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Submitted by
raceer2
a Weekend Warrior
from ma
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | none that I can see, given my experience.
there is a reason a) mavic only deals via dealers and b) iits impossible for a consumer to contact mavic direct ! | | Weaknesses: | very high maintenance, dodgy free hub, flawed hub design | | Similar Products Used: | american classic, dt swiss, no tubes | | Bike Setup: | xc 29r | | Bottom Line: | given the very high price tag they are a load of $%^t, stay away...plus mavic warranty sucks
want a very expensive paperweight ? no thanks
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Nesson
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | White Rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Mavic | | Strengths: | I'm looking for an older (1997-99, I think) crossmax rear hub. Mine just bit the dust. After thousands of miles it froze up fixed gear style. dnesson@yahoo.com | | Bottom Line: | Great wheel...it lasted forever. The rim and spokes are still in great shape. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alec
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan, Moro, Aliso, etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Path Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Overall durability... besides the hubs! | | Weaknesses: | Rear Hub | | Bike Setup: | Intense 5.5, Pike 454 Air, Pushed Fox RP3, Mavic CrossMax XLs, XTR/X0 components! | | Bottom Line: | I agree with everything that ((JMS from San Gabriel)) prior post below is stating regarding the CrossMax XL Hubs...
I did my 1st rear hub maintenance in 12-months last month and I used the new 2007 pawls, replaced the hub body (not upgraded for 2007), 2007 seal (no one had in stock). I had the LBS order one for me. Everything is working/sounding much better than before... most of the hub play went away, etc... But I know it will come back again soon. When the free play in the hub does come back, you'll notice your rear cassettes getting worn more quickly and/or start to make crackling noises. These hubs are not made for people over 140-pds and/or heavy loads/torque... they'll wear out quickly.
I'll probably keep these CrossMax XL's for my girls Santa Cruz Juliana since I just did the maintenance on them and build myself a set of the new I9's or Chris Kings...
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JMS
a
from San Gabriel
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | See previous review | | Weaknesses: | See previous review | | Similar Products Used: | See previous review | | Bike Setup: | See previous review | | Bottom Line: | As you all know this is the only down fall of these wheels.
If your cassette hub body has ever skipped a pawl, remove and inspect for small metal shaving, these will help chew up the hub spindle and piss you off.
Here is the fix for all us 2006 and down owners:
1. Buy a set of the 2007 pawls (#32430301)- Harder material (stainless steel, will/should not chip).
2. Buy a new cassette hub body (#M40580) (start fresh)
3. Most important! Buy the new seal (#99500001)! They claim this is the problem, it let's dirt in the hub and this creates a sand paper effect. The big concern is the nylon bushing built on the hub cassette body will grind (w/dirt) away at the hub shaft creating play, thus ruining it!
I think its the seal and soft pawls.
4. Use the Mavic Mineral Oil(I read Pedros Road Rage will work also).
They way the wheels are made are great, but the hub design will eventually wear away! So don't buy these wheels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
db
a Racer
from new england
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | look good | | Weaknesses: | hub body failed 3 times during 2 seasons. | | Similar Products Used: | spinergy, sunringle with hugi hubs (awesome) | | Bike Setup: | dean ti ht. everything bling. | | Bottom Line: | after many years of riding and building my own rigs and wheelsets, i have concluded that mavic are posers. mavic has a reputation that is nowhere near the quality of thier product. the hubs are terrible. i would never buy another set to build a wheelset again. ive tried building with the xc717 rims which are terrrible also. out of the box they had a piece of metal that was stuck between the spoke holes. had to send back. also my other set of rims has a flat spot so severe at the weld that i consider it junk after 1 season of lightweight xc racing. i dont do drops. and mavic doesnt take care of thier customers. after 15 rides (races) my hub failed and because i had the wheelset over 1 year they wouldnt warranty it even tho i only raced them about 15 times during that period. i think they should have made an exception in that case. anyway, like i said, they are existing off their name. their products are not worth the price they charge. my 2¢. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JMS
a Weekend Warrior
from San Gabriel, CA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | No Flex
Smooth rolling bearings
Overall strength | | Weaknesses: | One and one only!
The damn hub design! | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trance, XT group, XL wheels, Thomson group, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | As you all know this is the only down fall of these wheels.
If your cassette hub body has ever skipped a pawl, remove and inspect for small metal shaving, these will help chew up the hub spindle and piss you off.
Here is the fix for all us 2006 and down owners:
1. Buy a set of the 2007 pawls - Harder material (stainless steel, will/should not chip).
2. Buy a new cassette hub body (start fresh)
3. Most important! Buy the new seal! They claim this is the problem, it let's dirt in the hub and this creates a sand paper effect. The big concern is the nylon bushing built on the hub cassette body will grind (w/dirt) away at the hub shaft creating play, thus ruining it!
I think its the seal and soft pawls.
4. Use the Mavic Mineral Oil(I read Pedros Road Rage will work also).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Burke
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Case Moutain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with Jamis XLT 3.0 | | Strengths: | The rim itself holds up | | Weaknesses: | Stay away from this HUB! I have replaced the outer hub and pawls 4 times since last spring; pawls break continuosly throwing all out of round and necessitating a new outer hub. The cost is $45.00 for the part. Mavic has helped me out 2 times but will not do so again as of my most recent claim I placed with them via a bike shop...they will not speak with customer directly. They blame me and admit no fault in product design. I was vindicated when I read so many similar reviews. I have also maintained the hub per their web site instructions after my first break. This maintenace schedule was previously unknown to me or any bike shop I use. The directions only came online last spring and are an add on. They were not included in the owners manual. (Mavic has taken their phone number off their web site. Does this tell you anything.) | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano. Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | Cross Country | | Bottom Line: | I would never by a rim that uses this HUB setup again. Stay away! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Stettler
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee,WI
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | light,indestructable | | Weaknesses: | only one you can't use a burly saint derailer | | Similar Products Used: | all the standard stuff | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth moment,Fox 36,raceface,crossmaxxl | | Bottom Line: | had them for three years,never a problem,except for crashing and bending the rim,my fault not the wheels. reading everybody cry is typical.I'm an auto mechanic and nobody understands maintenance!! get a clue anything breaks unless you maintain it!! granted this is wisconsin but there are all different terrains lift access to urbanriding and a ton of crosscountry. I have no simpathy for all of you whiners. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Stettler
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee,WI
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | light,indestructable | | Weaknesses: | only one you can't use a burly saint derailer | | Similar Products Used: | all the standard stuff | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth moment,Fox 36,raceface,crossmaxxl | | Bottom Line: | had them for three years,never a problem,except for crashing and bending the rim,my fault not the wheels. reading everybody cry is typical.I'm an auto mechanic and nobody understands maintenance!! get a clue anything breaks unless you maintain it!! granted this is wisconsin but there are all different terrains lift access to urbanriding and a ton of crosscountry. I have no simpathy for all of you whiners. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Defective design | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Blur | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup review - one year later after having a hub replaced after 2 months - see earlier reviews for story on terrible service from Mavic. I cleaned it, tightened it, watched it, I really thought it was OK. Today while riding it failed completely - rotates freely both ways.
