Submitted by
cafam1
a Cross Country Rider
from SI NY Date Reviewed: November 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
THE HUBS
Weaknesses:
SPOKE FLANGES
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stump Jumper
Bottom Line:
The Rims are strong. The hub Flanges where the spoke meets the hub are sad. If an object gets caught in the spokes the spoke should break or the nipple. The spoke should not rip through the hub and thats what happened to me. Thats a poor design that needs to be addressed. The hub needs to be beefed up around the flange. I think the newer crossrides have heavier duty hubs. Just be carefull because the wheel will be virtually useless if this happens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nivniv10
a Racer
from Israel Date Reviewed: September 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Decathlon
Strengths:
Looks great. Rolls well
Weaknesses:
Not to strong
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 317
Bike Setup:
Titus racer X
Bottom Line:
The hub broke. JUst like that after 6 months of use.
I raced with the wheels 2 times. The hub broke while I was riding at a PARK!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elimaes12
a Cross Country Rider
from Oostende, West-Vlaanderen, Belgïe Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fast singletracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
bike-components
Strengths:
Nice looks, stiff rim
Weaknesses:
rear hub
Similar Products Used:
stock wheels on 400$ bike
Bike Setup:
Bulls King Cobra with V-brakes, Crossride wheels and sram X9 shifters
Bottom Line:
At first these wheels seemed great, took nearly 2,5 months to get the wheel out of true.
At moments where I thought: 'Now the rim just has to be bent', they stayed relatively true. Bike+me is a total of 100 kg, so that's quite something.
After 3 months (approx 700km), a spoke got loose, because a little corner broke off the rear hub where the spoke clamps into the hub.
Am hoping they are in warranty now, got the MP3 extra warranty, so they should be.
Conclusion: good rims, bad rear hub, not expensive. Rear hub broke down after approx 700km of riding on not such bad terrain. Apparently the hub can't carry heavier riders.
I'm disappointed in mavic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frs1661
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on my Blur XC
Strengths:
Looks like a more expensive wheel. Cartridge bearing hubs that spin well. Acceptable # of POE in the rear.
Weaknesses:
Heavy for the price. Low spoke count at this weight makes no sense; purely marketing. For the same price you can get XT hubs laced to Mavic 717 rims that are lighter and more reliable.
Similar Products Used:
XT/717 build on my singlespeed.
Bottom Line:
I could forgive this wheelset if it was at least UST, but it's not. There are better/lighter/more practical wheelsets out there at this price point.
They work, but I will be upgrading at the first opportunity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
carlosmerida
a Racer
from guanajuato, mexico Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
silao
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$242.00
Purchased At:
crazy cat
Strengths:
Price, looks, weight
Weaknesses:
the spokes
Similar Products Used:
mavic, dt swiss, ritchey
Bike Setup:
merida ht, fox f80, xtr, maxxis
Bottom Line:
I have in the same bike a set of Rolf dolomite 2005, but the rear hub starts to fail. I replace them for the mavic crossride hoping that won’t have any more problems but I was wrong, at the beginning they works great, but after 7 races and 200kms training the spokes keep getting loose after every race, also the bearings in the front hub get loose, I think that they won’t last the rest of the season
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
valodja
a Cross Country Rider
from Czech.rep. Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
fast singletrack through the woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
koloshop.cz
Strengths:
good looks, reasonable price, not too heavy
Weaknesses:
Not consistent enough to handle any harder riding. I have the ´08 non-disc version and the rear wheel is constantly out of true, the spokes keep on rotating every ride to the contra-aero position. Even I know how to true the wheels, this behaviour is simply awfull and a huge disappointment for me (it is cheap? but still Mavic!!)
Similar Products Used:
mavic 235 + SH XT hub + DT stainless
Bike Setup:
Merida HFS, R7, X.O, X.9. I´m 80kgs
Bottom Line:
They are going away from my bike and I will try to put them into line and sell them for half the price. Howeever the front wheel is not so problematic, but still quite soft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
McGuillicuddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Performance
Strengths:
Good value. Good compromise on weight, strength, price
I think these are an excellent wheel for the price. You get a decent wheelset that is strong enough to handle the beating of a not particularly graceful 200 lb. rider like myself, but light enough to not be a hindrance in a Sport level XC race. I've used these for 1.5 years of reasonably technical singletrack and they might be a touch out of true (I've not trued them since I bought them) but nothing to worry about. I don't know of any better all-round wheelset for this price. Sure you can get lighter/stronger wheels but you'll be paying twice as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ISAAC MIZRAHI
a Cross Country Rider
from MEXICO Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Mexico
Strengths:
Beatifull design, Strong and very resistant
Weaknesses:
No Tubeless, but it´s ok
Similar Products Used:
Alexrims DM 18
Bike Setup:
SCOTT YEKORA, SHIMANO XT ALL THE COMPONENTS, FRONT SUSPENSION ROCK SHOX DART 3, AVID BB7 MECHANICAL DISC 160MM BRAKES, MICHELIN MUD AND COUNTRY REAR TIRE AND IRC MIBRO MARATHON IN THE FRONT
Bottom Line:
Nice upgrade from my older factory rims in my bike, the performance is Wonderfull, They are very strong and no so heavy I use my bike to travel around the world with a lot of wieght and they give me a lot of confidence. I feel very confortable with this product Just a little expensive due the taxes of importation. No bad comenments If you need a very good performance with a low price this is a good choice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Fuquay Varina, NC Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Inexpensive, somewhat durable (see weaknesses), cartridge bearings, disc and rim brake support.
Weaknesses:
Freewheel mechanism is not very durable and the wheelset is heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Spinergy, Bontrager Superstock
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
The wheels were friendly on the budget and in general have been really durable. The front wheel had a stick get into the spokes which send me over the handlebars and they became mildly out of true. Five minutes on the truing stand fixed that and there have been no residual problems.
I have had the wheelset two weeks and after today's ride, the rear hub has to be replaced. One of the two little clicker things inside of the freewheel body that allow the freewheel hub to work disintegrated. I was riding some rough trail and the freewheel quit working. I had to ride a couple of miles and not stop pedaling to get out of the woods :( The broken clicker did not damage the freewheel body, but did fuse to part of the hub so now the clicker and another part of the hub needs replaced. For a $100 wheel it will most likely be better to replace the entire hub or the entire wheel.
The wheel set also has support for disc and rim brakes. Some would see this as a negative, but I think that the wheelset would make a great spare set to have around in case you or one of your riding buds needs a set in a pinch. This way you know that it will fit both brake styles.
I was really impressed with the wheelset given the cost, but the hub breaking has me thinking that I should have gotten a better rear wheel. Inside of the freewheel body there are plastic retaining clips that hold the clickers in place. This seems to be one area that they trimmed quality to keep the wheelset affordable. My Spinergy wheels are all metal in this area and other than needing new bearings they have not had any issues. The front wheel is outstanding so far.
I am a Clydesdale and ride a hardtail so I probably gave these wheels more abuse than the average person. I would not recommend these wheels as a primary set for anyone that puts a lot of strain on their equipment or for anyone that rides a lot, but they would be great as spares or as a primary set for a smaller rider that doesn't really do anything too technical.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, PA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Perkiomen Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Jensen USA
Strengths:
Good looks, low price, disc brake compatability, quality replacement for stock wheels which came with my bike.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
stock wheels that came with Cannondale F700
Bike Setup:
Stock Cannondale F700 with disc brakes
Bottom Line:
These wheels were an excellent replacement for the stock stuff that came with my Cannondale. The original Cannondale front wheel had trueness issues which started to really annoy me so on the basis of what I read about the Mavics, decided to buy them. Jenson had an excellent price and free shipping. I've done business with them before and they've never failed to please me. I've ridden this wheelset about 15 times so far and weigh 225#. Not one issue with spokes, needing wheels trued, etc up to this point. I highly recommend and give my highest rating to this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006
not round, twisted spokes, too much spoke prep, disc tab makes weaker wheel for rim brake users, dished front wheel
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
My mail-ordered Crossrides arrived true but not round and with 5 or 6 twisted rear wheel spokes. Untwisting the spokes by moving the nipple and spoke together releases tension and allows the wheel to go out of true. Mavic goes crazy with the spoke prep on these wheels which makes them very difficult to true. Personally I don't believe in spoke prep. What could possibly apply a rotational force to a spoke nipple during normal use other than a spoke which hasn't been properly stress-relieved (untwisted after truing). It is easy to inspect bladed spokes for twisting.
The nipples have nut heads rather than screw heads within the rim which is cool as it gives a second option for truing if the external nipple surfaces strip as is likely given how hard they are to turn because of all the spoke prep applied. Unfortunately these internal nuts require a special tool to access which I haven't yet found.
On another point users not interested in disc brakes are ill-served by disc brake compatable wheels as the steeper spoke angles create a substantially weaker wheel and necessitate a dished front wheel which is irritating to true. For instance, the hub width on Santana tandems has been increasing over the years and is currently 160mm. MTB hub width is 135. Less steep spoke angle creates a stronger wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dauw
a Weekend Warrior
from Laramie, Wyoming Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Happy Jack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
Wheeler Dealer, Okla. City, OK
Strengths:
Cheap. Sealed bearings
Weaknesses:
Rear hub is taking a crap on me.
