trails. I don't shy away from moderate drops/jumps. I've had two flats on the rear in over a year running this setup. Tubeless front & conti lite tube in the rear.
  • 4 0
 @andyk: that's a tad more than a Fatbike tyre and less than recommended Plus tyre... Check your gauge because that is a one no fkng way.
  • 1 0
 @andyk: Yeah that's soft. Good skills if you can run them that soft. I've got my 29+ tyres at 15-16 psi but am carrying a bit more heft than you and tend to "smash" rather than "flow".
  • 1 0
 I mean most people I know are around my weight and run 25PSI or more
  • 1 0
 @andyk:

There is no way. Your sidewalls would wrinkle sitting on the bike.

I can't help but call BS on that one
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: thats like saying you have had sex with many different girls and couldnt tell the difference, same answer for both, maybe you are just not doing it right!
  • 1 0
 @UtahBikeMike: mmm, wrinkly sidewalls.
  • 2 0
 @UtahBikeMike: doublechecked with a different pump - you are correct. Topeak Joe Blow apparently blows on the pressure guage. 18psi front, 20 rear.
  • 24 1
 Mavic is an acronym : Manufacture d'Articles Vélocipédiques Idoux et Chanel
Useful to brag in society
  • 3 1
 merci!
  • 23 3
 Too narrow? For f*cks sake why the hype of wide rims? You get more tire on the ground making it harder to roll which equals a shitty climb. Going down the tire feels square and inconsistent with turning.

You guys can sell me all your skinny rims, I will gladly take them!
  • 4 0
 it makes sense to a point for wide rims. What I like is how much more the sidewalls are supported so you are far less prone to tire roll which at least I personally hate.
  • 5 1
 Did you know a 29er wheel has just under a inch more of tire contact via the ground then a 650b? Better stay away from them 9ers! True story but I'm just giving you shit!
  • 2 0
 Agreed - I couldn't pass up a wide rime (derby) deal and hate them. Too wide, must run super wide tires (2.5 or 2.4 WT 1,150-1300g) and the added width when in the corner at speed and hit a embedded rock brings the rim way closer to the rock and I've pinched EXO tires on a number of occasions. Back to 30mm OD I go.
  • 12 2
 I remember when Mavic said that they wouldn't do carbon wheels because they haven't found any real advantage to it. That was like 6 months ago. I guess they did a thorough R&D since then.
  • 5 2
 exactly... but for some reason i got neg propped for saying the same thing Smile
  • 7 2
 No, they just bought Enve! Wink
  • 3 1
 @cool3: no, amer bought enve.
and elsewhere on tinterweb mavic has made a point of saying these wheels are nothing to so with enve, process started way before that deal came about, which taking into account development timelines there's no reason to not believe that...
  • 1 0
 @ad15: I was making a shortcut, here. But don't believe all what corporate suits tell you. Of course, they will never say that they took Enve's design and put a Mavic sticker on it, but they openly discussed about borrowing Enve's know how and technology… And BTW, I'm French too. Wink
  • 2 1
 @cool3: and i'm one of those "suits" you talk of Wink
  • 1 0
 @ad15: LOL!
  • 11 1
 Ahem!! Basque region of SPAIN :-) Its a real pity we didn't get the chance to show you round, even if it meant more beers for the rest of us! Next time.
  • 3 2
 You want him to call it the Basque region of Europe (like the Yorkshire Dales region of Europe or the Andalucian region of Europe)... or are you hunting for the Basque COUNTRY?
Fantastic part of the world but drop the politics on PinkBike please.
  • 1 1
 Basque, region of BASQUE!
  • 2 1
 @yonibois: I think you're a bit off the mark my friend! I was only pointing out that he had the wrong country. Apart from his airport transfer he wouldn't have been in France. He would have noticed because people weren't speaking French! I think you are the one that has jumped straight into politics, I was still in geography.
  • 2 1
 @yonibois: and just in case you have been confused by the edit in the article above. Originally it was put as the Basque Region of FRANCE, they have changed it now. I was just pointing out that we were in Spain for the whole trip. Very tounge in cheek since their journalist didnt make it. They've changed it now. Easy to see how you could jump to the wrong conclusion but maybe easy up a bit mate.
  • 10 1
 Poe? Like one of the most important features that never gets mentioned...
  • 1 0
 Agreed! Always one of the spec I'm looking for in any wheelset review.
  • 4 0
 It gets mentioned when the hubs are crazy loud.
  • 4 0
 True! No chance of reading a Profile Elite hub review that doesn't mention the 204 POE! Smile
  • 2 0
 Mavic say 7.5 degrees which is 48 Poe. To be honest though my last XMax wheels with the ITS4 hub felt a lot quicker than my current Hopes which have 9 degrees / 40 POE, so I'm surprised it's not more...
  • 2 0
 Doesn't it say internals are unchanged
  • 1 0
 @DC1988: Yeah that's what I meant. The engagement feels so quick on the ITS4 (same between the old wheels and these ones) that I was surprised how few poe they say it has. I would have easily believed it was more.
  • 1 0
 Agreed.
  • 1 1
 I would like more on the hub as it is a vital part of any wheelset. A great rim laced to a crap hub doth not a good wheel make. POE is just part of it though. I would like to hear more about the Pawl mechanisms, bearings and serviceability of the hub. I think Onyx's sprag clutch hub might be a hard one to beat these days.
  • 1 0
 I've been more than happy with the reliability and engagement speed of my Crossmax SX ITS4 hub
  • 1 0
 ...and the bearings said "nevermore"
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know, can the front on the xa elite be converted to 20mm?

