- The Crossmax SL, an even lighter version, is designed for intensive use in Cross Country racing, for racers who refuse to accept compromise. Using the ISM technology developed on the road, the profile of the rim has been made considerably more lightweight. This reduction in weight does not compromise its stiffness, which remains as good as on the previous versions. Finally, these wheels always offer the possibility of riding tubeless, for even better performance, and reducing the risk of flats from a pinched tube.
Submitted by
Pål Gausel
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2010
Strengths: Light, fast, stiff, easy to set up tubeless with normal tyres.
Weaknesses: After 2 years use the rear axel that support the freehub boss wore out. It drags the cassette around when not pedaling. Have tried to have it machined and changed the boss, but still it starts dragging the cassette after a few rides. Not good for the price tag on these.
Bottom Line:
Have been very happy with these wheels, but not impressed with rear hub / boss. Should also have a better / faster pick up. To much free play with only two pick up pawls.
Will go back to my XTR wheels as I have not had any problems with them......so far :-)
Strengths: Light, fast and pretty. In the 2 years that I have ridden these wheels, I have abused them on rock gardens, jumps, downhill etc and have never broken a spoke. I have never done anything to maintain these wheels except for washing them. They have never needed truing. By far the lightest strongest prettiest mountain bike wheels around.
Bike Setup: santa cruz blur xc with full xtr, trek fuel 100 with full xtr
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
rlcarlson77
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego,Ca
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009
Strengths: The SLs are the lightest XC rims with the best strength around for lightweight riders. If you are a XC or trail rider you cant go wrong with these. But beware if you are over 180lbs they may be weak if you jump or downhill with them. Great for uphill climbs, and strong while pedaling hard.
Weaknesses: Weakness for heavy riders
Bottom Line:
If you are a lightweight serious XC rider you cant go wrong with the Mavics SL Crossmax
Similar Products Used: Mavics Crosmax SLR, Mavics 823 and all mavics older products
Bike Setup: Specialized Carbon Epic, and Stumpjumper.All XTR and Mavic with Kenda Dred Treds tires.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
kyle koontz
a Cross Country Rider
from oklahoma city, ok
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2008
Strengths: Great rolling inertia, fast wheel. Lightweight and good looking. UST Rules
Weaknesses: Ceramic surface wears easily
Bottom Line:
Mavic makes about 13 versions of the crossmax wheel and it is extremely important to get the right version for your style of riding. The SL wheel is made for smooth transition xc riding and racing. For riders with a lot of finesse this is a primo wheelset. Very stiff in corners, steering and handling is precise, and fast, fast, fast!! I have them on a hard tail for a quick, precise handling platform and they are great.
Rider above might do well with the XL, enduro or ST versions, which are much stronger wheels for all mountain riding. Take the time to talk to your shop and find the right set and you won't be dissappointed.
Bike Setup: 2007 Scott Spark 10..2006 Scott Scale 20..Both full XTR
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ien
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Strengths: lite looks cool ust works
Weaknesses: not very durable as far as spokes go, replaced about 7 of them in the rear wheel so far
Bottom Line:
pretty lite, and the tubeless system works(never had a flat). but the wheels dont hold up, i weight about 180 and do few drops and jumps (2-3 feet max) nothin big but the spokes are going fast and the rims got stress marks where the spoke and rim meet. for the xc rider(which is what there made for) it'll probably work but not meant for anything more abusive at least in my case. probably wouldnt buy these at the price again.
Hey gang...just scored a pair of 07 crossmax sl discs. When I removed the 9 speed xt cassette on it the first thing I noticed was that there was no spacer between the cassette and Read More »
I just got a set of mavic crossmax sl and I want to try tubeless. People either hate it or love it so i figure it's something I'll have to try for myself.
My wheels have UST ri Read More »
Hey All,
I want to get a new set of race wheels and was thinking of the Crossmax SL's. I am upgrading mainly to go Tubeless and to have a strong fast set of wheels for racing. I Read More »
hey guys,
just purchased a used 09 S-Works Stumpjumper FSR with ZTR Arch wheelset with Industry Nine hubs. My other 08 stumpy expert have on a Set of Mavic Crossmax SL SSC wi Read More »