Similar Products Used:
WTB LaserDisc Lite, Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Teocali Super
Bottom Line:
I bought this wheelset as a replacement for my Specialized Hardrock Pro, but have had the rear on my Mongoose Teocali Super since my WTB LaserDisc Lite rear hub took a crap on me. Now this one is starting to click, and the freehub is loosening up and I'm expecting some skipping soon. I haven't ridden the front a lot, but when I have its seemed a little flexy. However, I'm about 230lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Norco, La Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Comite Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
Sage Cycles
Strengths:
Beauty, smooth rolling, easy tire mounting
Weaknesses:
They don't tell you to install the big washer behind the cassette, basically, there are no instructions, tips, messages, or anything that come with the wheels
Similar Products Used:
Speeddisc with deore hubs
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT, El Norte bars, Cateye wireless computer, Crossmark tires
Bottom Line:
I don't know what wheels the header description is talking about ($299.00, 1730 grams). The 2006 Crossride is supposedly brand new, weighs in a 1970 G., has 24 spokes for front and rear, and retails for $179.00 silver and $199.00 black. Maybe I am reviewing the wrong wheels. Anyhow, I love these beauties, the bike rolls much easier, I can use one gear higher, and I don't work as hard. Good deal for under $200.00. I wouldn't suggest them for guys that ride really hard and do jumps and drops, but they are perfect for someone like me, 60 yrs. old, one year in the sport, trying to stay in shape, keeps both wheels on the ground, not looking for anything but a little "bling" and a lot of fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Westfield, MA USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Price, looks, Disk compatible, reduced unsprung weight and seem to roll faster.
Weaknesses:
I should have got rims that were lighter and not Disk compatible, as I have no intention of upgrading. My fault for not looking before I leap.
Similar Products Used:
Stock wheels on rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock rock hopper except for NBX lite Tires lite tubes and the Mavic Crossride rims.
Bottom Line:
The rims are by far better than the stock and were the next step in my upgrades and weight reduction. I wanted to get a spare set of wheels with road tires and my old ones will be set up eventually this way so I can change over depending on use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
DOWNIEVILLE
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Off-Ramp
Strengths:
Nice hubs that spin forever, aero spokes, cool looks, great value. Sturdy, quiet wheels, I like that they are v-brake and disc brake compatible (I am thinking about switching to disc).
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, skewers that came with wheels stink.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517 rims w. Specialized hubs (my old wheelset), Mavic ? rims w. Shimano LX hubs
Bike Setup:
03 Specialized Epic Pro w. a bunch of upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I doubt you could beat these wheels for the price. Sure, my old wheels were lighter, but they were creaky and squeaky and spokes were constantly breaking. Also, I only weigh 155 lbs, and do some fairly technical stuff, but nothing crazy, and my old set was constantly going out of true. I have yet to get these out on a trail, but after my first ride around my neighborhood, jumping off of concrete ledges, etc these wheels were great. I will update when I get a trail ride in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Performance bikes
Strengths:
Strong, reasonably light-weight, they roll fast as hell, aerodynamic (doesn't really do too much, but it's a talking point), incredibly energy efficient, sweet looking, pretty darn cheap for their outstanding quality, nice hubs, Mavic (that speaks for itself)
Weaknesses:
They don't push the bike for me, and they could be a little lighter, but once you take a ride on these buties, you won't give a damn about their weight.
Similar Products Used:
nothing
Bike Setup:
Jamis hardtail with new brakes, fork, shifters, tires...
Bottom Line:
So I had just started mountain biking and really didn't know precisely what type of bike I wanted. A few rides told me that I would eventually need to boost my bike's performance. I started with small stuff, you know, shifters, brake levers, handle bar, pedals, tires, then moved on to replsce the cassete, chain, brakes, fork, etc. It took me a few months to acquire an adequate understanding of bike jargon, what constituted a good component, what the hell bottom brackets are, and this that and the other. After a few more months, I found myself in the process of becoming a die-hard xc rider, not too concerned about weight (seriously, if I in the future become willing to drop a few hundred bucks to upgrade a component in order to shave something like twenty miniscule grams off my bike's weight, I want a friend or family member to give me a good kick in the balls) but wanting a decent bike. I knew that having a superb bike won't guarantee that you will become a better rider, and that the best riders are those who are physically fit, and have that rare mindset that can withstand the pressure of competition, a mind that has that unrelinquishing edge to it, and can completely control the rest of the body, and make a steep climb seem flat, but nevertheless I wanted a pretty good bike. It took me a short time to realize that my previous wheels which came stock on my bike, downright sucked (sorry to be blunt). They always felt like they were on the verge of simply falling apart, they were heavy and clumsy (while riding on them, I thought the designers had made a collosal mistake and had hewn them out of wood), were incredibly energy ineficient, etc. However, it took me a while to finally decide to invest in a new wheelset. I imediately began to research Mavic wheelsets, having ascertained that they dominated the market in terms of quality. I eventually found out about the Mavic Crossride wheelset, and found some excelent deals on them on the web, then later at my local bike shop, of which I'm a member. I decided to purchace these wheels at the bike shop for I could save around 30 bucks. As I bought them, I was giddy with excitement and anticipation. As I was installing them, I couldn't stop freakin' grinning. As I took them for a ride, my jaw dropped. Five minutes of riding on them was enough to tell me I had struck gold. I rode on them the next daym, this time up in the mountains (oh yeah) to find them quite as exceptional as the previous day. I was amazed at their lightning fast responsiveness, their looks, their speed and their superb energy efficiency. Seriously, while riding on these wheels I felt as though freakin' rockets had been taped to my frame, and turned on full thrust. My bike felt "more willing to move". Although that analagy may sound abstract and foolish, once you take an unforgetable ride on these miracles of engineering, the meaning of the aforementioned words will become perfectly clear. These wheels added a destinct energy and explosiveness to my ride, making me feel that I had just bought the nicest bike in the world, for 170 dollars. In my mind, any bike not equipped with these wheels can't rightfully be considered a bike. To cut this novel short, these wheels are quintessential examples of engineering perfection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: March 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance in-store
Strengths:
Great hubs, strong, lighter than the OEM wheels, Roll forever
Weaknesses:
could be lighter, could use a disc only rim
Similar Products Used:
WTB Speedisc
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse hartail, X-7 group with XT crank
Bottom Line:
Overall great wheelset for the money. Hubs are so much better than the OEM spec wheels that came with the bike. At only 200 clams, can't be it. I'll update after some more time, since I've only had them for 2 weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spillghost
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, Washington Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
light, quiet, roll fast
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
OEM wheels from my bike, can't remember which ones.
Bike Setup:
95 Stumpjumper Pro, XTR shifters/rim brakes, LX Front, XT rear drivetrain. XT cassette, XT hollowtech II crankset, Chris King Headset, Marzocchi 01 Air forks, various other doo dads like LBS water bottles and other stuff that nobody cares about.
Bottom Line:
I tacoed a rim on my stumpy and needed a new set - I purchased my first set in 2000, right when they came out and after six years of hard XC riding they've never needed to be trued. I just purchased a second set for some road tires so I can switch out on the weekday rides. The yellow hubs that I grew to like so much are now black and the spokes are a diferent pattern. So far no probs, and I can;t se any from what anyone says. The new ones have a nice groove on the rim braking surface, so they'll be my cross country set. Nothing but great things to say about them - 5 fat chili spiked meatloaves for these bad boys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deno
a
from Michigan Date Reviewed: February 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
eBay, where elseb
Strengths:
Mavic quality. They stay true roll smooth and after taking some getting used to I actually like the yellow hubs. Light weight for the price.
Weaknesses:
Only thing I can come up with is that the front scrubs the brakes a little during hard cornering, but that could be the fork too.
For what these babies go for on eBay you cannot go wrong. Although I should say that I am not an overly aggressive rider but I am 165# and a fairly strong rider so I am sure that I have taxed them some.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Sett
a Racer
from Trumbull, CT Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good looks, serviceable parts, UST, decent weight
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
My only complaint is that I have broken a couple of spokes during a 24hr race and I had a hardtime finding spokes in a crunch. About a week or two later I broke another one. not sure if it was install issue or not. Other than that I've only had them trued 3 or 4 times over a period of 3 years riding pretty hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad parins
a Weekend Warrior
from la crosse Date Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
is there a bad one?
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
this is my second set! no weaknesses
Weaknesses:
is thee any?
Similar Products Used:
spinergy
Bike Setup:
y33 with full xt manitou r7 shock etc
Bottom Line:
love em....you need these. this is my secons set and i am a big guy. i do some xc and jumps and they stay true!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, GA, USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bull Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, fast, look cool.
Weaknesses:
none that I've noticed.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 223's, 517's, Sun CR-18's.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight w/ Fox Float RL, Avid Mechanicals
Bottom Line:
I upgraded to this wheelset from Mavic 223 Discs. They are noticeably lighter on the trail, much more than I expected. I've always read about rotational weight but never noticed too much difference going from one wheelset to another, until now.
Mine are the 2006 Disc model, which apparently can be used with rim brakes as well.
They came new with tubes and hutchinson tires although you can find the wheelset alone new for less than $200. I've never tried a set of Crossmax wheels but I can't imagine they would be worth the price difference for the average rider.