I see the previous generation of crossmax xl could be set to 20mm, but for these it is not mentioned
  • 11 4
 看起来不错
  • 3 1
 not sure about that!
  • 6 0
 Yes precisely...
  • 2 0
 @headshot: not sure why he got negged for it though...
  • 4 0
 C'est une évidence !
  • 2 0
 They do look good; at least they're not yellow!
  • 8 1
 WHAT DO YOU MEAN 2017?
  • 6 2
 Yeah, gotta love that it's not even half way through 2016 and people are bringing out their "2017" products. Just call it what it is ffs.
  • 2 3
 as far as i know we're in 2016
  • 3 0
 It's the standard procedure. If you want to be in the market by 2017 (or late 2016 when most new year stuff will be available for sale), you need to have your samples/prototypes ready now to build hype.
  • 3 1
 @Grutten : In case you haven't noticed, it's a bit late to be on the 2016 range by now...
So yea, 2017, nothing wrong here.
  • 1 1
 Yeah, dumbasses just lost sales. I will wait until they come out. Why buy something now that will be outdated in a few months.
  • 2 0
 Those little spokes are so cute...and there are only 24 f/r...awww!

Seriously though this statement is worth debating "Straight pull spokes might not be top of everybody's wishlist but they are stronger than a standard j-bend spoke" When you take a smaller gauge spoke, reduce the overall number (which increases load per spoke) you also put more strain on each spoke. This can result in fatigue and an inability to re-tension a wheel properly. Plus this design makes for longer spokes, which only adds to the necessary tension.

I used to be in the straight-pull fanboy club as well but have a look at what the DH and Enduro racers are running and you'll find a plethora of 3-cross, J-bend wheel builds. For many these wheels will be plenty strong but for riders who are harder on wheels I'd argue for a more traditional build.
  • 2 1
 Definitely worth debating. Would you agree with the statement "With similar spoke counts and spoke gauge and wheel builds, all other things being equal the straight pull spokes will be stronger?" I definitely think so, every spoke I've broken was at the bend