If you don't mind paying for new hub every 6 months and having to walk out from deep into your ride, this hub is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Chester, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankford Bicycles | | Strengths: | This review is for the XL version of the wheel / hub. Stays extremely true. Took a 1" stick through the rear spokes just after purchasing and the wheel still stayed true. Imagine doing that with regular spokes. UST also is much better than riding with tubes. | | Weaknesses: | Freehub. After 2 years and 1500 miles, there's play in the freehub, enough to cause concern. Was told by LBS that the freehub contains a fiber washer that wears out and has to be replaced but you have to have a new freehub, not just the washer. Poor design if that is the case. Problem was discovered after the freehub refused to turn in reverse, which turned out to be worn pawls what had to be replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR, XT. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bottom Line: | Not worth the money. This is the first issue I've had with a freehub over the many years I've been riding. That, coupled with the specific spokes for the hubs, make ordering an alternative hub and reutilizing the existing spokes impossible. Will ensure that I purchase some other version of UST next time, can get 2 sets of wheels and hubs for what these cost. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scarface
a Racer
from massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any -as long as i'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | light, fast, pretty | | Weaknesses: | rear hub | | Similar Products Used: | spinergy cyclone disc | | Bike Setup: | sworks fsr, xtr, hayes | | Bottom Line: | i use these wheels on my race bike for racing only. after 25 rides i had to replace the freewheel body. broken pawls and damaged inside the body. treated these wheels like they were the crown jewels. shouldnt have problems after so few rides on an $800 wheelset. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | still straight | | Weaknesses: | The freewheel is the biggest piece of junk on the planet. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano freewheels without any bother/maintanance for yrs | | Bottom Line: | My freewheel literally fell apart (i.e. the whole cluster/freewheel fell off!) while I was investigating poor shifting /chain suck after only a months riding. The whole thing was full of metal fragments with a lot of wear given its age and there were burrs on the lateral edges of the pawls so they wouldn't disengage into their little recesses properly. I cleaned it out and filed the burrs (only lateral edges nothing on the engaging surfaces) and the local Mavic distributor is hinting that this has probably voided my warranty. Buy anything else but not this, just not worth the risk for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a
from europe
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | I got them at a very discounted price. The first set from a friend and the second as a replacement. From my experience I would be pissed if I had to pay retail. | | Weaknesses: | The rear hub/free whell has failed on both sets. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager | | Bottom Line: | Bought the first set from a friend. All was fine for a few months...Free hub failed...Luckily I am friends with the dealer at the NATO base in Germany, got a second set of Crossmax XL...guess what the free wheel failed again. I have been riding for 10 years now and have never had this problem with another wheel set. I have read alot about these only being good for race day...I agree...I am about to contact Mavic and see what there reply will be... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dnevr, CO
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojo Wheels | | Bottom Line: | An update to the review below. After several more attempts by the bike shop, Mavic finally relented and replaced the rear wheel and hub. Still out of a bike for almost 4 weeks, not crazy about the service. I'll update in one year or whenever it breaks whichever happens first. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Highland
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojo Wheels | | Strengths: | None - hub completely shot after 2 months. While turning up a switchback, the freewheel went completely out almost causing a loss of valuable jewels! | | Weaknesses: | What can I say? An over 50 XC rider wears out a hub in 2 months? When opened up it was loose and unevenly worn. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT, XTR White Bros. | | Bike Setup: | Blur w discs | | Bottom Line: | This hub might work on hardtails but isn't built to take the stress of an active suspsension like the Blur. As others with problems have stated in their reviews, Mavic does not stand behind its product and refused to replace or rebuild it. I've ridden mountain bikes for 15 years and never had a problem like this. 1 flamin chili isn't low enough for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Waterville
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bird Sanctuary | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Super light, durable, and cool. | | Weaknesses: | If you're going to make the tools on an $800 proprietary, at least give us metal tools with them. Ceramic coating chips (who cares?) and decals peel. Plastic housing on the skewer breaks (but the skewer still works). | | Similar Products Used: | Crossmax (non UST), Hugi w/ mavic rims | | Bike Setup: | Specialized frame, full XTR, Thomson post and stem, Easton bar, King headset, & Marathon fork. | | Bottom Line: | There are the best wheels I've ridden. Two years of racing and only trued once, not even a single flat. No experience with customer service with new wheels, but my old Crossmax rear free hub pulled apart after 5 years and they warrenteed it (although made me pay $75 for a new rim because the old one was cracking around the nipples and they wouldn't re-lace it. In essence, getting a brand spankin' new rear wheel for $75). My first set of Crossmax was race for 6 years, with the last year on the new hub, then sold to a friend who put them on his 15 year old son's bike and are still being raced to this day. I have Mavic wheels on all my bikes (and my girlfriend's bike) and have only ever had the one problem with the freehub. Ceramic coating chips on the rim, but who really cares? It's a mt bike, if it's not banged up, you aren't riding enough. You can get damn good wheels for much less, but if you can justify the price, they're well worth it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Have only needed to tighten Spokes once in almost 3 years and about 1000+ mls | | Weaknesses: | None but cost. | | Similar Products Used: | Mavic CrossLinks | | Bike Setup: | Volvo Team Ed. F5000sl,All Sram 9/0sl d.train,C/F bar, CrossMax rims, Hayes Hydro. Disc, Thompson s.post. | | Bottom Line: | Well worth the $$ if you are a larger guy who wants less weight and rims that will not need to be trued after every few rides.
Check online for sales and used since they are not "light" enough for some XC geeks.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bulger
a Racer
from Orem, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | RidgeTrail 157 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | NONE: Other than looking way cool | | Weaknesses: | Mavic CrossMax UST wheels completely self-destructed. The spokes on the drive train side catastrophically ripped out, and Mavic did not stand behind their product. Both the CrossMax UST wheel set and Mavic as a company have failed. | | Bike Setup: | Trek Carbon fiber OCLV with Sid Race Fork, all XTR components, BeeBop peddles, Easton bar, Thomson stem, all top of the line stuff. | | Bottom Line: | My experience with Mavic CrossMax Wheels has been one of utter and total dissatisfaction with both the CrossMax wheels and Mavic as a company.
First: the idea that Mavic CrossMax UST (tubeless) wheels will prevent snakebites is a farce. In other words what happens is that instead of the rim cutting through an inner-tube the rim will cut through the tire, usually with one cut right next to the rim so that the tire is impossible to repair, i.e., instead of costing $2 for a new tube you will pay over $40 for a new tire. Solution, keep your tires pumped up to the same pressure you would use for tube tires. However, being able to ride on lower pressures and not get pinch flats is what UST was suppose to accomplish—i.e., Mavic’s CrossMax UST’s do not give you the low pressure tire performance as promised.
Second: The Mavic CrossMax UST rear wheel kept going out of true after every ride as a couple of the spokes were constantly unscrewing. The wheel was sent back to Mavic only to find out that the $50 delivery charge, $25 each direction, was imposed on the customer, i.e. me! Not only was this manufacture defect an expensive fix for the customer, but it also took over a month for Mavic to get the wheel back.
Thirdly: The Mavic CrossMax UST rear wheel totally ripped apart while doing a climb in the middle of nowhere. Several of the spokes on the drive-train side, cracked the rim, and tore right out—very ugly and an hour and a half hike-a-bike back to the car. Note: you will notice that there are other mtbreview complaints about the Mavic CrossMax UST wheel spokes just ripping out of the rims on the drive-train side.
Adding insult over injury, and to rub more salt into the wounds, it took over a month, once again, before Mavic informed the local bike shop that Mavic was not going to warranty the repeat offending CrossMax UST wheel and that the customer was going to be charged $25 for shipping the wheel to Mavic. (To be absolutely honest, Mavic did offer to fix the Wheel for $350!) By the way, Mavic still has the doG damn wheel. Do you think Mavic will have the audacity to charge an additional $25 for returning the defective wheel to the customer?
Finally: If you still are thinking about buying some Mavic wheels because you just can’t imagine riding hard enough to have any of the problems I have just mentioned, save yourself some money and buy a Huffy at Wal-Mart and take the wheels. The Huffy wheels will be much more reliable than those made by Mavic, and even if that is not the case, it will certainly be the case that Wal-Mart will have a better return policy than Mavic.
For the future: Avoid buying Mavic products as they do not stand behind their product and they have crappy customer service. Instead, build up your wheels with Hugi or Chris King hubs and a good rim and you will have a much stronger, stiffer, and reliable wheel than any Mavic CrossMax UST wheels.