I'm happy with them so far and I imagine I'll look at getting a set eventually for the wife's bike too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad parins
a Weekend Warrior
from la crosse Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any!!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
the bay of e
Strengths:
they are durable! they stay true!
Weaknesses:
stickers.. if that is a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
spinergy
Bike Setup:
y33 full xt rock shox reba
Bottom Line:
better then the flexomatic spinergy great price and product the skewers were a little chessy. i am a biggier guy ( 6' 3 about 210) and they take everything i can throw at them. oh by the way they roll forever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rene Hoepelman
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach, CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike(s).com
Strengths:
stay trued. Yellow.
Weaknesses:
rear hub where the spokes cross make it a little tricky to clean, original skewers were very heavy.
Similar Products Used:
bontrager with xtr hubs
Bike Setup:
xcountry
Bottom Line:
I bought this wheelset a few years ago. I weighed in at 220lbs @ 6'and now weigh 185lbs. Ive put in alot of miles in on these rims. I ride xcountry any chance I get and have done 2 24hour races in the past year. I have never had to true this wheelset once.
My only complaint is or was that the original skewers were freekin heavy. If these were the best skewers a top of the line company like Mavic could put out, I would have had more respect for them not selling skewers with the wheelset at all. I immediatly replace the original skewers with a pair of xtr skewers, been happy camper ever since.
I like the yellow hubs and the stickers have held up for me okey. Rear hub sticker started peeling off so i had to yank it. I remeber someone else complaining about that. Oh well its a sticker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Earth Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
True Yellow color matches Yeti A.R.C.! Lightweight
Weaknesses:
None...so far
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey OCR
Bike Setup:
Yeti A.R.C.
Bottom Line:
Stays just as true as regular laced wheels, which are usually a problem for radial laced ones. Wheelset weighs approximately 1650 grams, which is about a pound lighther than my regular setup. Let me tell you, the rotating weight does make a difference! Combined with IMHO the greatest hardtail ever produced (the Yeti A.R.C.), my bike flies up the hills - even with a sorely lacking engine >ahem*cough*ahem<. Mavic first introduced the Crossrides about six years ago and they haven't really changed the design - because they work! And I got these at a ridiculous price at Nashbar when they were blowing no pun intended) them out. Five flamin' turds, baby!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Wilmington, DE, USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill. MD
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$108.00
Purchased At:
Ebay Auction- Brand New
Strengths:
Wicked light and straight pull spokes. Roll fast and true.
Weaknesses:
Rear Mavic freewheel had runout since they were brand new. Ever so slight wobble is visible in the cassette when spinning free. Not a big deal, as it does not compromise the performance and for what I paid, whoopee!
Similar Products Used:
Mavic XC517's with LX hubs
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 custom built with Kore stem and bar, Race Face Prodigy XC crankset and BB, XT deraileurs, SRAM pg99 cassette w/ PC99 chain and LX shifters. Ritchey Elevader rear and Panaracer Fire XC Pro front. Time ATAC ALium pedals
Bottom Line:
For the money, these can't be beat. Oh well for the wee bit of wobble when freewheeling. I could sneak up on a deer with the hubs! It runs so quiet!!!! Great set of rims for the $$$. Use them for XC riding and racing, not hucking off 4 foot or greater drops. 4 chilis for the wobble in the freewheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George f
a Cross Country Rider
from Orleans, Ontario. Canada Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
Keeps on rolling, fast, strong, light, doesn't need truing, looks good and hey they're Mavics!
Weaknesses:
NONE zero nadda.
Bike Setup:
Marin Novato Triple Butted 7005 Aluminum Edge Tubed Frame, Mavic Crossrides, Bontrager Comfort K Hardcase Tires, Rock Shocks Jett 2, Kore Elite XC Comp Handlebars & Stem, Avid Arch Rival V-Brakes, Avid Speed Dial SD 2.0L Brake Levers, TruVativ 5D Crank, WTB Momentum Comp ST Headset, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Sette 7 APX seat post, Shimano XT Derailleurs, Cateye Wireless 7, Profile bar Ends, BLT mini-Doppler Light.
Bottom Line:
These rims MAKE a difference. Stay tru, roll fast, great price, packed with Mavic technology for 1/3 the price! Highly recomended. I LOVE THESE RIMS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john roth
a Cross Country Rider
from NWest , OH. USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Moab baby
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
They are Mavic, good breaking, streight pull spokes, awsome bearings, good tec support
Weaknesses:
Yellow hubs match my rig,(just kidding) none yet
Similar Products Used:
cannondale OEM, ( bendy)
Bike Setup:
Original jekel proto,
Bottom Line:
What a score, they work great and stay true and that's what realy matters right. even gear snobs check em out. I ride as much as the man( work) allows and thies things are allways ready to go. I will buy the road version when I wear out the OEM bontrager wheels. They have all the features of Mavic's higher end stuff but weigh just a little more. Don't be a weight weene ride more and you wont notice a few ( 200 total extra grams. five flamming things for thies bad boys
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from LA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Pt-Giant Salamander or El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
$179.00
Strengths:
They roll and roll and roll and roll...have stayed true so far, even after a few crashes. You can get them for under $200/pair.
Weaknesses:
The seams are a little sloppy.
Bike Setup:
Monkey bar lite; shimano XT, avid 1.0, nothing fancy.
Bottom Line:
A great value on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from San Dawg, CA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004
I've only ridden these for a little over a month but they are the smoothest wheels I've ever had! For $150 a set at Peformance Bicycles, you can't them for the price. Get them!! You won't regret it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source OP
Strengths:
Strong and true, great value
Weaknesses:
they aren't free
Similar Products Used:
POS wheels that came on my bike
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper with almost every component upgraded
Bottom Line:
This is a great wheelset. I bought them to replace the piece of crap Weinman's that came with my bike. I've had them for more than 2 years and have had them trued once, and only because my bike was in the shop for other work. They have honestly never needed truing. They made a huge difference in the overall stiffness of the bike, and make for a great ride. They run about $150 each, which is probably comparable to a quality hand built wheel. Bottom line, if you need a good replacement wheelset that won't break the bank, but will give you many miles, get these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George F
a Cross Country Rider
from Orleans, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sunview
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Award Cycle
Strengths:
VERY FAST and I coast much faster than my buddies. Light, cool lacing, people actually stop me and tell me how cool the rims look! I didn't want them in yellow at first but the compliments are nice, so i've grown to like the yellow hubs. Still straight as an arrow and i gave these rims a few jumps (Im 197 pounds). Mavic...what were you thinking? You are giving these beautiful rims away for the price!
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Mavic x222, LX hubs, Alex TA-19.
Bike Setup:
Marin Novato 7005 Series Triple Butted Aluminum Edge Tubed Frame, Mavic Crossrides, Bontrager Revolt Super X Tires, Rock Shocks Jett 2, Kore Elite XC Comp Handlebars & Stem, Avid Arch Rival V-Brakes, Avid Speed Dial SD2 Brake Levers, TruVativ 5D Crank, WTB Momentum Comp ST Headset, WTB Rocket V Sadle, Shimano XT Derailleurs, Cateye Wireless 7, Profile bar Ends, BLT Dolpper Light.
Bottom Line:
Get These!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from SD Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Deerfield
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great wheels. Light. Strong enough.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Kona Explosif, xt/xtr, sid race:(, easton carbon, avid ti
Bottom Line:
Very good wheels. I have had no problems with em. They have stayed straight and true for a year now. They are smoother than ne wheelset ive ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kelso
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Ancaster Cycle
Strengths:
Great looking. Affordable. Quite lite.
Weaknesses:
Fiberglass skewer are easy to damage (minor).
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 221, sun cr 18
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000 with race face crank, Avid V brakes and levers, Panaracer Fire XC PRO.
Bottom Line:
This is a great wheelset. I love the lacing. I noticed a big difference from my first ride in how they rolled. The bearings are amazing. I ride with a friend who has a Rock Vertex TO with FULL XTR. XTR hubs on ceramic Mavic rims. I coast much faster than he does on his $4000 bike. He can't believe it. I am an intermidiate rider and he is elite. Much better bearings in the Mavic hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thebronze
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas, tx, usA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
rcp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Fast, cartridge bearings, all black, ceramic coating, light.
Weaknesses:
Wheel Flex
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager super stock, 517/Hugi's
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Hammer
Bottom Line:
Cant say I recommend these for anyone over 200 lbs. I got a little vertical, landed wrong, tire blew out on the side, an inch of tube hanging out. At least it got my back to the car. Had to true after a month of riding. But most importantly, the wheel flexes bad under load. I mean even in the parking lot I can get the brakes to rub and the wheel is true. I think its because of the low spoke count and my weight(215)... Does anyone know a fix for this besides upgrading?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong, light, yellow hubs
Weaknesses:
None I've noticed
Similar Products Used:
Always had standard, came with bike, wheels before
Bike Setup:
Fairly standard 1998 model GT Avalanche with a few upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Excellent wheelset for the money. Got these as a Christmas gift from my wife (paid £175 inc XT 9sp cassette) a couple of years back and have only needed to true the rear wheel once in all that time. They have survived all I can throw at them (I weigh over 180lbs) including a major crash which left me unable to cycle for about 6 weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George F
a Cross Country Rider
from Orleans, Ont. Canada Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Silverbark
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
Spins forever, light, stylish, it's Mavic the best!
