Mavic may have pioneered the high-end factory built wheelset, and if they didn't, the Crossmax surely became the inspiration that led to the present war of the wheels between the world's most powerful brand names. Mavic had a couple of important announcements at Eurobike - the first being that it had just signed an agreement with SRAM to produce its own version of the XX1 freehub. Yes, that's correct, SRAM's 10-tooth, eleven-speed cassette requires a unique freeehub design that was previously only available through DT Swiss. Mavic plans to make it with its four-pawl ratchet system that engages at 7.5 degrees of rotation. This is good news for XX1 owners (or potential owners), who were faced with limited options for the new one-by drivetrain. Sadly, no pics of the Mavic design were available - so you're going to have to use your imaginations.
CrossTrail Wheelset
The second announcement was a bit more tangible - a $600 CrossTrail wheelset that shares many if not all of the most important features of its Crossmax wheelsets, including Zicral aluminum alloy spokes, straight pull hubs and Mavic's UST-certified fore-drilled spoke interface that leaves the inner rim surface unmolested and thus eliminates any need for a rim strip for tubeless (or any) applications.
The CrossTrail rim uses the rounded profile of the CrossMax SX rim and is also machined to reduce weight on the rim's inner diameter before being painted black. Interchangeable endcaps are include for quick release, 142/12mm rear and 15 or 20mm through axles up front. The CrossTrail is updated with the new four-pawl freehub mech and weighs only 1685 grams in the 26 inch size. Mavic offers the CrossTrail in 26 and 29 inch sizes and is presently adding 650b to that menu. North American prices and availablity will occur later this fall.
Notch Helmet
Mavic also kicks ass in the clothing department and for 2013, divorcing itself from the close-fit raceware that has kept the French cycling giant so close to its road racing roots. This year sees them coming to market with a relaxed, dirt-specific line of clothing and helmets called 'Notch.' What caught our eye this season was the Notch helmet, which is loosely modeled after the half-shell enduro-style lid that is popular in Europe and is now gaining popularity in North America.
The Notch helmet features a low, rounded back and better side protection than an XC racing lid, and has much less ornamentation around the vents. Inside, there is a circular, adjustable head band to ensure a perfect fit and outside, a short visor that is tilted upwards to provide greater visibillity. Mavic's Notch helmet costs $110 USD and comes in Small, Medium and Large sizes.
Scree Trail Shoe
With Big Mountain freeriding gaining popularity, and many riders seeking riding opportunities far from the well worn standards that have been beat to death by pop journalism, a shoe designed to pedal efficiently that also excels at extended pushing up technical pitches is most welcome. The MAVIC 'Scree' is a mid-to boot with a cycling-shoe curve and bonded to an aggressive lugged sole.
The Scree is SPD compatible and its super-tough upper is protected from moisture with Gore-Tex material. Mavic says the Scree is light and efficient enough to race a big event like the Trans Alps, but we see it as a versitile backcountry cycling shoe that can handle a day of digging as easily as it could deliver the best ride of your life.
CrossTrail Wheelset
The second announcement was a bit more tangible - a $600 CrossTrail wheelset that shares many if not all of the most important features of its Crossmax wheelsets, including Zicral aluminum alloy spokes, straight pull hubs and Mavic's UST-certified fore-drilled spoke interface that leaves the inner rim surface unmolested and thus eliminates any need for a rim strip for tubeless (or any) applications.
The CrossTrail rim uses the rounded profile of the CrossMax SX rim and is also machined to reduce weight on the rim's inner diameter before being painted black. Interchangeable endcaps are include for quick release, 142/12mm rear and 15 or 20mm through axles up front. The CrossTrail is updated with the new four-pawl freehub mech and weighs only 1685 grams in the 26 inch size. Mavic offers the CrossTrail in 26 and 29 inch sizes and is presently adding 650b to that menu. North American prices and availablity will occur later this fall.
Notch Helmet
Mavic also kicks ass in the clothing department and for 2013, divorcing itself from the close-fit raceware that has kept the French cycling giant so close to its road racing roots. This year sees them coming to market with a relaxed, dirt-specific line of clothing and helmets called 'Notch.' What caught our eye this season was the Notch helmet, which is loosely modeled after the half-shell enduro-style lid that is popular in Europe and is now gaining popularity in North America.
The Notch helmet features a low, rounded back and better side protection than an XC racing lid, and has much less ornamentation around the vents. Inside, there is a circular, adjustable head band to ensure a perfect fit and outside, a short visor that is tilted upwards to provide greater visibillity. Mavic's Notch helmet costs $110 USD and comes in Small, Medium and Large sizes.
Scree Trail Shoe
With Big Mountain freeriding gaining popularity, and many riders seeking riding opportunities far from the well worn standards that have been beat to death by pop journalism, a shoe designed to pedal efficiently that also excels at extended pushing up technical pitches is most welcome. The MAVIC 'Scree' is a mid-to boot with a cycling-shoe curve and bonded to an aggressive lugged sole.
The Scree is SPD compatible and its super-tough upper is protected from moisture with Gore-Tex material. Mavic says the Scree is light and efficient enough to race a big event like the Trans Alps, but we see it as a versitile backcountry cycling shoe that can handle a day of digging as easily as it could deliver the best ride of your life.
A look at some of Mavic's Notch clothing. The jerseys are very comfortable, with great ventilation. The trail shorts are primarily sewn from stretch fabric.
Must Read This Week
30 Comments
Rant over
My troy lee"s are all xl/xxl.... Sucks having such a big head....
Post a Comment