velonews.competitor.com/2015/03/video/ask-a-mechanic-straight-pull-vs-j-bend-spokes_364520
  • 1 0
 Right on! The weakest link for a spoke of the traditional aluminium wheel is the hub, as it has less give than the more flexible alloy rim. But a carbon rim is super stiff on its own. So the J bend is not necessarily the weakest point, it is more likely the end of the spoke at the nipple, where the little bit of thread that is cut down is both thinner, more stressed and full of sharp edges. Spoke tension is the key, consistent and reliable spoke tension. the less spokes on a wheel the less likely the spoke tension will be consistent and reliable. add alloy nipples taking the hammering at the rim and you might have a few problems, I am sure Mavic has done its homework though.
  • 1 0
 In fact, I want to know is not Mavic 's Quest 2017 XA Carbon Wheelset technology parameters, I'm curious, now the global Carbon fiber bicycle wheel hub base, mainly in xiamen of fujian and Taiwan in China, so the problem comes, Mavic' s Quest 2017 XA Carbon Wheelset which manufacturer is the new product? According to my friend from fujian xiamen carbon fiber composites industry in China is introduced, such as www.icarbonwheels.com/products/carbon-wheelset and www.carbonwheelfactory.com/Carbon-Road-Wheels-With-Novatec-271-372-hub_c22 experienced OEM carbon fiber bicycle wheel, every processing and manufacturing of carbon fiber bicycle wheel rims brand is more than dozens of, all come from North America, Europe and other overseas famous brand in the market
  • 1 0
 Taiwan is not in China
  • 11 7
 26mm is wide for Mavic, but its still narrower than a lot of the competition.
  • 2 1
 They should not be able to label the rims as UST if tape is needed; it should be UST compatible. Kapton tape makes tubeless easy, but not on the same level as my old Shimano XT wheels. I used to man handle installation and removals without any fear of tape tears or shifts.
  • 2 0
 Yer I thought that was the main difference between UST and "tubeless"
  • 4 0
 UST applies the the rim hook and tire bead.
  • 1 0
 @zutroy: mmmm, I'm not saying you're wrong, but these rims don't have a hook and I'm sure that wheels can be referred to as "UST", not just tyres
  • 1 0
 @IllestT: UST is a standard for a tire bead and rim hook. You have to have the specified profile to be "UST" otherwise it's not "UST". "UST" does not specify solid rims or tape seal that doesn't in the standard. Mavic developed the standard so it's surprising they're using the term wrong.
  • 6 3
 Nice homework, however no, hope/dt + rim of your choice cheaper, stronger, rebuildable
  • 6 4
 Hope/dt+ rim of your choice in 26", cheaper, stronger,rebuildable.
  • 1 0
 I just built a set of Hope Pro 4's with DT XM 481's. It's been a long time since I'd had a traditional wheelset but I couldn't be happier. They are super responsive and very strong. As a 190lb rider durability takes precedence over shaving grams.
  • 4 3
 All Sorts of straight pull spokes in all lengths are perfectly available in on-line shops in Europe. The only problem is that non-aero spokes make it a pain in the arse to build a wheel.
  • 1 0
 Quite the opposite due to spoke twist/winding. If they weren't so expensive, I'd be using aero spokes 90% of the time!
  • 5 3
 I meant that it is easier to build a wheel with aero spokes and a nightmare with straight pull round spokes. I tend to build and true my wheels myself but with round ones I failed. So the exact amount of money I saved on aeros I spent on giving the wheels for truing to a workshop. Never more. Same happened with my 350 hub. Instead of getting 240 right away, I bought 350 and then upgraded it with 36 POE ratchett.
  • 1 0
 My apologies, we are on the same page (I misread!)
  • 6 3
 Colour choice, brought to you by Crayola, (Boost colour technologies)
  • 2 0
 We often mock ENVE/ SC for their colour match options effortlessly taking the hard earned pennies from the Endurbro crowd here on PB but somehow Mavic still appear to have managed to get a simple thing wrong
  • 2 0
 @BeardlessMarinRider: the black/ black on the top pic looks ok..
  • 3 1
 @ad15: Absolutely. The carbon pic is a stunner. The attempts at colour.... less so Smile
  • 3 0
 Oh my gosh, that's a sexy flange
  • 6 4
 If you ve gotten used to the support of 30-35 mm i.w rims, there is No going back.
  • 3 0
 love Salomon, love those XA alloys!
  • 4 1
 Well at £1300 at least one they are affordable by carbon standards
  • 1 0
 This is a bummer. I got the new Crossride Quest WTS a couple of months ago - I could wait a bit longer if I knew! Price wise they're about the same.
  • 2 0
 For a little less money you can get Nobl rims hand built on Nobl (Onyx) hubs.
  • 1 0
 I'm glad that they've finally entered the modern wheel evolutionary timeline. If I can get a pro deal on these I might pick up a set.
  • 1 0
 I HAVE BEEN WAITING what seems like forever for mavic, my only choice of wheels, to produce this wheel set. Bravo.Can't wait for delivery.
  • 3 0
 Just don't look the same for sure, without those FAT aluminum spokes.
  • 1 1
 My Nox Composites Teocalli wheels are 26mm ID. I personally feel this is the sweet spot for all around riding, whether it's XC, trail, or enduro. The Mavics ought to be a great wheel.
  • 1 0
 the rim looks like a quality product, would have hoped to have seen a nipple mounting system similar 823 or Dee Max Ultimate, true UST no tape setup
  • 1 1
 Couldn't they just name them something different than xa pro,thanks obama No but seriously,cool they are carbon and light,but 24 spoke count is good for some but not what I'd want to spend money on
  • 2 0
 Very nice new option from Mavic thumbs up!!
  • 2 0
 I thought $2000 wheelsets were "out" for this year?
  • 1 0
 The pictures are taken with the wheels sitting on an angled surface and they don't even roll away. Not buying it ^^
  • 1 0
 26-27mm internal width hits the sweet spot for alot of 2.35" wide tires. This conversation is over....
  • 1 0
 why do wheel companies insist on 24 spoke builds?????????????
  • 1 0
 Not a fan of the Mavic rear hub. Great rims tho.
  • 1 1
 Didn't Mavic Buy Enve about a month ago. So are these Mavic carbon rims, or just rebranded Enve rims laced to Mavic hubs?
  • 1 0
 The company that owns Mavic bought ENVE. Calling them the same would be like saying an Escalade is the same thing as a Chevy Equinox.
  • 1 2
 Want custom built truly wide and deep carbon wheel set with i9 hubs? And costs less than all the big name brands? Go with Derby. www.derbyrims.com
  • 1 2
 (you won't be sorry)
  • 3 3
 no mention of 26"? and mavic were always so anti carbon...
  • 2 1
 so... damnyouautocorrect
  • 4 5
 @ad15: 26 is dead to most people (even I had to admit it) and definitely to manufacturers. People want carbon because it's trendy at the moment, even if Mavic may think that going 35mm wide and carbon is shit, if this is what the market wants, that's what you have to sell ... or end-up bankrupt.
  • 2 2
 @Balgaroth: i know that,,,, but someone had to say it....Wink