Weaknesses:
Just picked up these beauties today so im still testing them but will post a follow up in 3 months.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic x222 w/ XT hubs, Alex TA19 w/ Deore hubs.
Bottom Line:
Just picked up this wheelset today but boy can I tell you do I ever feel a BIG difference with these rims. Very light and FAST man! I roll forever with these bad boys. Still in the testing stages but man they are sweet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danick Archambault
a
from Montreal Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Strong wheels. Good hubs.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub needs maintenance...after 2 years. So is this really a weakness...I doubt it
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
1998 MtTam with XTR VBrakes
Bottom Line:
This wheel is great. It's not a Cross Max but for the price it beats almost any wheelset on the market. After more than 2 years of racing, I never had to align the wheel, even after races where I tought I would break them!
So my advice, by the Cross Ride's if you are an average weight rider, agressive or not, they'll treat you good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gung Ho Bikes
Strengths:
Great wheel if you're not out killing them to death. Smooth sealed bearings, low maintenance. These wheels are somewhat light weight and strong. Have never had to true the front wheel.
Weaknesses:
having problems with loose spokes on the rear wheel. I think it has a lot to do with the straigh pull spokes. They spin.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517 with Sachs Quartz hubs
Bike Setup:
K2 ZED team hardtail with Manitou Black comp forks and a lot of other stuff.
Bottom Line:
Great wheel outside of the loosening spoke problem. Strong and LIght.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull/MBR
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Light and strong and cheap. Rigid and tracks well. Sealed cartridge bearings with strong rims.
Weaknesses:
So far none.
Similar Products Used:
Almost all the Mavic range plus Bontrager, Rolf and WTB
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak with XT and Easton components. Marzocchi MX Comp ETA.
Bottom Line:
This is a very good wheelset and they come in real cheap for the quality. I have already battered them but no signs of needing any kind of trueing. Stiff too, you can feel the difference putting the power down and the tracking is very positive. Real nice sealed cartridge bearings super smoooooth! A nice touch at this price point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland,Ohio Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Great Allegheny Passage
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eddy's bike shop sale
Strengths:
After breaking 4 initial [weak] spokes, the wheels have remained STRONG and TRUE for over 8000 miles. I ride on the road and weigh 230 pounds. I never ride in the rain.
Weaknesses:
Don't do any impact sports with these.
Similar Products Used:
Weak Botranger wheels. The rear wheel had to be rebuilt. The spokes kept popping off.
Bike Setup:
A 900 dollar Specialized Rockhopper Pro upgraded to Shimano LX drivetrain. Profile bar ends. Night Rider with LED tail light.
Bottom Line:
This is a 2001 wheelset. Zero hub problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Bradford Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Skiddaw
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Light and strong, with cartridge bearings. Hard side walls.
Weaknesses:
For the price nothing really.
Similar Products Used:
You name it!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000SL
Bottom Line:
This is a really good pair of wheels especially for the price. They're light and strong and the cartridge bearings give me confidence that the hubs can be made to last indefinately. The spokes are strong too and frankly I've had no problems at all with them going out of true no matter how much hammer they get. I got them at a good price and for the money I couldn't have got anything to match. I say recommendable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Florida Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Relatively light, good bearings, pretty inexpensive
Weaknesses:
flex, freehub body, warranty process
Bike Setup:
Ti hardtail
Bottom Line:
These came speck on my bike about a year and a half ago. They roll fast, without a doubt. They have worked great for racing… light and fast. But they don't stand up for abuse very well and there is a lot of lateral flex. If pushing through a turn at speed the brakes will rub - front and back. Little more that an annoyance, but I want that energy moving forward... not sisde-to-side. Keeping these guys true has been an ordeal. After every race last fall I needed to spend time getting them true. The freehub body has given up the ghost. This is most disappointing. Keep in mind as well, you MUST send your wheel off to Mavic for all repairs or you will void the warranty. Even if you take them to a certified Mavic dealer for repair the warranty will be void.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Wright
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Skiddaw
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Strong and light wheelset. Well spoked and finished.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to true. Hard to get replacement spokes.
Similar Products Used:
Almost all the mavic range, plus Bonti's, Rolfs and WTB
Bike Setup:
Kona Kikapu Delux, Marzocchi, Raceface, XTR.
Bottom Line:
These are good wheels and give value for money. They roll well, very well. The spokes spin when you are trying to true them and can be a real pain. Bearings are cartridges and so are excellent.Can't complain for the money....recommendable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Doble
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Ciclomundo
Strengths:
Moderately strong, smooth bearings, relatively light, good price.
Weaknesses:
Inferior quality freehub, yellow hub paint forms bubbles and falls off, freehub develops play and does not stay adjusted.
Titus 2K3 Riddler frame, XT hollowtech splined cranks, XT cassette, XT shifter/lever set, XTR V-Brakes, XTR rear and front der., Race Face Air Alloy Flat Bars, Crank Bros. grips, Cane Creek Ergo Control bar ends, Shimano WH-M535 Wheels, Race Face XY seatpost, Race Face System Stem, Selle Itallia SLR Trans Am Saddle, Time ATAC pedals, Salsa Skewers and Lip-Lock seat collar, Shimano XTR Chain, Michelin Jet S Tires...
Bottom Line:
Even though the CrossRide Wheelset gives you a lot of bang for your dollars, I cannot approve of a company with such a poor excuse for customer and warranty service. I sent my wheelset in for warranty since the freehub (biggest weakness of the wheelset) did not stay adjusted and developed play after every ride. The yellow paint on the hubs was falling off like crazy too. The wheels came back in the SAME condition, the freehub was not replaced or painted, and the wheels show no sign of being worked on. I am sorry, but I cannot approve of a company that wants to sell their equipment as high quality/high performance, but then cannot even back up their products. I have always had great experiences with all the bike companies I have dealt with, such as Trek, Answer, RockShox, Race Face, etc. It seems that the European companies are the ones lacking in customer care and good warranty policies. I left the wheels at the shop and told them to sell them for me, since I will not even look at them any more.
SHAME ON YOU, MAVIC. I will NEVER, EEEEEEEVER, buy any other European products again, except for Selle Italia Saddles and Michelin tires, which have proven to me to be of at least good quality. You have given all European companies a bad name in my book. Oh, by the way, I bought a Shimano WH-M535 wheelset to replace the Mavic's while they were over at Mavic, thrashed the hell out of them, and have had no problems at all.
SHAME ON YOU, MAVIC...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene Pascual
a Weekend Warrior
from Pontiac, IL USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah NF, NC
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Table Rock Bicycles
Strengths:
Strong rims. Cool looking hubs. Good spoke setup with the straight pull rears and radials in the front.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub slips. Some runout on freewheel cassette. Decals are coming off.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore, LX, Dave's Speed Dream Wheels
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Fusion (The yellow frame looks great with the wheelset!), Marzocchi MXR fork, XT drivetrain, Race Face crankset, etc.
Bottom Line:
I rode these mostly in North Carolina almost 3 years ago on various bikes. The wheels are strong and have required minimal truing and spoke tensioning. Due to the straight pull spokes, there is pretty good acceleration when you jam on the pedals. When I first got the wheelset, I noticed a little runout on the freewheel. When the rear wheel freewheels, I can notice that the cassette wobbles a little bit like it was machined a little off-center. The other issue I have with this wheelset is that the freewheel ratchet stopped clicking a while back, and now it is slipping on me. I have never had this happen on any Shimano stuff before. This is still a great wheelset. Buy it if you want a high performance wheelset at a good price. Because I got a good deal on these, I give them a 5 for value, but I will have to knock them a little for slipping on me, so I'll give them a 4 overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Crofton, MD Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Light, stiff, smooth, stay in true, durable for xc wheels, good braking surface
Weaknesses:
none-doesnt give me an excuse to upgrade to tubeless?
Similar Products Used:
various
Bike Setup:
02 Sid sl, lx xt, xtr, on cheap aluminum frame
Bottom Line:
Ideal for recreational riders and racers alike. Of course its not for freeriders, but it performs flawlessly in xc conditions. I have not had the oppurtunity to test other 300 dollar wheelsets, but since i got a great deal on these (used) and they still hold together, I will give it a high rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison Wi Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
quarry
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Neato looks, fairly light.
Weaknesses:
Not very strong, overly heavy skewers, hard to find spokes
I've ridden quite a few different wheels and these have been the least reliable. The front wheel tacoed on a slightly off center landing and I've broken a few spokes on the rear wheel. The spokes are straight and are not available in most local bike shops. I would not reccommend them to...well, anyone really. They are to heavy for CC (the factory skewer seems to have a lead core) and not strong enough for even mild free riding. Not that it is a bad wheelset but you can get a lot more for a lot less.
On the plus side the hubs have never had a problem despite little care and the occasonal wet ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Stanford Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ebay - rear only.
Strengths:
I only rode the rear. The yellow hub is gorgeous and looks like a tree chipper when you start rollin'. Never broke a spoke (first wheel not to have pooped at least one). Very strong and smooth after over 2500 miles of riding.