Mavic CrossMax UST wheels are crap and most of all the company sucks big time with regards to standing behind their products. I lost time, money and got blisters on my feet! Like many other customers, I am phucking pissed off at Mavic’s customer service and Mavic’s phucking poor quality products.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
soron
a
from santacruz
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, strong, and tubeless. | | Weaknesses: | None...after three years of racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Spinergy, Rolf, Ritchey, custom wheels w/King hubs and Bontrager rims. | | Bike Setup: | Independent Fabrication w/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Lots of people whine about how difficult it is to mount a tire, flats and other stuff, but if you're a halfway decent mechanic and marginally skilled rider, you'll love these wheels. I've had absolutly no trouble with them in three years of racing and riding. I think most of the complaints out there have something to do with operator error. And if these wheels werent' tubeless, they'd still be among the best...they're stiff, reliable and fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a
from Fort Erie
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Short Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | STRONG, LIGHT, FAST | | Weaknesses: | They seem to maybe flex a bit. Here the front wheel rub the front brake pads when cranking. Could be the forks though. I'm 170 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Cross lands..XTR\517's | | Bike Setup: | FULL XTR, Ti frame | | Bottom Line: | I am very surprised how well these wheels have stood up to my abuse. I have ridden them very hard the last couple months and have not had to touch them. Hope they stay that way. Too bad there so dam expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City Michigan
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Country | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light fast stiff and the ceramic braking surface rules | | Weaknesses: | none for me | | Bike Setup: | Trek OCLV Sids full XTR Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | Used these wheels for a year and absolutly love them. I am 140lbs and have experienced no flex, but i am very light. Worth every penny. the acceleration is awesome and the light weight is easliy noticiable over my old wheelset. Climbs great and the ceramic braking surface with the XTR v brakes is a strong combo. Highly recomended. If you are a heavier rider, they may not be as stiff, but the weight is worth it. five huge flammin poop piles GO MAVIC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat McNamar
a Cross-Country Rider
from Crested Butte CO
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Upper Upper-Strand Hill | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great looks, super customer service from Mavic. Strong (with exception) light wheelset. | | Weaknesses: |
Weak rear hub | | Similar Products Used: |
Rev-X | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | Great wheels. I am a 190 pound agressive rider and have taken these wheels over rocks in Moab, mud, rocks and roots in Crested Butte and even a mud to the hubs three day event in Lutsen Minnesota. I did finally shear off the rear cassette hub in a wild 2 mile rocky downhill in Moab. My local bike shop mailed the wheel to Mavic for $5.00 and a complete new rear wheel was returned to me within two weeks. Out of warranty but no charge. Can't beat that. No chipping of the ceramic after 2100 miles. Pricey but probably worth the dollars, just remember you have to walk the walk if you're going to talk the talk! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Scottsdale
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dynamite | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Super Light and Durable
No Problems
Absolutly the stiffest race wheel out! | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Most other high end wheels | | Bike Setup: |
GT Zaskar LE | | Bottom Line: | No questions asked the best race wheelset on the market. The best combination of light weight and stiffness. I can't imagine what some people were thinking when they said these wheels flex. If you can flex Crossmax's you should do one of two things, buy Dee-max's or lose some weight. Basically these are the best race wheels around but if you are a downhiller or freerider maybe you should look for something a bit beefier. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SEAN
a Cross-Country Rider
from SAN DIEGO, CA.
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
LIGHT WEIGHT, STRONG | | Weaknesses: |
CERAMIC CHIPS OFF EASILY | | Bike Setup: |
SCHWINN HOMEGROWN HARDTAIL,FULL XTR, MARZOC Z2 ATOM80 2000 MODEL, CROSSMAX WHEELS, KING HEADSET | | Bottom Line: | GREAT WHEELSET. GOT MINE FOR $429.00 TOTAL! EVERYONE WHO IS WHINNING BECAUSE OF BROKEN SPOKES GET OVER IT. THEY ARE MOUNTAIN BIKE WHEELS NOT FINE CHINA. THESE BABIES ARE LIGHT AND FAST! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Da King
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Nederland, CO (anywhere) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
LIghtweight, durability | | Weaknesses: |
Flex, cost | | Similar Products Used: |
Ritchey OCR, Spinergy, Custom wheels | | Bike Setup: |
Ibis Mojo, RS sid,spare parts, and a little duct tape | | Bottom Line: | These are surprisingly tough wheels to haul my 200# butt around the mountain. The accelleration is impressive, and the weight is noticeablly light on climbs. They do flex a bit, particularly in corners.
The sweet buzz of the freehub makes it sound like you're going much faster than you are! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross-Country Rider
from ont Can
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I have the disc version they have 2000 miles plus no problems | | Weaknesses: |
I have yet to experance any | | Similar Products Used: |
many | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis el diablo fox float | | Bottom Line: | mavic have prodused a great disc wheel total 1610 grs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Racer
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tiger Mt | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stealth bomber looks,
Stealthy silence when not peddaling | | Weaknesses: |
Water proofness,
Cost,
Expensive replacement cartriges | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR hubs,
XT hubs | | Bike Setup: |
Kona King Kahuna,
SRAM, Race Face,Syncros | | Bottom Line: | Do not use these mucho dinero pieces on an everyday basis. They can't handle it. I ride through mud, water, and other wicked terrain and the hubs just don't have the design to withstand the torture. I've replaced the cartriges with Mavic (expensive) bearings after 6 muddy months and after the summer I need to replace them again. The dreamy silence of the hubs has been replaced with a crappy clicking. These are raceday only. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cooldaddy
a Cross-Country Rider
from OKC
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
South Boundry, Taos | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light, Ceramic, looks, Mavic service. | | Weaknesses: |
Not very durable, sometimes flexy | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR/517/32dt | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized M2 + superfly + XTR | | Bottom Line: | I've had these wheels for almost 2 years now. In combination with light tires and tubes they are superlight, but so are some new wheels these days. The front wheel has been very good to me, but I've had problems with the rear wheel. Broke one spoke one day. Next all the spokes on the drive-side start to pull trough the rim. Returned wheel to Mavic, after several weeks I receive a brand new wheel, no questions asked. Some people have lots of problems with Mavic but not me. Received a new CrossLand rim once after racing several times in the mud - no side wall left - no question asked replacement and I didn't have to send in the wheel, my LBS replaxed the rim, no problem.
These wheel are not for agressive riders, they are simply too light. Smooth people shouldn't have any problems with them. I ride and race them everywhere, from hard pack race courses to boulderfields and bad Jeep roads and they work fine for me. They need to be trued once in a while but that's a good excuse to visit the shop. The ceramic has chipped in a few places but that has not caused any break problems. I give these wheels 4 stars based on my experience with them. When I need new wheels in the near future I may go with King hubs and 517's or something, just for a change though... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ole Dossing
a Cross-Country Rider
from Copenhagen
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Low weight, great look and great accelerations and great breaking | | Weaknesses: |
Free wheel pawls jumped. New pawls and springs cured problem. | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR/Synchro | | Bike Setup: |
Giant MCM team, XTR, Maniteu SX TI | | Bottom Line: | Very great overall performance. Yes, they flex, but who cares? Too bad that MAVIC did not redesign the free wheel despite the weakness has been reported throughout the wheel set's life cycle. As for the Ceramic braking surface, its great in all conditions and I find no scars after one year on intensive usage. I tried pads specifically designed for ceramic, but found the Shimano standard pad much better! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANDREA
a Weekend Warrior
from BIELLA,ITALY
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
NORTH WEST ALPS | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
VERY LIGHT
THEY LOOK GREAT !!!
