High endTechnologies and features have madeThe Crosstrail one ofThe most high performance MTB wheelset in its category. At only 1685 grams,This UST wheel system can easily compete with higher end wheels.RIMS Material: MaxtalJoint: SUPDrilling: ForeDisc brake specific profileWeight reduction: ISMValve hole diameter: 6.5 mmTire: USTTubeless Internal width: 19 mm, asymmetricalETRTO size: 559x19CRecommendedTire sizes: 1.5To 2.3 Material: steelShape: straight pull, bladedNipples: integrated M7 alumin
Submitted by
jmbbikedestroyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Rock Hill,SC USA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2012
Strengths: strong and true for about a year
Weaknesses: Overrated. Over priced. Lousy service from Mavic
Bottom Line:
This was supposed to be the last mt bike rim I would ever have to worry about. I ride a full suspension bike but was constantly breaking spokes and warping rims in the rear. This wheel was going to solve all that. Not so! It did last for about a year and took some good use but not abuse. After breaking a couple of spokes it was going to have to be rebuilt. Here's where the fun begins. The one year warranty ran out weeks earlier. No, I did not purchase the Mavic Protection plan.(That's only good for two years and you still pay for shipping). It looks like these wheels need repair once a year so the protection plan is sounding better. LBS #1 had the rim for a month and couldn't get Mavic to send them the spokes. They are the blade style. They sent the wrong spokes then refused to send anymore because "we sent you the right spokes". LBS #2 (a better bike store with serious Mt bikers). They have had the rim for a month as well and cannot make any headway with Mavic. No spokes. Come on! The kicker is they have this rim(2011) in their shop for sale. Mavic has lost me as a customer. Be warned fellow mt bikers.
Submitted by
madsedan
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockwall, TX
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2011
Strengths: Lightweight, stiff, strong, very affordable.
Weaknesses: Might be difficult to find a wheel guy comfortable with working on the wheels due to the spokes and spoke to hub interface.
Bottom Line:
I had a set of 2010 models and loved them, they were light, strong and UST. I got the 2011's on a deal with HnR and had a coupon so I bought the newer models as they had some improvements for the 2011 model. The 2010 only ran 9mm QR but for 2011 the front can be converted to 15mm and with some design tweaks they are 150g lighter than the outgoing model.
Honestly, is there a better wheel in this price range and weight?
I am a 230# trail rider and have had no issues, after spending about 9 months on the 2010 set I simply had them trued at my LBS and they are perfect, I will be able to resell them to cover much of the cost of the new 2011's.
Similar Products Used: DT Swiss wheels, Stans Flows, etc.
Bike Setup: 2011 Camber Expert 26" wheels
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
TwoHeadsBrewing
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2011
Strengths: Light, 9mm and 15mm axle compatible, centerlock -> 6-bolt adapters included, inexpensive for UST wheels. Pretty nice looking for the most part. PRICE!!!
Weaknesses: Not crazy about the logo, but those are stickers which can be pulled off. Freewheel is not loud, if that's your thing?
Bottom Line:
I only have 5 rides in on these new wheels, but so far they have proven to be stiff, lightweight, and smooth rolling. Even after some hard hits and riding around on the local rocky trails they are still true and the spoke tension is good. Only time will tell if this remains the case, although I expect to true a wheelset once a year the way I ride. Coming from a 2009 XTR wheelset, these feel every bit as smooth and stiff, but I'm sure the cartridge bearings will not last as long as the XTR cup and cone.
This is the only lightweight UST wheelset I've found for $300 that is compatible with both 9mm and 15mm axles. The 9mm adapters are just inserts that can be tapped out if you want to run a 15mm fork. It also comes with centerlock to 6-bolt disc rotor adapters. This is a HUGE plus for me, since I plan on selling these wheels in a year or two. Having those adapters means it will fit almost any potential buyers requirements. For the money, the only thing that comes close is the closeout XT's, but those only work for a certain axle type or a certain disc type.
I really like the way these wheels look, aside from the crosstrail logos which I don't care for. I do, however, like the aero straight pull spokes and silver machined areas between the spoke nipples. It really is a good looking wheelset.
They seated up tubeless perfectly with a floor pump on Specialized Purgatory 2.4 and 2.2 tires. I'm about 175 and running 22-24psi in the front and have had no issues with burping or a squirmy feel. Pretty impressive for a ~1600g wheelset.