Weaknesses:
Rim dented/flat spotted after botching a 4 foot drop. Probably my fault (low tire pressure, etc.) but it shouldn't do that. After 2000 miles, certain spokes chrnically loosened.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchy OCR's (terrible)
Bike Setup:
Marin Bear Valley (nice steel hardtail) - Ehy does everyone feel compelled to spell out that they just installed a brand new UN-72 on their bike in here? Who cares?
Bottom Line:
Good low maintenance wheel with small caveats. The rim is not uberstrong, but does its job well enough. The spokes never busted despite a lot of abuse and miles, which is a first for me. On this note I always have spares, esp on my 2000mi tour done on this wheel. Spare stright-pulls are hard to come by and expensive. Also the sealed bearings work great but should be checked occasionally as they do loosen a bit. This makes them somewhat confusing to work on, but usually uneccessary. Some spokes become loose regularly and won't tighten, but a little loctite can fix that right up. On the whole a good wheel if you never need to fix it. Service would be a pain. Vlaue not exceedingly high, but they sure look cool. HEY LOOK AT ME MY WHEELS ARE AFTERMARKET AND COOL LOOKIN'! Basically, the looks are the only reason I'd buy another set. Other more servicable wheel swill do the job just as well for cheaper, but won't look like heavy machinery in the process.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Olivier
a
from Paris Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great looks,great bearings, really stay true, low price for quality wheels. I trash alot of wheels on rocky terrain......
Weaknesses:
Freehub is low spec. Want to keep it take it apart clean it and regrease it often
Similar Products Used:
dt "noisy" hugi, XT's, sunn brubz (piece of c...p).
Bike Setup:
sunn max(great frame even if a bit old), xt, and custom components.
Bottom Line:
If any one has a solution to make the freehub better or if mavic changes it's quality, then we're in for a winning set of wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield MA USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
every trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
look cool, front wheel has been o.k. so far. Rims themselves have been great so far, always true, no dings or dents.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub SUCKS!!! They either crack or bend, yes bend!! I'm on my third rear wheel in 18 months. What a bummer.
Similar Products Used:
xt hubs, mavic 517s,
Bike Setup:
Cannondale hardtail, marzocchi fork, full xt drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Please understand first i would never submit a bad review unless i was thoroughly frustrated. The rear hubs suck. if you are an agressive cross country rider at all, DO NOT buy this rear wheel!! First one i had the rear hub bent, yes bent!!! Dont ask me how but when i spun the rear wheel (freewheeling) the whole sprocket cluster rocked around from side to side.. NOT cool. The second wheel i had the rear hub cracked. sent the wheel back, somehow three months later after 50 phone calls to jensonusa, i managed to get another wheel out of them..(jee thanks) now i have had this one about 1 month and rear hub is bent again. Now I'm screwed because if i send it back again, i probably wont see the wheel for 3 months again. So i guess i'll just eat it and buy shimano or maybe chris king hubs from now on. I just built a 4000 dollar full suspension and all i have to buy are the wheels, mavic rims..yes, mavic hubs..no way!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Murrayville, GA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Strength Durability Weight
Weaknesses:
Hub color
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, Sun Rhyno Lites
Bike Setup:
Marin hardtail spec'd to my liking
Bottom Line:
Mavic Crossrides are really great wheels. I'm pretty big: 215 lbs... and these wheels have remained true since day 1. I bought them because I was tired of heading back to the LBS every week to fork over more $$ to get rims trued. Man, was this investment worth it. Crossrides are durable and light. I definitely noticed a small improvement in my climbing after upgrading to these wheels. I only wish Mavic made these rims in another color option (black and silver?). But hey, aesthetics dont matter that much when you're out in the woods having a blast cause your wheels are the bomb!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Worstell
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, CO Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bergen Peak
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Relatively light and strong. Sealed bearings. Easy adjust hub. Straight pull spokes. Stay true. Good price.
Weaknesses:
Free body cracks. Hard to get parts.
Similar Products Used:
Bontragers, 517s, and Wheeltechs (stock on Rocky)
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock Rocky Mountain Element
Bottom Line:
I really had a hard time keeping wheels true in the past. So I bought the Crossrides because the straight-pull spokes are supposed to keep them true, and they have. For an XC rider, I put some heavy demands on my wheels and they have stayed pretty ture. However, now on my second set of these wheels, I have dealt with two cracked free hub bodies. I think this is a common problem with Crossrides. I had one free hub body replaced under warrantly. And I just replaced the free hub body in the second set, which I keep as spares, myself. It took a long time to get the part ($40) from Mavic. The spokes can be a little hard to come by too. Honestly, a set of 517/XTRs may be a better value. Otherwise, these are great wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002
Great wheelset. It is noticably faster than the OEM Tioga's, and after a few hard XC rides (I'm 210) the wheels are true and feel good. As for the yellow hubs - what can I say - I dig them. I will follow up at the end of the season to review how they hold up over time. They were on sale for $250 - for goodness sakes, don't pass that up! These wheels are awesom for that price, or $299 for that matter!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Izumi
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hecklers Revenge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light weight. Helps acceleration. Pretty stiff for so few spokes.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub is weak. Replaced by Mavic a couple months back as it froze (allowed me to slow down like a bike messenger!). Now I'm pissed as hub has let go (opposite of first problem) and now freewheels forward or back. Just imagine the aftermath of that letting go when your mashing real hard...
Similar Products Used:
xt & 517. ck & 317. front wheel off a 1972 schwinn.
Bike Setup:
yeti as-r. xt/xtr drive train. hope mini's. easton's best stuff! came with the crossrides.
Bottom Line:
I'm a masher. Maybe has something to do with it failing. Dont know, dont care. Never had so much problem in so little time with a rear hub. Have an xt and a ck that are both many years old and many miles seen that I have never had any real probs with. Oh well, gave me an excuse to hit the shop and get another ck bolted to some hope mini's and some 317's! If your a spinner, maybe it will work. Ask yourself this first. Do you really wanna be pushing your swank ride back to the car for how many miles with your front teeth shoved thru your lip because you smashed your face against your stem when your hub broke loose when you were powering up a steep hill. Spend the dime on the parts that matter!!!! YOUR DRIVE TRAIN MATTERS!!! your sunglasses dont!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MD Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco Avalon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
SoreSaddle
Strengths:
The front wheel has stayed true
Weaknesses:
Rear hub, poorly designed, very weak where the spokes are held.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic/XT, Bontrager, WTB
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB
Bottom Line:
The first time I rode on them out west the hub broke. My bike fell over on a rock (without me on it), and the spoke pulled through the hub. I've never had a hub brake before a spoke. My guitar could hold up better under stress. The Mtn bike guide said he stears clear of these hubs because they're cheese. Get an XTR hub for durability. It took Mavic 2 months to tell me they wouldn't fix or replace it. The rear hub also binds and doesn't spin smoothly (this after 2 rides).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Drexel Hill, PA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wissahicken Loops
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Phenomenal Wheels!! You cant buy a better set of wheels for this much. I upgraded to this from the POS Rolf's that came on my Trek. They climb, accelerate, and take a beating. Great all around wheel. Sealed Bearings are smooth and fast!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Rolf Dolomites, Mavic Crossmax
Bike Setup:
SC Chameleon, Crossrides,SID Carbons,Easton bars, post, stem, TIME ATAC, XT Drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Even when paying MSRP these wheels are a great bang for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a
from St. Pete FL Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Stay true fairly well, good brake surface
Weaknesses:
Rear hub - Came apart and had to be serviced after the first 100 ft. Yes I said feet. After about a year the cassett body cracked almost in two pieces. Still waiting on Mavic to send the part to repair it. Can't get part anywhere except Mavic- Oh, by the way they are in France.
Similar Products Used:
517/XT , 221/XT, Sun/LX
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper, Duke Race, XTR/XT, Race Face
Bottom Line:
Not a bad wheel-set overall; however, the rear hubs is a problem and needs to be redesigned. You'd be better off staying with a set of XT hubs and a good set off hoops. They are much easier to have repaired and last just as long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.W.
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bordeaux
Strengths:
Very strong wheel with sealed bearings that can be replaced.Hard wearing rim and it stays in true.Great responses.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Almost all the Mavic M.T.B range over the years.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4, Rockshox SIDs, Middleburn and Sram 9.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic set of wheels, especially for the price. You try and buy a set of wheels like this from any other manufacturer and see how much it sets you back. I have thrashed these wheels and they are still brilliant. Great hubs with sealed cartridge bearings so if you get any damage in there you just replace them, not like the Shimano C**p.And they are properly sealed. They stand up to abuse amazingly too and they accelerate like the wind. 5 flaming chillis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
A really first class set of wheels that have out-lasted everything that I have tried. They are strong and reliable as well as being light, with great hubs. The hubs have replaceable cartridge bearings. A very recommendable wheel set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edwin
a
from Plano, TX 75074 Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Strong, stays true, cermac breaking surface
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel bearing spanner won't stay tight.