THE CERAMIC RIMS STOP YOU IN ALL CONDITIONS VERY WELL | | Weaknesses: |
THEY FLEX A LOT WHEN OUT OF THE SADDLE (I'M 85KG)
AFTER 1 YEAR USE, THE BACK SPOKES MAKE A STRANGE NOISE WHEN UP HILL. | | Similar Products Used: |
MAVIC 217 SUP WITH SHIMANO HUBS | | Bike Setup: |
MOUNTAIN CYCLE SAN ANDREAS
XT GROUP
MAGURA BRAKES
WHITE BROTHER FORK | | Bottom Line: | AFTER 3000KM I NEVER HAD ANY STRUCTURAL PROBLEM , THEY FLEX WHEN OUT OF THE SADDLE BUT AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE LIGHT AND RESPONSIVE.
I THINK IS A VERY GOOD PRODUCT THAT CAN BE IMPROVED (THE 2000 VERSION I HOPE!)
TRUST THEM!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Green Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light | | Weaknesses: |
Not durable, poorly made | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR, Hugi, Mavic, Bontrager | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBB, SID | | Bottom Line: | The wheels are light but I have had a variety of nonrepairable problems. First, I blew out the rear hub. Then I got chips in the front wheel ceramic. Next the rear wheel turned into a lasagna noodle. It trued fairly easily, but would not stay true. I usually do not bend rims. The rim is so thin that you have to be really careful tightening the spokes or oyu will pull through the rim, like I did on the trail. These are good wheels if you can afford to use these only for racing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Costa Mesa
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
San Juan | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Lite | | Weaknesses: |
chipping of ceramic coating. Cost$$$ | | Similar Products Used: |
crosslands-rear hub died!!! | | Bike Setup: |
LTS | | Bottom Line: | Dont buy these if you ride rocky trails. I have 5 major chips in the ceramic after only 1 month of riding. Getting quick service from Mavic seems to be impossible. Too expensive also. Buy from a company with better, quicker customer service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yohji
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bukit Timah, Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bukit Timah | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very light, incredibly smooth and very good looking. | | Weaknesses: |
Expensive | | Similar Products Used: |
Mavic 221 /w Specialized Stout hubs | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Specialized FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I bought it 2nd hand from the bikeshop but its still as smooth as new and when I opened up to see the bearings, the grease was still nicely packed .. not a single drop of water is able to get into the hub. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Hampton
a Racer
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Black Mountain, Pisgah National Forest in NC | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light? Great braking. Smooth hubs early. Style. Had to true only once in a year | | Weaknesses: |
Crappy decals, crappy hubs, crappy rim. Reliabilty. Lateral flex. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cane Creek Team WAMs | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher SUpercali, Curtlo Advanced Mountaineer. Both hard tails. 98 SID. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the bottom line. Wheel's were OEM on a Fisher. Hubs immediately began to get rough a need a lot of attention. The wheel flex bad up front. After one year of riding, gone was the ceramic in big pathches. Fir enough but then the front completely implodes after a minor tweak on a root. Screw em. The Cane Creeks have been very stiff so far but I miss the ceramic. Sorry - There is just a lot better wheels out there now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Klausmeyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Jensen Beach FL
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the next one | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, esthetics, well made | | Weaknesses: |
cost when bought full price, special tools, front hubs occ. need loc-tite | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis Dakar Sport (98)
Z-1 Bam front, Risse Termonator Rear, XTR, Race Face sl, | | Bottom Line: | I searched this site for light weight wheelsets and found this pair, new, for $600, shipped, with all the fixin's. If you have the cash, they are the bomb. I ride all kind of stuff and have not had a problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtndew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Barrington, NH
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Awesome Look. Strong and light! | | Weaknesses: |
Broken in less than six months | | Similar Products Used: |
sun | | Bike Setup: |
Joshua ZO XT/XTR JUDY SL
ROCK SHOX DELUX | | Bottom Line: | i got back from riding the other night and noticed the same thing two other riders mentioned. a crack around the valve stem hole. no apparant damage or hits. the tire is still inflated. hopefully, Mavic will cover this...but I love the wheels. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitchman
a Cross-Country Rider
from You know MARIN!
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Shall I say it again!
LIGHT & STIFF
Ceramic surface on rims stop you on a dime. | | Weaknesses: |
High-Maintainace
$$$$ | | Similar Products Used: |
Blondes | | Bike Setup: |
Rox Shock Air SL's
Airborne TI, 98 XTR | | Bottom Line: | Treat them right and they will take care of you.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Maddox
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orem, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hog Hollow | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Mavic, Ceramic, incredible braking. | | Weaknesses: |
The rear hub is a time bomb. Four of my partners and I have all blown the rear hubs. We asked the Mavic rep for an explanation. The best he could come up with was that we live and ride in Utah. That, in our opinion, was not a good excuse for hub failure. In other words, he didn't have an explanation.Bottom line for me is that I can't afford to pay $800 for a wheelset that's going to fail in the middle of a ride. I switched the rear to a Bontrager Valiant Ceramic w/ DT Swiss, and a King Hub--solid wheel. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mavic 217, 230/231, 517
Bontrager red/blue
Bontrager Mustangs and Valiants | | Bike Setup: |
Ibis Mojo, XTR, Marzocchi SuperFly, Speedplay Frogs, Conti Pro 1 and Pro 2 tires. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line for me is that I can't afford to pay $800 for a wheelset that's going to fail in the middle of a ride. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem spending money for high quality products, I just hate having to stop a ride because of a mechanical failure. I switched the rear to a Bontrager Valiant Ceramic w/ DT Swiss, and a King Hub--solid wheel. I still use a CrossMax on the front. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Larsson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong,Light. Relatively cheap= 550 USD in Sweden | | Weaknesses: |
Non yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Bonrager Mustang | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Attitude,Judy SL long, XTR all the way | | Bottom Line: | Superb Wheels for 550US-Dollars. Spinergy Wheelssets in Sweden is about 900US-Dollars, and the Spinergys weighs tons | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MEAT
a Racer
from GAINESVILLE,GA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
CHICOPEE WOODS | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
SUPER STRONG
LIGHT | | Weaknesses: |
NONE YET | | Similar Products Used: |
MAVIC 223 DISC SPECIFIC, CROSSLANDS | | Bike Setup: |
CANNONDALE TEAM REPLICA | | Bottom Line: | I AM USING CROSSMAX DISC ON MY C'DALE TEAM REPLICA WITH NO PROBLEMS. I AM A FAIRLY AGGRESSIVE RIDER AND RACE IN THE CLYDESDALE DIVISION(220lbs). SO FAR SO GOOD. THE DISC HUBS SEEM TO BE VERY STRONG. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Capt Mad Max
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ramstein, Germany
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bad Kreuznach | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Solid rims
Light
Cool factor | | Weaknesses: |
Cost to obtain
Cost to repair | | Bike Setup: |
97 C'dale Super V3K | | Bottom Line: | I think these rims are brilliant. I got them as standard issue on my Super V3K and have no problems, although I was warned that if anything breaks it could be costly. Well, I have hammered them and have had no problems whatsoever. I am a relatively light rider (165 pounds) and only use them on one of my full suspension C'dales. They are light, strong, and hold out well in corners. I have had no problems with the braking surface, althought I get a little squeaking from my XTR v-brakes, a bracket has leveled that out for the most part. I've race these rims and they held up fine, and I look forward to many years of good use out of them. For heavier/harder riders, I would recommend disk brake set-ups. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jez Newsome
a Cross-Country Rider
from Preston, Lancs,UK
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bowderdale & the Calf | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light and have stayed true through some heavy winter riding.
excellent handling and acceleration (noticeable improvement) | | Weaknesses: |
Ceramic Coating appears thin and rear has picked up loads of chips. Wheels have to be retunred to France for service.
