Are Mavic Wheels Good? A Deep Dive into Performance

When it comes to cycling components, few brands evoke as much discussion and legacy as Mavic. For decades, Mavic has been a cornerstone in the world of high-performance cycling, synonymous with innovation and quality. But in an ever-evolving market, the crucial question remains: are Mavic wheels still a good investment for today's discerning cyclist? This article delves into the specifics, particularly focusing on the evolution and performance of their renowned Cosmic line, alongside insights into their unique braking systems.

For a significant period, Mavic's Cosmic wheels were the undisputed champions for all-round aerodynamic riding. Their sharp, narrow rim profile was a common sight, offering a distinct aesthetic and perceived speed advantage. However, as the industry progressed, with rivals pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic stability, and the widespread adoption of wider rims and more sophisticated tyre shapes, the previous generation Cosmic began to show its age. Its distinctively sharp and narrow rim, once a hallmark, became a noticeable handful, particularly when battling challenging crosswinds.

The Evolution of Mavic Cosmic Wheels: A Leap Forward

Mavic, ever responsive to the demands of modern cycling, meticulously addressed these shortcomings with the latest iteration of their Cosmic wheels. The transformation is significant and tangible. The new Cosmic boasts a substantial 25mm-wide, blunted profile rim, a stark contrast to its predecessor. This wider, more rounded shape is not merely an aesthetic update; it's a fundamental aerodynamic improvement, designed to slice through the air more efficiently and, crucially, to maintain stability in gusty conditions. Complementing this, the internal rim width has been expanded to 17mm. When paired with the 25mm tyres typically supplied with these wheels, this creates an almost seamless transition between the tyre and the rim, further enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and overall ride smoothness.

Beyond the rim, Mavic's engineering prowess extends to the complete wheel system. The new rim design is meticulously combined with bladed spokes and Mavic’s proprietary straight-pull-specific hubs. This integration is designed to optimise power transfer and reduce aerodynamic drag. The result is an impressive all-in weight of 1,650g for a pair of wheels. When considering the full package, including Mavic’s high-quality Yksion Pro Griplink and Powerlink tyres and tubes, the front wheel weighs in at 1,143g, and the rear at 1,319g. Additionally, the clever cam-lock skewers add a mere 124g, highlighting Mavic's attention to detail in minimising every gram.

On the Road: Performance and Ride Quality

The true test of any wheelset lies in its performance on the road, and the new Cosmic wheels truly shine here. Despite their measured weight, they possess an uncanny ability to ride and feel like significantly lighter wheels. This characteristic makes them excellent companions for challenging climbs, where every gram saved translates into easier ascents. The wheelset's flex-free construction is immediately noticeable, ensuring that every watt of power you generate is efficiently transferred to forward motion, without any discernible energy loss through unwanted flex. This rigid construction also provides a reassuringly stable and precise feel, which is particularly welcome when the road begins to descend rapidly.

Perhaps one of the most significant advancements in the new Cosmic line is their vastly improved performance in windy conditions. The unsettling, sudden jerks from the front wheel that characterised the older models are now a thing of the past. Crosswinds, once a source of anxiety, can now be countered with far greater confidence, requiring only subtle adjustments through the handlebars or a slight shift in body weight. This enhanced stability significantly contributes to rider comfort and safety, especially on open, exposed roads.

While the robust build contributes to a stiffer ride feel transmitted through the handlebars, Mavic has ingeniously mitigated this with their improved tyre technology. The included Mavic Yksion Pro tyres are not only supple, providing excellent road feel and comfort, but also remarkably sticky in dry conditions, offering superior grip. Even in wet conditions, these tyres inspire confidence, remaining slip- and slide-free, a critical factor for year-round riding in the often-unpredictable UK climate.

The Remarkable Exalith Braking System

A standout feature on many high-end Mavic wheelsets, including the Cosmic, is the innovative Exalith brake track. This unique braking surface is nothing short of impressive. With its dedicated brake pads and distinctively textured surface, Exalith technology helps make these wheels one of the best-stopping wheelsets available. The level of braking control it offers is exceptional, allowing for precise modulation and powerful deceleration, whether you're scrubbing speed into a tight corner or executing an emergency stop.

However, this superior braking performance does come with a few considerations. The dedicated Exalith pads require careful setup, specifically with much less 'toe-in' than traditional brake pads. This precision is key to optimising their performance and longevity. Furthermore, braking with Exalith rims is consistently accompanied by a distinctive buzzing noise. While this sound might initially seem unusual, many riders find it quite pleasing, a unique auditory feedback of the system at work. In more urgent, emergency braking situations, this buzz can escalate into a high-pitched screech, which, while highly effective, can be somewhat anti-social in quiet environments.