Similar Products Used:
Coda (Junk), other mavic products (no problems)
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F900 SL
Bottom Line:
These Crossrides stay true, are strong, not too heavy, and the ceramic breaking surfaces work well. They look nice also. However, the rear hub bearing will not stay adjusted properly. For some reason, the spanner lock-down mechanism backs out every few rides and has to be tightened, using the spanner tool from Mavic. I may try blue lock-tight to keep it from backing out. This was suggested by the LBS. The wheel "Pops" when the mechanism backs out. Given these issues, I would prefer the old fashion cone-wrench adjustments.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Parker
a Racer
from Edinburgh.Scotland Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any Technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Mail Order
Strengths:
High quality bearings, spokes and rims. They stay true because of the design and strength.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517 Ceramics on XTR: 517CD on XT: 217CD on XT:221 on STXrc: 238 on STX.
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula; Rockshox SID; XTR/XT; Arch Rival 50 brakes; Sh 858; USE and Selle SLR.
Bottom Line:
The Crossrides are a great pair of wheels that really improve the bike handles. They make a very good upgrade. I am happy that these wheels are light but strong and wear well. Great hub bearings too. The closest comparison that I have owned is Mavic 517 rims on Shimano XTR hubs and both the rims, spokes and hubs are vastly superior on the Crossrides for similar cash, definately recommendably and I will get another pair if these wear-out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bath U.K Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Black Down
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Middleton's
Strengths:
Strong and Light. Good torsional rigidity. Excellent replaceable cartridge bearings. Quality rims wth good wear characteristics.
Klein Mantra Race/ Fox float R/Manitou Mars C/ShimanoXTR/XT/Thompson|Selle Italia Flite/ Panaracer Magic|Trailblaster.
Bottom Line:
The Mavic Wheelset is first class. It performs exceedingly well in all conditions and will last, even throughout the severity of conditions in the English Winter. I have never trued these wheels in over two years.I haven't needed to. The hubs are equal with Hope. The spokes are very strong and together with the hub/rim create an extremely good wheelset. Although these wheels are for Cross-country use, I know of riders who use them for Downhilling and they too speak very highly of them. In short, worth the money and most recommendable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Capper
a Cross Country Rider
from Oldham Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The long Winde
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Middleton Cycles
Strengths:
This wheelset is strong light responsive & reliable
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Mustang, Mavic 217, 517 221
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone Fsr..LX/STX, Manitou SX forks
Bottom Line:
I can't believe that a set of wheels can make such a massive difference to the way a bike feels, this wheelset is awesome. Excellent lateral rigidity, excellent response when accelerating & climbing. I'm really chuffed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris s
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
too many/slickrock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
not many why are they even drilled for schrader vavles
Weaknesses:
how can you guys say these are stiff wheels too few spokes even in a radial wheel stickers come off as soon as you look at them went thru two sets already dont take hits very well ride these at speed thru a corner then put on a set of xtr/517 and do the same thing
Similar Products Used:
crosslink 517 221 cr18 too many others to remember
Bike Setup:
ibis mojo full xtr easton mag stem monket lites ct2 post wtb saddle yeti grips stuff that works after years of testing
Bottom Line:
good wheel for commuter bike anybody looking for a real world product tester?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Super Stiff, Light Weight, Cool Looking
Weaknesses:
Quick Release are super heavy just get some Ti Salsa's
Similar Products Used:
xt Hubs, Mavic Rims
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Race (Fast),Easton Ct2 Carbon bar,King Head Set,Full Xtr except for Cranks
Bottom Line:
These wheels really are a good product for the money! I have raced on them, Took them on a two week ride all threw Az. down some crazy 35+ Mpr down hills, Jumps, drop offs, bashed them on logs, You name it,and they are still true. So for 175 pound rider thats pretty Good! The only thing that is starting to show some normal ware is the rim where the brake pad contacts the rim and some rock chips on the black finish. I think that mavic knew that they made these wheels pretty light compared to crossmax($800 Ouch) so to make them look heavier on the scale they threw on some Huffey(no hard feelings I owned one when I was a kid) Full Steel quick releases. Overall these wheels rock and you dont need a special tools to fix them or special spoks that you have to buy a bag of thirty to just fix one(crossmax). Only four chilis overall for the trick tank made quick releases. Come on Mavic make them the best that you can for a extra 20-40 Bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta,Ga. Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$295.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I got these wheels when I bought my new bike.They have been great.I very hard on my stuff not because I'am hardcore or anything,but because I crash ALOT.I could be a crash test dummy.These wheels have proform outstanding.1700 hard miles the rear had to be trued once.
Weaknesses:
None at all
Similar Products Used:
XT's
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback
Bottom Line:
Best deal for your money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Sweeney
a Cross Country Rider
from Clearwater, Fl Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001
Never had a problem with this wheelset, I've been riding them for a year now and have had them trued once, 4 mos ago. Would recommend these to anyone looking for a reasonable upgrade to stock wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
THOMAS M
a Racer
from DALLAS TX Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
DIRT
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
BB BIKES
Strengths:
BULLET PROOF. QUIET. STIFF. TRUE. BEST BUY FOR THE MONEY. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE FORM MAVIC.
Weaknesses:
NONE.
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
MOOTS XTR.
Bottom Line:
I AM ON MY SECOND SET OF THESE BABIES. THE FIRST SET I RODE 8K MILES OFF ROAD REBUILT AND SOLD FOR 150.00. BOUGHT ANOTHER SET. I CAN LOOK AT SOMETHING AND BREAK IT IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? NOT THESE BABIES!!! THE GUY THAT BOUGHT MY REFURBIHED MAVICS IS 200LBS AND HARD CORE RIDER WHO COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW STIFF AND FAST THE WHEELS ARE. WHEELS ARE THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR RIDE FASTER, BUY THESE PUT THEM ON AND FORGET ABOUT IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael williams
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington, nc Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
juvenile center
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
stay true over extreme conditions
Weaknesses:
skewers
Similar Products Used:
xt mavic 517
Bike Setup:
cannondale f2000
Bottom Line:
one of the best purchases i have made for my cannondale had 517xt bent them to hell, i have had these for over 3 months and ride 4-5 days a week and havent even had to true them. best wheels for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Falls Church, VA USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Cambria BO
Strengths:
Price and quality
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Schwin Moab Frame, All XT Drive Train, XT Front and Rear Derailer, Sid XC, Thompson Elite Stem, Panaracer XC Fire Pro Tires, King Headset, XT Shifter/Brake Combo, XTR Brakes, USE Alien Seatpost, Selle Italia TA Flite Saddle.
Bottom Line:
Your would be hard pressed to find a better quality wheelset for $300, heck for less that $500. If one exists I am not aware of it. These wheels have stayed true ride after ride after ride. I do not do any free riding but most of the trails I ride have plenty of log hops and rocky creek crossings. Whether or not you like the yellow hubs is up to you, personally I think they look sweet!!! Prior to buying these I priced a customer built 517 with King hubs. I opted for the Crossride, saved $500, and have never looked back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Schuyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, Ohio Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Downtown Streets/Alum Creek Expert
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source - Reynoldsburg
Strengths:
The rims - very solid. I ride approx 24 miles x 5 days plus to and from work (5 mile round trip) on Columbus city streets. I usually manual (wheelie) the front over curbs and let the back wheel bump over. I have hit the wheel hard a few times trying to j-hop city construction. I have endoed a few times while downhilling. I also go hucking through Ohio State campus (4+ ft drops). Owned these from Spring 2000 to now. One truing. I've beaten the hell out of Mavic 317s and 221s. Have never used 517s. Why would I switch now?
Weaknesses:
of course: that ugly yellow hub. Also, recently, the inner and outer rims have seperated. This may be due to some excessive hucking and stair riding. Still, these wheels have hung in better than some 36 x4 BMX wheels. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MOMENT.
Similar Products Used:
221/XT, 317/LX, CrossLink
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-50, CrossRide, Easton Carbon cockpit, LX drivetrain (XTR rear DER), Avid AR50 Brakes/Levers, Veloce 9 spd 11-26 cassette. Terry Fly saddle. King Headset, Manitou Mars fork.
Bottom Line:
Buy it. If not, buy 517/XT or Performance Topo wheels (which is my next try, due to that damn yellow hub, plus 150 saved for more spokes.
Regarding the seperated rim walls: Mavic said they will replce the wheels free of charge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Incognegro
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Where ever I can cut lose
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$295.00
Strengths:
1. Quiet, no tick, tick, or buzzzzzzzzz. 2. Very Smooth, no hitch or click when you spin them. 3. Strong and stay true. 4. Ceramic braking surface, sure braking
Weaknesses:
Ceramic rims paired with Sram 9.0 brakes is a very dangerous situation.
Similar Products Used:
No name factory, mavic/deore combo.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose ZR-350, Raceface ISIS, Marzocchi ZR-5, Thomson stem & post, XTR shifter & fr der, Proshift rr der, CK hs.
Bottom Line:
As you can see my bike is completely customized. During my brake in period with the time pedals, there were a few falls. Rims still look like they came right out of the box, no trueing needed at all. I keep my brakes pretty close to the wheel, they never rub. But there is one draw brake to doing this. True, you have less pull on the Avid SD 7, but I have to be very gentle when I pull the front. Between the stiffness of the Sram 9.0 brakes and the braking surface of the ceramic, there is no slipage or hesitation, the wheels LOCK! If you do not want the yellow hubs, do what I did, buy the Crossride Ceramics and peel the stickers off of the rim.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ridedawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, CO Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike Shop
Strengths:
Stright pull spokes means fewer with higher tension => less weight! Throw an XTR Ti cassette on the rear and you're race ready. Strong!