Braking not improved from normal rims | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Canondale F1000SL | | Bottom Line: | I love the ride and the looks of these wheels but have been disapointed with the problems with the ceramic rim coating (both wheels are now being returned to be re-rimmed)after only 3 months use (they have had some UK winter hammer in this time though). I am now tempted to sell them for a set of Disc wheels (can't wear out the rim!!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
No Track | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Nice light wheel | | Weaknesses: |
Hub split and took 3 months to fix a problem This is too LONG! | | Bike Setup: |
Came as standard equipment on Fisher bike | | Bottom Line: | Hope you don't have a problem and expect to get it fixed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gwaeilo
a Racer
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Front still works OK | | Weaknesses: |
Rear wheel has had 1 broken hub, one broke spoke and now has completely disintegrated, almost evey spoke hole has cracks around it and a couple have pulled right out | | Similar Products Used: |
217's which also crack | | Bike Setup: |
C'dale hard tail, Y33 | | Bottom Line: | Rear is officialy dead, might try to warranty it but think its probably out of time. There were light and I am a big guy (6'5 & 200lbs). The rear failed during an extended trip to nepal, its lucky I had a spare wheel along! Rating Front 4, rear 2 (see earlier reviews as well) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Racer
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Weight, durability, smooth hubs and good looks.
(Mine weigh less than the ones in the comparison.1520g f/r.) | | Weaknesses: |
Can`t repair them yourselfe. | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR/517/revolution,
White/117/dt,
Hope/217/revolution | | Bike Setup: |
Heckler with mostly XTR and the fab Pace Evo2 fork. | | Bottom Line: | Truly unbeliveble strenght to weight ratio! Raced them for almost a year, trail- and even some DH-riding with no problems at all. I weigh about 185lbs.
If or when they need to be replaced I know what to get! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winston
a Cross-Country Rider
from Auckland NZ
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
weight - acceleration
lateral stiffness
improved bike handling in rough terrain | | Weaknesses: |
inside surface of rim may fail before spokes or eyelets (mine did)
ONLY mavic magicians can provide maintenance- how sad
price - mine are 2nd hand or I guess I wouldn't own them. | | Similar Products Used: |
XT/Ritchey Taiwanese robot-builds & asymmetrical designs. | | Bike Setup: |
23lb hardtail | | Bottom Line: | My bike feels lighter, accelerates quicker and handles better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Way strong | | Weaknesses: |
Delicate rear hub, bearings are cheap and need to be pressed in and out to replace | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR 517 revolution | | Bottom Line: | An addendum to my review below. XTR/517/32revolution spokes/alloy nipples is actually 30g lighter than X-max, not 50g heavier. Besides the lower cost and weight savings, it has occured to me that I can completely replace the bearings in the XTR hubs in about 10 minutes for $0.25. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARK
a Weekend Warrior
from SINGAPORE
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, Strong, Light, light, light | | Weaknesses: |
none discovered so far | | Similar Products Used: |
Sun metal + Ringle hubs | | Bike Setup: |
Hardtail Loadstar Mag bike, SID SL front, XTR throughout | | Bottom Line: | If you've got the moolah to spend, these are the ultimate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ti_Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light and strong! | | Weaknesses: |
Durability | | Bike Setup: |
Seven Cycles Ti Sola and SID | | Bottom Line: | I've had my X-max set for over 2 years and have used and abused them. The front wheel has been bomb-proof and has never needed any attention. The rear wheel is a different story. I've busted 1 spoke and had the rear hub overhauled by Mavic twice. It went back a third time and came back as a brand spanking new rear wheel. No questions asked by Mavic or explanation as to what the problem was. From what I figured, there was way too much play in the rear axle. I could easily move the axle 2-3 mm side to side. If the play was removed, then free-wheel would no longer free wheel and would suck the chain around the cassette during coasting. 5 stars for Mavic's customer service, 5 stars for weight (or lack thereof), and 4 for durability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Racer
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
liteweight, looks trick, and stronger than other wheel sets that i have owned.and i have only used them i one race so far this season. | | Weaknesses: |
the front wheel is being set back to mavic as i write this ! just like the guy from tenn. i had a split in the rim between the hole where the valve stem is and the eyelet next to it! no bent spokes scratches etc...weird huh? | | Similar Products Used: |
my other set of wheels is XTR hubs and mavic 217 rims, the wheels are ok for general use, but i have problems with the nipples being pulled out on the rear drive side, after about six months of use. | | Bike Setup: |
these wheels are on my c-dale race bike and with c-max & XTR set up it weighs in at 21.7lbs | | Bottom Line: | bottom line on these wheels is that...they better fix the problem! i have had my set less than two months and i just hope this is a Freak accident with them! otherwise i can really tell a great diffrence with these wheels in acceleration/brake'n over my XTR/217 wheel set. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Too many! | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Great for racing and generally going in a straight line . Forget it if you have a nanosecond of inspiration and decide to hop , drop off or anything else . Lateral strength does not inspire confidence . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a racer
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my wheels for 6 months. The front wheel is perfect, never had a problem. After three monthes I broke the rear hub, sent it back to mavic, and 13 days later (with thanksgiving in that 13 days) they sent me a whole new wheel, new rim and hub....now thats great customer service!!! Now 3 months later, I had a rock hit the inside of the rim between the valve and the spokes and put a hole in the rim. The rim is still strong and true so I'm gonna still use it. I think this damage is a freak think...not a problem with x max's.I have 2 friens with x mas's that are 1 year and 1 1/2 years old. neither of them have had any problems. To my knowledge, there have only been 2 other hub failures from customers from my local shop. overall- good rating, but i feel that they need to work on there rear hub--there should be no hubs breaking. I'm sure they will strengthen there hubs if they get enough warrenty claims. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a racer
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a pair of these oem on a Zaskar LE and was sooo happy. That was until the rear hub shell snapped and turned the bike into a track bike. Apparently because the freehub slips over the hub shell, even the slightest play will cause it to wobble and crack the hub shell. A month and a half later I got a new wheel back from Mavic, which was nice and was back on my way. A month after that, I figured out that the warranty wheel was undertensioned and flexing like mad. Fortunately that was a problem I could fix myself. Then I noticed the chips in the ceramic. I know most of you haven't had this problem, but there's a lot of scree around here which puts these dings in rather quickly. Mavic warrantied that as well, though it took another month. I sold them with the bike. If you stay out of the rocks, keep that rear axle tight (loctite), and don't mind pressing out bearings to replace them ($20 each), the wheels WILL impress you with their strength and enduring trueness.
I have to wonder if they're worth it. An XTR/Revolution/alloy nipples/517 set weighs less than 50 grams more (remember, Mavic understates the weights by 25 grams/wheel and doesn't include the quick releases) and can be serviced by anyone with a little know-how, including the bearings. Seems like a better bet to me at less than 1/2 the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Traverse City
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked mine up at a bike shop for only 680 a set. The guy gave me a little deal. These things are awesome. I have been running a White ind. Ti rear hub for about five years laced to a few different rims, and the Max far out accelerate my old wheeels. While the actual weight difference from my old set to the Maxes is minimal these things feel alot faster in real life. There very stiff and the ceramic coating rocks the house when combined with XTR v-brakes. My only complaint is the tools a little cheesy but you dont use hardly ever. The bags are great for storing stuff in the trunk on trips Keeps everything in one place and you paid for them so you better use them Overall a great wheel P.S. to all the guys having problems with bearings and ext. Granted these wheels are stong but if your 220 and always jumping around there probaly not going to take the abuse well, remember is still a light weight racing wheelset no matter how much you hype up the strength | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winston Endall
a cross-country rider
from cambridge,ON,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I manager, Cycle Cambridge, a shop in (you guessed it) Cambridge, Ontario and I'm surprised to read about all the problems people are having with Crossmax wheels. I've ridden a pair for 12 months with no problems what so ever. I rode them on my hard tail and my full suspension bike. I ride like an idiot and really like rocky technical terrain. I've sold quite a few pairs and other than a rim dent from running tire pressure to low, none of my customers have had any complaints. Perfectly straight, bearings are still smooth and the brake surface is still in one piece. I agree with people that they are bordering on obscenely expensive but what would the sport be like without ridiculous product for people to lust after. To people who are wrecking them I can only say sorry about your luck. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Conan
a racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels are plenty stiff. But THESE HUBS ARE CRAP, they are nice and crunchy. But I am a big guy 175 and are a hard rider and the wheels are still true and I have been rideing these things for 3 years and other than haveing to replace the barings they are O.K. but they do cost to mutch and it takes forever to get parts | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john parker
a cross-country rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive had my set for 7 months and found them to be the best wheelset ive ever owned. Ive raced em , crashed em ,and flogged em and there still going strong.