Mavic Exalith vs. Standard Brake Pads: A Crucial Distinction

When it comes to brake pads for Mavic wheels, especially those equipped with Exalith rims, Mavic's guidance is unequivocally clear: for optimal and long-lasting braking performance, you must use only Mavic® Special Exalith brake pads. Using other brake pads can not only compromise your safety but may also void your warranty. It's also important to note that a break-in period of approximately 500 km is necessary for the rim’s braking surface to ensure the pads perform optimally.

Interestingly, despite the proprietary branding, the Exalith pad is not an exotic, incompatible component. Informed users have discovered that the Exalith pad is, in essence, a Swiss Stop pad, simply stamped with the Mavic logo. The older version of the Exalith pad was equivalent to Swiss Stop's green GHB compound. This was later updated to a black compound for 2013 models, reportedly designed to be less noisy on the SLR rim. This means that while branded Mavic, the underlying technology is from a highly respected brake pad manufacturer.

It's important to understand the implications of using Exalith pads on non-Exalith, smooth alloy rims. While it's possible, the effectiveness is generally less pronounced compared to standard pads like Dura-Ace. The compound of Exalith pads is denser, which typically means a lower coefficient of friction on a smooth surface, requiring firmer input for similar stopping power. On the intended SLR (Exalith) rim, however, the stopping effectiveness is very good, making them ideal for high-speed descents or serious riding where absolute braking confidence is paramount.

Durability, Warranty, and Value for Money

Mavic backs up the robust construction of its wheels with a solid two-year warranty, provided you register your wheels on mavic.com. This demonstrates a commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, they offer a low-cost crash replacement option, providing peace of mind for riders who push their limits. Accidents happen, and having an affordable pathway to replace damaged wheels can be a significant advantage.

Undeniably, a price tag exceeding a thousand pounds for a set of wheels represents a significant investment. However, when evaluating the overall value proposition of the new Cosmic wheels, several factors come into play. The inclusion of high-quality Mavic tyres and tubes out of the box means you're not facing immediate additional expenses for essential components. Coupled with the robust warranty and the crash replacement scheme, the Cosmic wheels begin to make a lot more sense as a comprehensive, high-performance package rather than just a pair of rims.

Comparative Overview: Old Cosmic vs. New Cosmic

To highlight the advancements, here's a brief comparison of key features:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mavic Wheels

Here are some common questions prospective buyers might have:

Q: Are Mavic wheels good for climbing?
A: Yes, the new Cosmic wheels, despite their aerodynamic focus, ride and feel lighter than their actual weight. Their flex-free construction ensures efficient power transfer, making them surprisingly good companions for climbing.

Q: What tyres are supplied with Mavic Cosmic wheels?
A: The complete package of the new Cosmic wheels typically includes Mavic’s Yksion Pro Griplink and Powerlink tyres, along with inner tubes. This ensures optimal integration and performance right out of the box.

Q: Do Mavic Exalith brakes make a lot of noise?
A: Yes, the Exalith brake track, when paired with its dedicated pads, produces a distinctive buzzing noise during braking. In emergency situations, this can increase to a high-pitched screech. While some find this pleasing feedback, others might find it loud.

Q: Can I use any brake pads on Mavic Exalith rims?
A: No, Mavic strongly recommends using only their Special Exalith brake pads for safety, performance, and to maintain your warranty. While Exalith pads are essentially rebranded Swiss Stop pads (Green GHB or later black compound), using non-Exalith specific pads can damage the rim and compromise braking effectiveness.

Q: What is Mavic's Exalith technology?
A: Exalith is a proprietary treatment for Mavic's aluminium rims that hardens and blackens the braking surface. This textured surface, combined with specific brake pads, provides vastly improved braking performance, particularly in wet conditions, and enhanced rim durability.

Q: Is the cost of Mavic wheels justified?
A: While Mavic wheels, particularly the higher-end Cosmic models, come with a premium price tag, their value is enhanced by the inclusion of quality tyres and tubes, a solid two-year warranty, and a low-cost crash replacement option. Their advanced performance, particularly in aerodynamics and braking, justifies the investment for serious cyclists.

Conclusion: Are Mavic Wheels Good?

Based on the significant advancements seen in their latest models, particularly the Cosmic line, the answer is a resounding yes. Mavic wheels, especially the updated Cosmic, have successfully addressed past criticisms, emerging as highly competitive and desirable wheelsets in the modern cycling landscape. Their improved aerodynamic stability, especially in crosswinds, combined with excellent braking performance courtesy of the Exalith system, makes them a compelling choice. While the distinct brake noise and the need for specific pads are minor considerations, the overall package of performance, durability, and comprehensive warranty support positions Mavic as a strong contender for cyclists seeking a high-quality upgrade. For those looking for a wheelset that offers a superb balance of speed, handling, and stopping power, Mavic wheels, particularly the refined Cosmic, truly stand out as a worthwhile investment.

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