Similar Products Used: 2009 XTR UST, WTB SpeedDisc
Bike Setup: Cannondale Rize 4, 150mm Sektor Coil, standard trail bike.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jbruneau
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2011
Strengths: For the weight, this thing is bombproof.
Weaknesses: A bit pricey.
Bottom Line:
This wheelset has lasted me for over three years without much trouble (I *finally* destroyed them earlier this year). There are more bombproof wheelsets out there, but I find that this wheelset strikes a nice balance between strength and weight. I would definitely recommend the Crosstrail for those who don't want to build a wheelset from scratch.
Submitted by
neeeko
a Weekend Warrior
from DukeCity, NM
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2011
Strengths: Light, Stong, True out the box, Look Great!
Weaknesses: None Yet
Bottom Line:
I found these at my local REI on sale for $275! If you know REI then you know I got a steal! I got free truing and if I decide one day I want to upgrade or just dont like them anymore, I can return them for a full refund, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. On top of all this they ride fast, seem durable. I have total confidence while out riding.
Submitted by
TG
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2010
Strengths: Value, Mavic Reputation
Weaknesses: Rear Hub Design, Stiffnes
Bottom Line:
The engagement of the rear hub is average at best. After riding a King rear hub for several years, this is very noticeable. Wheels are flexy. Tracking is average. Spoke tension is the issue but have not adjusted yet. These are a good wheel for the price. Very light, they spin well and the tubeless design is great. They do not compare to top quality wheelset but for the price, I was probably expecting too much.
Similar Products Used: Mavic Crossride, Custom wheels (King on Bontrager)
Bike Setup: Ti hardtail, fox F80, Sram XO, Avid
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mark_123
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2010
Strengths: Stiff, wheels stay true, no broken spokes.
Weaknesses: Special spokes required, but haven't needed to replace.
Bottom Line:
Always had trouble with wheels before purchasing these. Had broken spokes, had to true wheels nearly every ride. Haven't trued these since I put on the bike, strong spokes survived a broken rear derailleur which went into the spokes. No longer have to worry about wheels.
Similar Products Used: Crossride, Sun Ryno light w/shimano hub
Bike Setup: 26" HT
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
melineman
a Cross Country Rider
from Central, ME, USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2010
Strengths: Strong, fairly light, BARGAIN price for the quality. Can take a beating. They look nice, similar to the Crossmax SLR's.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
Good wheels at $180. Bought the UST Disc used from a little female rider. I am about 190 pounds in the spring and these wheels were great all last season. Just moved them to my new Altitude build, and put some AmerClassics on my ETSX that I gave to my girlfriend. I like these wheels for simple fact that I have beat them on rocky, rooty muddy ATV trails and that they helped me get back into the sport without the worry I was riding frail wheels. If they do fail from my fat a$$ abuse, then I am only out $180 as opposed to the $800 I'd be out on a set of Crossmax. I just spun them and they are true. That impresses me. If the bearings go, a company (Boca?) makes replacement ceramic bearings for $50 that will be a certain upgrade to the Crosstrails. So, five of five based on the price I paid. I would pay up to $250 for these and still feel like I stole them.
Bike Setup: Epic, avid mechanical, tubeless, Marzocchi DJ3 100mm, Shimano Ghost, Race Face Evolve
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gman7
a Weekend Warrior
from Mooresville NC USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2009
Strengths: They roll
Weaknesses: Everything else what can I say, broken pawls, loose hub, out of true, spokes loosen on every other ride even after warranty replacement.
Bottom Line:
This product has been the biggest disappointment of any wheel set I have owned. I ride about three times a week and am not an aggressive ride. At first I heard allot of popping and cracking that I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I now know it was from the spokes. After having the wheels 6-weeks the pawls broke. I sent them back to Amerisports (Mavic distributor) and waited 6-weeks to get them back. Upon return things seemed OK for about 1 month then the same noises started again. This time though a new twist, the spokes will not stay tight. I have had them at the shop several times truing the wheels and can't keep the darn things tight or straight. The wheels themselves are very flexi and do not track as well as I would like. I weigh 185lbs so I am not light but not heavy either. Regardless this should not happen. I had a set of crossmax wheels on my FSR and didn’t have these problems. Best wheels I own King with Velocity rims, super stiff but expensive. Best value I own, Cane Creek these hoops are bomb proof and one heck of a value. Cane Creek is the best customer service company on the planet. I can’t say enough good things about these folks and on top of that they have fantastic products. As for Mavic, what can I say they don’t even list an e-mail address on their website for product feedback. They suck out loud and I will never purchase another product from them again. Buy at your own peril.