The thing i found was when i crash em,they may need truing,but when my mates crash theres, there up for new rims.
As for servicing-i believe in some of what i read.
Alot of people complain about the price but its nice to have something different out on the trail than what everybody else is riding.
If you think there to dear -dont buy em. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pancho
a cross-country rider
from the flat desolate prairies, canada
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The nicest set of wheels you ever want to own if you never want to talk to the company- Have a question, LBS can't help you out, forget about contacting mavic- I don't think they exist- and what's up with that shitty plastic tool- for $1000 I figure they could have done away with the bags and given us a tool with a lifespan greater than that of a fruitfly- Don't think of going near water with these wheels- I've seen pasta with better water resistance- we'll see if warrantee is good. let you know later. for new performance=5, 6 month perfomance=3, the tool=-5, warrantee=? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from WesternNC
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Being a larger than average rider (6'4, 220), I ride big. For one year on the muddy, loamy trails of the Southern Appalachians I have ridden a 'Max on front and 217 Ceramic/ XTR (Hand-built) hung on back. I ride without worry one about my wheels. Mavic's ceramic coating can chip (read the manual you whiners) but this does not affect the excelent braking advantages (over non ceramics) or cause undue pad wear. These wheels are Tonka Tough. I haven't laid a wrench to the 'Max once, even after some really hard landings (even my soft landings aren't so soft). I still have much more riding to do on this set.
This set up work's great for my size and style, I can recomend to anyone who rides the muck and doesn't want to jump to disks the 'Max is the deal.
I give it 5 flaming chiles, hold the Beano. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a set of Criss Max wheels and really love them. I was most impressed when I picked up a large stick that got caught in the spokes and actually snapped my rear der. in halve without so much as bending the spokes or knocking the whee out of true. geeting replacement spokes might be a problem and costly. luckily I didn't need it like I would have with my old ti spoke wheels. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a racer
from Houston
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had two sets of Maxes and like a couple of other listings here, I can't see riding on anthing else again. I had one spoke pull out of the rim and Mavic gave me a new wheel (thru LBS) no questions asked. Otherwise, minor truings on the rears, never touched the fronts. One set is on a Proflex 957 full suspension bike and the other set is on a Dagger hardtail. Both bikes have been raced, ridden in all conditions good and bad and these are the only wheels I own for the bikes. I just can't say enough good about them, light, strong, stiff. They are spendy but if you want something to last it's worth it. I know several bikeshop employees who have new sets stashed in case Mavic ever discontinues them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skippy Scott
a racer
from Royal Oak, MI
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden and raced these wheels for 1.5 years and about 5,000 miles. The front has never required truing while the back needed a couple nipples turned. The front bearings need replacement as they are starting to complain. I've had no problems with the rear during extended rides at 10F. I love the way they lighten my bike and help me accelerate faster. Oh, and they look great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Molloy
a cross-country rider
from Lancashire,UK
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Funny. I just looked on the site re rear hub intermittent failure after a really cold day's ride in Northern England. What do I find but that someone else from US also seems to have same problem with pawls on rear hub freezing in low temperatures. Is there a cure for this? Otherwise a great set of wheels | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a weekend warrior
from Wass B.C.
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I was riding down the road when I hit a pot hole and the front wheel tacoed. This isnt a big deal but the spokes pierced my left calf muscle. Then to make things even worse it rusty and I got an infection, thus leading to an amputation. Not to mention the school bus accident, but thats another story. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Fisher
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Anyone besides me have the rear hub pawls freeze up on you in cold weather? No stream crossings or mud involved -- not at 11 degrees F! Just plain cold!! Sometimes the pawls would engage, most times they wouldn't. Prior to this I loved 'em, chipped ceramic coating and all! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gwaeilo
a cross-country rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Review No.3Rear xmax just came back under warranty, hub has been replaced although it did take 4 months as mavic will not give my LBS a supply of spares. Front is now 18 months old and working well. The bearings on the front are a little creaky, I tried to take it apart to service it and it ripped all the plastic teeth off that special tool. Still seems to work tho. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark trewin
a cross-country rider
from ravenstone england
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
cannondale raven , crossmax disc apoox 5 weeks old, road work only both wheels
have snapped and have been sent back to mavic. the spoke posts have snaped off
the first happend after the 2nd ride the second after the forth. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
1000 + miles all conditions. Trued 2x. I bought them in the MTBR marketplace for $425 (new!). Ceramic braking surface + WTB dual compound pads = ultra responsive braking. I'm very pleased. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MATT
a racer
from CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For ALL of you idiots who just or barely hit a not so big rock or kind-a -crashed and tacoed your wheels and then want Mavic to replace them. WAKE UP!!! if you went out and bought a Ferrari and drove it into a telephone pole and then limped back to the dealer and demanded he replace it, they'd laugh you right out of the place. I give all of you 5 chilli's for being the biggest whiners around | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard Veit
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels are light and very fast. I have ridden them on and off road on my mountain bike for 1.5 years and no problems whatsoever. I do not do aggressive off road, but I am confident that they would hold up well. They are a wee bit heavier than my Spinergy Spox but very comparable. If I had to choose, I would have a hard time except the CrossMaxes have been maintenance free while I have had minor truing and hub problems with the Spoxes. These are great wheels. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adam simpson
a cross-country rider
from hamilton, ontario
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned these for four months now. They took 2 pounds off my bike weight and acceleration is vastly improved. I've only had one problem. That was when I mis-timed a curb hop and the rear wheel pinch-flatted. The rear rim got a low spot, chipped the ceramic a bit and one spoke completely loosened. No problem-one year warranty and the shop got them back to new (apart from the chip) The chipped spot has not spread and I feel no wobble or low spot at all. I've raced on these, put a couple thousand km's on them and used them for all sorts of abusive 'play' (ledges, stairs, drop-offs). Light, strong, tough, but expensive. I must say to use full tire pressure to avoid damages. These give you a little extra confidence through the rough, so the likelyhood of a ding is higher. I hit the curb at about 30 kmph, so it's no wonder I hurt the rim. Not counting the price, five chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Brewer
a racer
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Crossmax are the bset wheels ever! Except they are a little expensive, luckily, I know someone at the Trek factory so I got some for $200, wheel bag, skewers, and brand new wheels. I have had them for a year and never had to true them. They eleminate all of the small bumps that stiff wheels would amplify. The ceramic coating still works just as good as it did when I bought them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wilhelm
a cross-country rider
from Knoxville
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I must agree with Kevin from Chattanooga. These are some great wheels. Folks who complain about reliability should take better care of there bikes. As for durability, I know that my Crossmax's should be destroyed after hitting a BIG rock on a LONG and FAST downhill. I was sitting back on the saddle and didn't see the rock. Bang! Instant flat. But I was amazed to see the rear wheel still true, without even a small flat spot. I got a good deal on mine, so my review is purely performance based. Big 5 chiles | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maTT
a racer
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very light, very fast and very expensive. There's nothing revolutionary about these wheels. They are alot stronger than you'd think they'd be be, but not if you whigh more thn about 170 lbs. I raced on them all last year and they held up with normal maintinence. The hubs and bearings held up well and are easy to adjust. If your bike needs the latest, trickest parts, go buy some Mavic x-maxes. If not, a standard xt/517 wheel set will do just fine. Going fast isn't abou parts, ait's about how hard you push yourself. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cooldaddy
a cross-country rider
from OKC
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
pretty good wheels but not perfect. They are overprized. They do require trueing once in a while. I broke one spoke in the rearwheel, no problem replacing it. Looking back at the 6 months I've used them the hold up very good considering the weight. The side-walls are a bit chipped due to rocks hitting them but it doesn't get worse and doesn't effect the breaking performance - which is great. They feel very fast, they track really good, the ride is not too harsh, IMO. Still, because of the $750, only 4 peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gwaielo a cross-country rider
a
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Updated review: After one year and two months of pretty stiff abuse my rear crossmax failed, torquing up a short'n steep trail I suddenly felt the cranks turn about half a rev with no forward motion, not a nice feeling. Couldn't see anything too bad at the back but had a hard time getting the qr off, when I did the rear block just fell off the wheel. The whole hub had sheared just inboard of the freewhee, lots of bent and twisted metal. It's a little sad because they've been great wheels, still true and stiff after a lot of beating. Will check out the warranty situation and report back! 3 chillies cause a 14th month lifespan is about average for my stuff, will be 5 if the warranty holds. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mario
a racer
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels are perfect too ride are very light weight the looks are very nice.