Weaknesses:
Mavic skimped a bit on the internal workings and compromised structural integrity in favor of lower cost. Heavy riders beware!
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 221 w/Shimano LX/RST (stock wheelset)
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab 1, 2002 Judy XC Air, XT, bunch of other assorted goodies.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden these babies HARD over the past 16 or so months (I'm 220 lbs) and they've remained true. I cracked the internal race in the freewheel body and it basically exploded inside, no doubt due to the abuse (24 hrs of Moab, Fat Tire Classic...). [My stock wheelset never gave me problems in 2 years of HARD riding. Hmmmmmm.] LBS swapped out the freewheel and I had to true the wheel almost 3/8 inch when I got it back. Wazzup with that?!! She's true and I'm hammering again. Some folks have been complaining about all the yellow. I slapped some Hutchison Mosquitos on 'em and they look great! If you can't hide something, feature it!!
Bottom line: Great buy if you can get your LBS to price match.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skippy Dunbar
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing, Michigan, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
1. Fast wheelset for the money. 2. Very quiet, and smooth. You can sneak right up on granny while she is walking on the path... 3. Straight spokes look cool.
I bought these wheels for my "gheto glider" commute bike, a 95 stumpjumper, all XT with about 5000 mles on it. These wheel's only have a couple of hundred miles on them. They are so good, I am considering putting this bike back on the trail. I have ridden theese wheels through rain, snow, mud, and lots of midwestern pot holes. They are still "true as new".. I speak french, so I should be able to talk to, and understand those rude-jerks, er..I mean the french guy's. If I should ever have to contact them.. They do make good wheel's
Weaknesses:
There yellow. The yellow hub, on my white Judy XC makes me think of mustard and mayo... The rear free side bearing is in the MIDDLE OF THE AXLE..! Although I heve never had a problem, I worry that the axle is going to snap in half.. I may try to get a extra axle, and a few spokes, and a spare bearing over the winter, just to have in the bike tool box. I peeled the sticker's off befor the first ride.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Mustang OSB, Mavic 217 SUP on Paralax hubs. Specialized forgot the names that came with the bike
This bike is nasty. Its one of those metalic avacado green hard tails that Specialized put out in 95. Add the white Judy, black bar and post, a silver stem, and bright yellow hubs. What do you have? One ugly bike. But the "glider" is fast, and all the parts are high end...
Oh, the Mavic wheel's...? There not bad for what I paid for them...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff
a Racer
from Central Texas & Honduras Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
I have taken these wheels out and beat them and not even so much as a flinch. I has them trued at my LBS in Texas prior to riding them and then again 2 wks after I started riding them and have not had a problem. A real deal if that's what you're looking for. These wheels get a 10
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Allendale, MI Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Custer, Highland Rec. Area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$249.00
Strengths:
Good looks, good price, strength
Weaknesses:
(very minor) rear skewer design is not compatible with a stationary trainer
Similar Products Used:
Various rim/hub combinations (Sun CR-17/Coda, Mavic X-222/XT, etc.)
Bike Setup:
Seven Teres softtail, HeadShok Fatty Ultra DL fork, XT/XTR/Coda parts
Bottom Line:
These wheels are great, especially for the price. In 3 months of serious riding (180 lb. rider), they never once went out of true. Some people grumble about the yellow hubs...I think they look good. I'm pretty "in tune" with my bike, but couldn't tell a big difference in performace/stiffness over other wheelsets I've used. What I did notice is how well they stayed in true. The rear skewer design is not compatible with a CycleOps stationary trainer, but this is a minor deal. Overall, you couldn't get a better wheel set for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rei nic
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tai Hang
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$257.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle World
Strengths:
High quality, very good value for money.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Older Mavics with LX hubs.
Bike Setup:
Porsche
Bottom Line:
The Crossride wheelset is half the price of the Crossmax but they don't look or ride like cheap wheels. For those that do not like the yellow hubs, the ceramic version of the Crossride's are all black. The Crossride's are not state of the art but they're lighter and stiffer than my older Mavic 139's. The QR's are alloy instead of the composite's found on the Crossmax. The straight pull lowcount spokes are remarkably strong and the hubs are very smooth. Crossride wheels are a culmination of Mavic's many years of experience in wheel building and the low price is simply a result of this and not cutting corners. Great wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Huw Watkins
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
Cheap, light, looks. STRONG
Weaknesses:
Cosmetic - is it absolutely necessary to have the rather large logo three times on the rim?
Compatibility - can't use XT casettes with the wheel specific spoke protector and leaving off the spoke protector invalidates the warranty. Doh!
Similar Products Used:
XT on 517s
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Bokor + Z2s
Bottom Line:
A bit dubious about buying these as I'm 200 lb and there's a lot of unsupported axle on the non-drive side of the rear wheel not to mention the minimal spoke count.
However, just raced these in the 2001 Red Bull 24 hr race over very hard and bumpy ground on a rigid bike and they've stayed absolutely true. The broken bike and rider count rose steadily through the night but these were completely unaffected as were the tyres (Continental Explorer Pro and Escape Pro) which were also excellent.
In conclusion, these are a bargain at the price and a lot tougher than they look. Wheel builders - look behind you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Light, Strong, personally I dig the graphics and yellow hubs.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517, 217
Bike Setup:
98 Yeti ARC, XTR Race Face, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
A very good wheelset, especially if you are upgrading from a low end Mavic or Weinman or something. They are at least as good as the handbuilt XTR/517s that I took off the Yeti to put on my GT STS 1000. I have thrashed them pretty hard over the last year ( I weigh 185) and they are as good as the day I took them out of the box. If you find them on sale like I did, and the color scheme doesn't bug you, pick them up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave in SD,CA
a
from San Diego, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cuyamacas
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Black Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Strength, stays true, solid ride.
Weaknesses:
Weight?, graphics?
Bike Setup:
2000 Diamondback XR4
Bottom Line:
These wheels came with my Diamondback. After 967 miles, all XC, they are as good as new. I've never had to have them true'd and have not had ONE spoke losen. I'm close to 200 lb. and the bike is heavier than most XC's, so I think that is saying a lot. The hubs are quiet and have not needed any maintenance. The free-wheel on the rear has a quiet whirr to i. So for all those who are sensitive to the noise, these would be a good choice.
I'm really excited about the wheels. They are very solid and enhance the handling characteristics of the bike. I've got Avid brakes on the bike and the braking has been excellent. Good power and no noise. Didn't notice it at the time but both wheels are straight spoked-no L bend. It gives the rear wheel a very unique techno look to it. A straight spoke should be a little stronger.
If there are any negatives, the graphics (specifically the yellow hub body) could be it. Don't think there are any choices, here. Weight I don't know but haven't seen anyone else complain. Sounds like a different skewer might save some weight. Straight spokes might be hard to come by, so I'm bying some spares, now. However, I've never needed to true or repair the wheel so it appears this is low risk.
Bottom line: Strong wheel, great handling, low price, look awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hammersmith
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, NJ Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Fast! They seem to carry alot more speed then my XTR's on 517's. So far they have held up just fine. They look really F'n cool too. They feel stiff, and fast. So far I am very pleased.
Weaknesses:
Parts availability. They look so cool I need to clean them all the time.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR hubs on Mavic 517's
Bike Setup:
CAAD3, 8 speed XT, Manitou SX Ti, Time Aliums, Kore Elite Stem, Ringle seat post.
Bottom Line:
If they hold up as long as my previous wheelset then they are well worth every penny. So far I cannot find fault with them. I will keep you posted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Washington DC, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
streets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
I hear that they are a pain to true, but, GAWD, is it a marvellous wheel. I ride every day, to work, downtown city streets to 'burbs to paths to trails--24 mile commute--and these wheels are absolutely true. That they might be "difficult to true" hardly seems an issue. BUY THEM. The French make some good shyte once in a while.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
Mavic f&b, alum frame, Japo compons
Bottom Line:
they rule, although the graphics are rather tacky...appropriate, as they are French.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
george
a Cross Country Rider
from ames IA usa Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
A&B Cycle
Strengths:
fairly light stay true
Weaknesses:
damn heavy skewers, but that's easily replaced
Bike Setup:
c'dale w/ ex-3 cranks, avid mags.........
Bottom Line:
decided to bite the bullet on a new wheelset after tacoing my front rim. this bolt on improved the ride immediately. stiffness and climbing, and trackability are all wonderful with this set. i weigh 170, and i've had the wheels trued once...... about 4 weeks after i bought them. ok.... bottom line: damn good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric M
a
from Washington DC, USA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
CT Ave
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Best (rear) mtb wheel I've ever had, though I'm a cheap date...still, a lot cheaper & better than my last several.
Weaknesses:
b_tch to true
Bottom Line:
buy one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairo, Egypt Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Adventure Bicycle
Strengths:
Reasonably light.
Weaknesses:
Serviceability, durability. Rear hubs are not durable!