Similar Products Used: Cross Max, Shimano XT, Cane Creek, Chris King
Bike Setup: Intense 5.5 EVP Sram XO
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
tyndallave
a Weekend Warrior
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2009
Strengths: Light, looks great, good wheelset if you want near crossmax performance. I bought these wheels as an upgrade to my Bontrager Select wheelset (OEM on Trek EX 7). These wheels are strong and fast rolling. I noticed a very significant difference in the way ny bike now handles. If you are an agressive trail rider and are looking for something durable, these wheels are for you. They are also flashy if that's important to you.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
If you're in the $450 to $500 price range and are looking for a performance wheelset, these wheels should be among your prospects.
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel EX 7 with TLD saddle, FSA K-force carbon rizer bar, FSA carbon stem, XT crankset, Chris King headset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
fast_ticket
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, Ca
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Strengths: Great looks, light, smooth bearings, positve freehub
Weaknesses: Spokes loosening, two handed truing
Bottom Line:
Good rim for the money. Never experienced flex like in other reviews (I'd check spoke tension). However, I had trouble with the spokes loosening after every ride. My LBS treated the nipples with a liquid spoke prep. This did the trick and now the rims stay true. Another shop suggested using Tri-flow where the nipple attaches to the rim to keep them from fusing through electrolysis.
Submitted by
Silentfoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle Mountain, Utah
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2008
Strengths: Light weight, very flashy
Weaknesses: Never settled in
Bottom Line:
I used these wheels on my hardtail racer in the 2008 24 hours of Moab. They worked great, stayed true (I'm 200lbs)and didn't cause any mid-ride problems. However, the front wheel constantly sounded like the spokes were still trying to seat themselves. This lasted for over 60 miles of hard riding. It never went away. Every time I stood up or used the front brake, it would make the popping noise. Very annoying. I would like to see if that would eventually go away. I don't know if I'll get that chance. Other than that, good set of wheels.
Submitted by
Nick JJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, UK
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2008
Strengths: Appearance, it's a good looking wheel IMO. I like the silver anodizing on the inter spoke milled sections. Reasonably light. Well made, tight and true out of the box. Good value for a wheel of this weight and strength.
Weaknesses: A bit flexi (well, compared to my old Crossmax ST's anyway), but tolerable and I've rode on worst hand built wheels. The decals on the sides of the rim are stickers, not painted on. Cheap looking QR's, but to be expected at this price point.
Bottom Line:
Given what you get for the price it is hard to complain about these wheels. I've only had them a short time, but put in 30 to 40 miles on the type of terrain found at most UK trail centres. I'm of average weight, don’t carry tons of kit when I ride, and I’m generally easy on my bike. I like to ride ‘technical’ single-track and push hard on the descents. I don’t do a lot of jumping, but are happy to loose contact with the ground if my velocity and nature of the terrain dictate this.
Initially I through there was a bit of lateral flex in the wheel, but this may have been due to too low tyre pressures and mech. hanger that worked loose. Since addressing these issues I have taken them down the black section of the White’s Level trail at Glyncorrwg and the flex was much less noticeable. This was a pleasant surprise as it gets very rocky at the bottom. The sides of the rim are not machined and it is possible to see marks from the drawing process, but other than this they look good in the usual Mavic understated style. So far I’ve had no mechanical problems with the wheels and given at the same time in to their life my old Crossmax ST’s had popped a spoke twice and been to the LBS to have the spokes re-tensioned, it think that is good going.
Favorite Trail: Any of the Welsh trails centre single track
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$515.00
Similar Products Used: Crossmax ST, various hand built wheels with Mavic rims on Hope or Shimano XT hubs
Bike Setup: Commencal Meta 5.5 VIP, Fox Float 32 140mm, SDG I beam sadle and post. Juicy 7 185 F and R, Albert on F and Nobby Nic on the rear.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Joseef02
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami Beach, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Bottom Line:
This wheel has an amazing performance.It benefits from all the latest Mavic technologies such as Fore drilled rim that makes it more resistant and compatible with tubeless tires. The hubs are really nice. I use it to jump and give great results. Are the economic version of cross max!
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