The only disadvantages are that I have a very strange sound in my front wheel and that they don't break very well in wett conditions this is problem for dutch riders because we only have wet condition during competition. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Hammer
a racer
from Chattanooga, Tn
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know what all you guys are complaining about. I've been riding and racing on these wheels for 8 months now and haven't had a sigle incident with dinged rims, chipped ceramic coating, broken spokes, or cracked sidewalls. If you people would take care of your bike after you ride it you wouldn't have problems with bearings gunking up and loosening. Crashing is no excuse to blame Mavic for your misadventure. It isn't their fault you were going 30mph into a rock garden and ate shit when you got there. They aren't to blame for that. that's your fault. And for you guys that give the wheels a bad rap becuase you can't afford them... get a freaking job! These are some kick-ass wheels, and I don't think I'll ride another brand, ever. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freddy Edgemon
a racer
from Chattanooga, TN
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought som maxes back in May. Paid 550$. Great deal! Any I don't have but maybe 100 miles on em. While I was at a World Cup race, the hub started to make noise. I took it too Mavic and they looked at it. They said it was falling apart (rear wheel). So he probly spent a hour taking it apart and rebuilding it. Probly wasn't tightened good leaving the factory. So far the wheel is in true and doing fine. But it's hard too beat a XTR/517 wheels. Will submit a later review on it's durability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luv Thang
a racer
from Va
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I almost love these wheels. At 6'3, #205 and riding a stiff, fat tubed frame the maxes felt a bit springy at first, I had no prob adapting.
And the acceleration was sweetly noticable. Same for the ceramic's effect on breaking. I haven't had my training wheelset on since I got these maxes !I have over 40 expert races on 'em (1-1/2 seasons including the winter-mud training races) and have not changed a bearing yet. And you cannot do a ride where I live without at least a few stream crossings.My heavy, thrashin' ass has not hadda prob, just a few tunes every now & then.
And the rear hub is by far the easiest to overhaul of any hub I've ever put in a wheel. (Ringle, Nuke Proof, various shitmano, American Classic, white Ind. )Granted they are tres expensivce ! I got my set for cheap (team).
I've had no prob w/service. Had to wait a week to get pawls & springs for the rear hub.The ceramic has chipped in a lotta little places but that hasn't had any effect on performance that I can tell. No rim-dings yet, I run ~50psi front ~55 rear to prevent pinch flats and dreaded rim-ding.
Something really strange to me is that I have not had to replace my red Ritchey brake pads this year. I'm guessing grit has become embedded in the pads and my breaking surfaces are the ceramic of the rims and the ever newly replenished grit.I've seen a few tweaked & tacoed Max rims out there, but I have def gotten my $'s worth out of 'em. If they were less ex$pen$ive they'd get a 5 from me.P.S. I don't take advice from dudes tryin' to sell their wheel building services, or cowards who post without leaving their email addresses. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a racer
from CT
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
GARBAGE, GARBAGE, GARBAGE!!!! save $300-400 and buy some custom made ti-spoke
Chris King hubbed, 517 rimmed beauties! These are certainly the most overrated
over priced wheels I've ever used! 6 weeks old and the front bearings sound
like they're full of sand after having to ford a stream twice in a race -
obviously the bearings aren't sealed very well!. Then endoed in another race and the back wheel landed hard on its side and waffled...needs a complete Mavic
2 month turn around rebuild no doubt. The easiest thing for Mavic to do would
be to at least tune up its customer service dept!!!!! SAVE UR $$$$!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zoomy
a cross-country rider
from socal
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these wheels for 4 months now. They're the absolute best. The acceleration is amazing. The bearings have held up with no problems whatsoever. The ceramic finish has not chipped at all. I made sure to use to ceramic brake pads, though I'm not sure if that's made a difference. I've been riding these wheels a lot in rain ravaged socal, where there are ruts galore. I'm not exactly the smoothest of riders and they've held up. I do realize these are racing wheels. If I'm doing a ride where there's a lot of loose rocks and the locale is in the boondocks, I take my old wheel set. I got a great deal too, $690. That was possible because of a great relationship I've cultivated with my LBS, not desperately calling and e-mailing every mail order shop around. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP!!!! Sorry, Supergo, the Wal-Mart of bike shops doesn't qualify. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Treffinger
a racer
from Wellsville Pa
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Crossmax wheelset and like almost everyone have received a couple of chips in the ceramic. I just wanted to let everyone in on a quick fix for all those little dings. Go down to your local hardware store and pick up some J.B. Weld. It's an epoxy that hardens like steel. I have put it on my chips and let it sit overnight. It will fill that little gorge in your braking surface and prevent the chip from possibly getting larger. Be sure to smooth out the stuff when you apply it over your chip. It does get awful hard and a bump could reduce braking efficency. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my Crossmaxes for nearly a year now and I have been quite impressed with this wheelset. I am 200+ ppounds and I ride on mostly rocks, the wheels have held up great! I have yet to have them trued and other than a few small chips in the ceramic due to the rocks, they are still as good as new. I have been on a few downhill courses with them, which did make me a bit nervous, but they came through great! I know that there are a few more economical wheelsets out there that are nearly as good, but if you can get a good deal on the maxes and you can scrounge up the bucks, you won't be disappointed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
No432
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Update on my review below. After I tacoed my front wheel, my LBS managed to get a replacement rim shipped from Mavic. I only paid shipping costs, which came to the equivalent of USD25 at current exchange rates. A trusted mechanic rebuilt the wheel using the existing hub and spokes. It's now as good as new.After more than a year's use, these are some of my other observations: the high leverage quick release has not gained my confidence. It always seems that you can't apply enough force onto the QR when closing it but at the same time it's very easy to open. Unnerving. The rear QR got thrashed when I accidently cross threaded (duh!) the base of the QR and the dome.The sidewalls of the rims do not seem to have worn very much despite the muddy grit of tropical trails. Slight chipping of the ceramic coating but probably due direct contact with rocks. The freewheel seems to have developed a bit of drag causing chainslap on the downhills. But considering the dunkings I've put the bike through, it's probably time for a hub rebuild.By comparison with the Araya RM400, Mavic 231, 230 which I have previously owned, the Crossmaxes are probably the strongest so far. (I had about 9 dents on the 230s before the sidewall failed.)All in all, a good set of wheels; lightweight and reasonably strong. But perhaps not the best value. Given the choice today, I'd buy a 32-hole King hubset with a stainless steel hub body, DT revo spokes and ceramic 517s. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Torres
a cross-country rider
from Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a pair of Crossmax for a little more than a year now and they're just great: light, stiff and strong. Of course, they're XC wheels, but I'm not light and give'em good use and I'm pretty sure they can handle a lot of abuse. Except for a small chip on the ceramic wall of the rear wheel, caused by a rock, they look and ride just like the very first time! I never had to true them not even once, not even a touch. Of course, some people have problems with the max'es, and there are other great wheelsets out there, but Mavic is Mavic. Oh, and those rims... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Shapiro
a racer
from Frederick,MD
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These wheels were a tough decision for me because of the pricetag.My frame was 900 so a wheelset for 700 was silly. Ive been very happy with them. They stay very true and I live in a rocky area. Ive only broken one spoke and that was due to the chain overtaking the big cog and grabbing spoke. I had to order the replacement spoke from excel sports in boulder. $1.95/spoke not bad. Ive trashed Xt and White industries rear hubs in less time than Ive been racing on my mavics so all is well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
indi
a racer
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these spinners for 1 1/2 years, they've been in 22 races (real MTB races), countless brutal training/free rides, downhill runs, etc. Still haven't been trued once. Dead straight. Cool wheels.Thats all i have to say, but they say, that I say too little, and should say some more. They are very pretty too,
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathias
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was talked out of a handbuilt wheelset by an over-worked mechanic, who told me that for the components I wanted (Bonty Mustangs, DT spokes, Chris King hubs), the Crossmax was not too much of a jump in price. Also, the Kings would have taken months to acquire in this backwater country I live in. So I've been riding the Crossmax for six months or so. So far absolutely no hassles- perfectly true even after getting hit by a truck! I probably don't hammer it as hard as I should off-road... Any way, after reading all these complaints, I would probably go with handbuilt wheels, just for ease of maintnence, plus Bonty's new Valiants would make the wheel even lighter than the Mavics. Cheaper, too, no matter what the mechanic says.