25mm wide not 35mm
  • 4 0
 @ad15: Looks like they are also anti- going out of business.
  • 9 0
 Just by a new Stans Flow - 29mm internal and comes in 26" too. Viva 26" Viva!
  • 5 0
 I wouldn't say Mavic is anti-carbon, given they've been making carbon road wheels for the last 15 years.
  • 2 1
 @SlodownU: they have always been pretty vocal about being anti carbon for mountain bike wheels, just look at press releases from a couple of years back.
  • 4 0
 @ad15: 35mm was an exemple as it seems that it's the way many manufacturers go (Kona HeiHei with 29mm IR, wtf). Soon if it's not already the case 25mm will be XC and we will ride 40mm rims on DH bikes and mavic will have to follow the trend even if they believe it's shit, same than carbon rims. Not seeing many WC racers riding ultra wide rims so I wonder if this is just a trend like Fat, Plus size and all those gimmicks ... Especially when MTX33 and Mavic en729 have been around for years and never been considered game changer because of their extra width.
  • 3 0
 It's all about selling folks different parts than they have. You need wide rims because they are wider than what you have.
  • 3 0
 @DARKSTAR63: Totally true ! My way to see it is "if WC rider don't use it, then it's a marketing gimmick" and shockingly we don't see any WC rider on + size, fat, ultra wide rims, barely few enduro lads on 29" but they proved themselves for XC WC tho.
  • 3 0
 @Balgaroth: those new bontrager XC Kovee rims are 29mm internal width, and being raced this week at the World Cup
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth: ahh got you, sorry
  • 2 0
 @DARKSTAR63: Yup! Stans has the New ZTR Arch MK3. 24% wider, 25% stiffer than the Arch EX at the same weight. And the 29mm Flow MK3 which is 30grams lighter than the old flow. And the Crest MK3 which is now like the Arch EX... D'oh! F uck it!
  • 2 3
 I think they look nice, but those hub colours will be hard to match to any non-black Frame.
  • 2 1
 Silver would work, or any neutral block colour
  • 2 1
 Hard to understand why they didn't go with some classic anodised colour that would have allow for good colour matching with most bike components. Good idea to bring colour but they are not quite there yet.
  • 3 0
 @Balgaroth: what, like the black on black of the top pic?
  • 1 1
 @ad15: The carbon version is class no discussion, the Al version with colour is a miss in my eyes. Using milky paints rather than blue or green ano will make it a pain to match with bike components. In this matter you better off getting a black/black version then. Also not sure why going away from traditional mavic colourways, that made them stand out from the crowd and you knew when a bike with mavic wheels was coming from hundred meters.
  • 1 2
 Here we go again: another $2000 wheel set that weights an arm and a leg ...
  • 1 0
 You must have skinny arms and legs.
  • 1 1
 It looks defective let me try it Smile
  • 1 1
 when did £450 become budget for a set of wheels
  • 3 3
 25 mm inner width! Welcome to 2010 Mavic!
  • 1 2
 So, take your newly purchased ENVE rims, slap some shitty mavic hub on them and. . . .VOILA new wheelset!
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