Similar Products Used:
X-max UST, X-land, XTR/517,Hugi Disc/521.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
Next time I'd go with XTR/517's 32 H 3X, for roughly the same price, same wieght range, superior durability and serviceablity. After a year and a half use I cracked a cartridge bearing in the rear hub and it is no longer useable. Mavic service is hard to come by. So my Gucci rear wheel is just a garage decoration now. My Crossland rear is complimenting the X-ride rear as after a year and half use the freehub cracked! Getting it repaired was such a pain I gave up.
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Submitted by
julian sandford
a Cross Country Rider
from Southend, England Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
MBR trail in wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Emtoo
Strengths:
Light weight, fast rolling weight better value than crossmax and look very tasty
Weaknesses:
well heavy sqewers replace them as quick as possible
Bike Setup:
full xtr sid etc
Bottom Line:
the best wheel for the money and can really improve your riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denva from OZ
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, OZ Date Reviewed: January 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Fitzroy Cycles
Strengths:
Everything. They light, cheap, strong, extremly well made. Very classy. Should be wheelset of the year.
Weaknesses:
THe aluminium used on the rim walls is a bit soft. You see this when you get a stone in your brake pads.
The price above in in aud These wheels are unreal. Why would you buy crosslink? I've ridden these all over the place. I've raced them in XC races, done light DH trails and they've stayed as true as when i got em.' The rims (i think) are as good as the 517sups when you ride em'. I don't know if just happened to really good set but i can't enough about them. I had the money to spend but i chose these, so if you can't afford anything further up the mavic range don't worry what your buying all the quality of the crossmax with a bit (maybe more) weight. Only buy something more expensive if; -you're sponsered -you have unlimited funds -you're on the world cup or national circuit
Don't buy it -if your nuts -race DH, dual or trails -if you use discs that's it
I had a problem with installing my new XT cassettee and i took it the distributer and they fixed it no charge. I also mailed group sportiff (mavic dealer) to get some spokes and they got back to me in about 4 hours. Any queries have been answered in at the most 1 day. I have to say the customer service is excellent even a year down the track. Well done mavic and group sportif.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Corby, England Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Bob Mitchell Cycles
Strengths:
These wheels are cheap, lightweight for the price, track well, stay true and don't look too bad at all.
Weaknesses:
QR's - too heavy. Swap them for X-Lite Camlocks, and out you go. No excuses for second place....!
Similar Products Used:
Corvairs - OE on my Klein, Mavic Sunsets on Hope Ti and a set of dodgy home builds
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, SID XC's, Race Face (post, cranks, headset, bars), Pace stem, XTR throughout, Hope BB, pimpy flite gel with my name on it (yep - so sad) and Maaxis 380's
Bottom Line:
If you can't flash the cash and you've got to compromise somewhere (and you can live without discs) then buy some Crossrides. They ride better than wheelsets three times the price and probably last longer.... If you're loaded, still buy some!
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Submitted by
the Weedman
a Downhiller
from act Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Black mountain secret trail
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Strong, look ok
Weaknesses:
skewers heavy, a bit skeptical about a 24 spoke rim cause im no midget
rode them hard, they held up. what else can i say? Strong as most other rims. Ive bent 24 spokes b4 but these are beauties for the price. Wouldnt use them for constant downhill riding if you ride hard but if you ride a bit softer then buy buy buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave M
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose Ca Date Reviewed: January 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
purisma
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Stays in true even when taking a serious pounding. Looks.
Weaknesses:
The fact that they are made by a french co. and heaven forbid you will ever have to deal with the prima donnas at mavic. Let's see no skewer comes with the front wheel and trying to get mavic to send one is IMPOSSIBLE.
Similar Products Used:
Bongtrager race
Bike Setup:
Gt XCR3000 with upgrades to xt and xtr.
Bottom Line:
The wheels rock. They have stayed in true after 500 miles of some serious riding. They track great due partly to the fact they are stiff. Part of value has to come from customer support so I have to drop a chilli down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg L
a Cross Country Rider
from KNOXVILLE,TN Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
HAW RIDGE,PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST,NC.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
EARTH TRAVERSE
Strengths:
THEY TRACK VERY WELL.BETTER THAN THE 221 AND SOME BONTRAGERS I HAVE.THEY ALL SEEM LIKE TIN AND FLEX ALOT ON MY 215 LB ASS.
Weaknesses:
NONE RIGHT OFF.I HAVE TRUED THE REAR WHEEL ONE TIME AND IT WAS NOT WOBBLEING THAT BAD.
Similar Products Used:
MY LAST GIRLFRIEND I HAD WAS STIFFER THAN THESE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Bike Setup:
99 MONGOOSE 8.5 FULL-SUS.ETC.........
Bottom Line:
I LIKE THESE WHEELS FOR 300 BONES.THEY MAKE A LARGE DIFFERENCE IN BICYCLE PERFORMANCE.AND AS FAR AS TRUEING GOES,I DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOOLS FOR IT ETC.I TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL BUDS AT THE BIKE SHOP.WWW.CEDARBLUFFCYCLES.COM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Wissahickon Cyclery
Strengths:
Strength, stiffness, price.
Weaknesses:
The possibility that you will break a spoke and have to send the wheel back. Never having broken a spoke, this is not a concern for me. Now that I have said this, I am sure I will break a spoke on my next ride.
Similar Products Used:
Crappy old Ritchey wheels that came with the bike.
Bike Setup:
Old school hardtail (not even front suspension) Cannondale. ;-) You may laugh at me on the trail but eventually you will eat my dust. Unless of course we are on a rocky downhill in which case you will kick my butt and everything will vibrate off of my bike.
Since my bike was so old, my local shop added a spacer to accomodate my 7 cog rear since this wheel is made for an 8/9 gear cog.
Bottom Line:
Very nice braking surface - a huge improvement on my old rims which had been ground concave. The wheels are very stiff and strong. Turn in and cornering is crisp. Nowhere near the flex I used to have. Also, accelerating out of corners is much quicker - the wheels seem to hook up the power more quickly. Also, in general, I seem to use less effort riding these wheels due to their somewhat low weight. And they're a bit wild looking too. All in all a very good value for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Fl. Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Markam Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Shop
Strengths:
Super Strong
Weaknesses:
Crappy QR's were made for tanks not bikes
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Klien Mantra King,XTR,XT
Bottom Line:
These wheels are great!!!!!! I have never had to true these wheels and as soon as I put them on my bike you can tell that these wheels are very stiff and do not flex much at all! The power transfer is great. These wheels will make you faster!! Just buy some nice QR's and some rim tape and you are all set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joseph shepherd
a Downhiller
from denver co Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mount falcon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
turin bike shop
Strengths:
light, strong
Weaknesses:
none yet but it looks like I could bend it easely but havnt yet only used on the front I would be skeptical about using a 24 spoke rim on my bike
Similar Products Used:
weinmann, mavic 321
Bike Setup:
really basic
Bottom Line:
have no complaints at all yet!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baron von Big Ring
a
from Wisconsn Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Lab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Light, stays true, price
Weaknesses:
unnecessarily heavy skewers, can't easily replace spokes
Similar Products Used:
Custom built wheels by me
Bottom Line:
Good wheel for the price. Mavic tries to mislead you by saying how much lighter their crossmax's are....but they're really not. They deceive you by putting a super heavy skewer in the crossrides to make the weight difference between crossrides & crossmax's more apparent. Dump the heavy skewer and it's really not that far off from a crossmax.
Really, I only got these because I got a deal on them. I still prefer handbuilt wheels anyday. Handbuilts are more serviceable, lighter, and sometimes cheaper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, CA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sly Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$260.00
Strengths:
They stay True!!
Weaknesses:
Skewers
Similar Products Used:
Stock Weimmann 519 alloy (these suck)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hard Rock Comp A1 with stock everything but the wheelset and Panaracer tires, and a riser bar.
Bottom Line:
The best test of a product is to ask yourself, if I had to buy it again, would I? For these wheels I give a loud YES. Compared to my other wheels that went out of true the first week, these have been perfect. I bought them because the reviews on MTBR said they were strong (and relatively cheap) and have not been disappointed at all. They haven't really increased my speed or acceleration, unless you consider the fact that the brakes don't rub after an hour on the trail like my stock set did. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an inexpensive and reliable set of wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison Wi Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I'm new here
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
light, cheap.
Weaknesses:
heavy skewers, not as strong as I had expected
Similar Products Used:
lots of different wheels
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon XT, LX, XTR, Raceface mix. Marzocchi
Bottom Line:
I've been riding for about 6 years and I have never tacoed a rim before until I rode these. I did wreck, but I think the front wheel should have held up. I dont know why these things come with such heavy skewers, the threaded end feels like its made of iron. Mine never went out of true until i crashed, I just don't think that I will trust a straight laced front wheel again. I do think that it is a good product for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from MAplewood Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Local Haunt
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Lasted 1 hour on the trail before it was out of true. Hit nothing hard not downhilling, simple crocc country. Not a mark on the rim just out of true and won't rotate thru the brake housing...
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 221, 517...
Bike Setup:
FRS Pro, Full XTR
Bottom Line:
Lets see what the bike store does...I only weigh 170 so it is not like I am "huge", and to be out of true after an hour of semi technical cross counrty is BS. The 517's lasted a year and a half of total abuse. I bought the rear after reading these reviews, so maybe I just got a "bad" wheelset hopefully that's what happened...
$ 299.99
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