So, as far as I can testify, these wheels are great- super light (I felt my acceleration, stopping, and climbing improve immediately), true, and trick. I lack confidence in them not because of any of my own experience, but because of all these negative reviews. Who wants to ship their fancy wheels to France?
Performance (so far): five flaming horses
Confidence: three flaming horses
Cost (for those of us with no sponsorships): two flaming horses
Average: | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Hopkins
a racer
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was supprised to hear that no others have had problems with breaking spokes on these wheels. I have raced on them four times and have broken four spokes (all separate incidents) I probably should not be training on these wheels, but for $800, they should be able to take it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver
a racer
from Mendocino Ca.
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The ceramic coating chips after a few weeks. The only good thing about them is that they are light. When you try and send them back they keep saying that thry don't have any to replace them with. They are way over priced if you were to pay $800 for them. Mine came with my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RAH!
a cross-country rider
from St. Paul, MN
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these wheels for about a month and a half now and this
is how they've treated me: I think it's important to
remember that when buying a high-performance wheelset you are
not automatically getting a trouble-free/no maintenance wheelset.
I think of these wheels as being like a high-performance car engine.
Now,I don't own a Porsche, but I suspect that because a Porsche's
engine is so powerful/kick-ass it requires a bit more delicate
tuning and general upkeep than, say, the piece of crap car I do
own. The Crossmax is pretty complicated set-up, and if you want it
to work properly you do have to be willing to fuss over it a bit.
I personally don't mind this because my hobby is fussing over my bike.
Expect to have to tighten the bearings frequently, and also expect
the wheels to come out of true every now and again. (My front wheel
went out of true after a week's conditioning rides on pavement). But
when the wheels are set-up correctly, it's all over. Spectacular ride.
Light as can be and stiff as you could ever hope for. I haven't had
a problem with ceramic coating but then I haven't ridden my wheels
for a particularly long time, and I'm using non-ceramic pads (which
work okay if you clean the residue off the sidewalls every now and
again). It is true that these wheels are expensive. And they
are probably too expensive, but that's what you get when you
want high-performance state of the art. So, my overall take is 4 chilis. It would be 5 if the wheels were
100% hassle free and cheaper. Actually, it should be 4.5 chilis, but
thats not an option. On the whole, these wheels rock. Just be prepared
to mess around with them.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from 90210, CA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Others had mentioned all the good things about this wheelset and I'm totally agreed with them. I did not run into any problems like those who said they were...and I had my set for last one month and had put 300 hard fire road miles on it with no problem at all. Maybe they use in the wrong perpose....this is the Cross-country wheelset, not Downhill.
The one tiny problem I run into is the ceramic coating had rubed off my break pad really fast...but I don't care. Break pad are cheep compare to the wheelset ^_^.
Anyway, you guys can check out my riding wheels at :
http://www.geocities.com/WallStreet/Floor/5824/litespeed.html
Enjoy!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a cross-country rider
from corona ca
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
been riding xmax all of 97 with few problems. when having hub serviced by mavic at sea otter, rep noticed that the hub nose was cracked. took wheel to local shop,they contacted mavic and they replaced the wheel no charge. rep also informed me not to use grease of any kind on bearings. they use only atf. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Jones
a cross-country rider
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love these wheels. But worst of all...we've all contributed greatly to France's economy. This in turn helps funnel more money to the mighty Sunn team.
So, all of us who have bought Mavics cannot complain when Wonder Frog aka Miguel Martinez, destroys our American boys on the World Cup circuit. 5 stars for the wheels, 1 star for the bad karma. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Riggs
a cross-country rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my crossmax's about 9 months ago, and they are great for all types of riding. Really light, yet still really stiff & strong (I've even raced DH on them). Some problems I have encountered were 1. the bearings kept on coming loose until I super-glued the threads. 2. the ceramic coating has gone all smooth - almost like a normal rim. 3. the ceramic coating has chipped off a bit. 4. the rear non - drive spokes came a bit loose. Other than these minor niggles, these wheels are brilliant. I saved at least 1 1/4 lbs off my bike and accelaration and climbing are especially good. Top wheels! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tek Yan
a
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using 'em for more than a year already, and they're damn good...
I've trued only the rear once so far... But I have to true the front. All once, baby... It's a good wheel, but mind the price ya pay. It's light, It's strong and It never bend. Not even a bit... Unless ya slam it against a tree or something.
I've faced to problems, so far. First, the ceramic feels like ordinary side walls ( like there's no ceramic coated ). Whenever I brake, I felt as if the bike wasn't slowing down, but instead, went faster !! What Crab !! The other problem is that I ( supposed not to ) play trials, and now the front wheel's bearings are makin weird noises. Because they're sealed bearings and meant for XC, not trials, I advised ya guys to be Xtremely cautious of your Xpensive wheelset. No problems on the rear, though. It sails smoothly...
Well, that's all, and one more : they're damn @#$%^&* fast either donwhill, or uphill. Good for 'em !! Summary ? They're an all-rounder, except for trials. Also becareful on how ya land ( expecially the front ). You might reduce the life of the bearings DRASTICLY ! Till then, ride cool ride smooth, ride properly... Chiao... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Swanson
a racer
from MN
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these wheels last year and raced on them at every race. Then, during the week, I trained on a pair of XT/Sun wheels, My Crossmax Wheels held up great until I did a race in Montana and flatted at about 30 mph. It took a while to slow down and my rear wheel took a massive hit. I bent the sidewall a bit, and some of the ceramic flaked off, but the wheel stayed true and I was able to bend the sidewall back. I have had no problems with the front wheel at all. I figure as long as I only race these wheels they will last for a long time, they really ride fast too. To get the most out of these wheels, don't ride them all the time! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tirider
a weekend warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great wheels BUT very fragile. The wheels ride great and deliver on all promises except longevity. After about 100 off road miles I noticed chips in the ceramic coating. LBS had Mavic look at them and they said that the chipping was due to running tire pressure too low (Not true). They offered to repair them for no more than $168. I DON'T THINK SO! I will ride them until they self destruct and then build up some quality wheels without ceramic coating. If you ride in rocky terrain, these wheels are not for you!Expensive learning experience. Hope this post prevents others from making the same mistake. Bottom line.....these wheels ARE too good to be true. | | Overall Rating: |
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