Freehub mechanical issues; replacement rims not available.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo with XT Setup
Bottom Line:
I've gotten a fair good bit of use from the wheels. The main issues are a lack of replacement parts and freehub wear. The freehub ratcheting mechanism has apparently worn out & now makes a rubbing sound that can't easily be fixed - this appears to be a common issue with the hubs. The ratching mechanism is very flimsy consisting of two spring/levers which are difficult to work with (and easily lost). Also, the freehub provides a very loose freewheel fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dougjulie
a Weekend Warrior
from Harwich, MA USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2009
Not built for durability, must replace disks with Mavic parts, arrogant, unprofessional customer service.
Similar Products Used:
WTB , Bontrager, Chris King w/ Sun Mammoth rims, etc.
Bike Setup:
2007 Ellsworth Epiphany w/ XT components.
Bottom Line:
This wheelset came with my custom bike. I had to cut a few corners on components to get the price to a manageable level and apparently this wheelset was the biggest compromise.
While the Crossrides look great on the bike, they simply are not designed / manufactured to handle the rigors of all-mountain riding or even aggressive X-country riding.
After about six months, the front rim started to seperate at the seam, causing pinch flats. Mavic warranty service retensioned the wheel but did not address the separation, recommending that I "file or sand down the sharp edges" myself. Gee, thanks!
Last month I was riding X-country when the rear hub axle sheared off, also causing the skewer to snap. I crashed and the bike was unridable. Mavic repaired the axle but did not install the spring-loaded pawls that engage the rear hub so it's basically useless. They just sent replacement pawls but no instructions on how to install!
I have been using Mavic products for over 25 years and have generally been satisfied with their products. However, their customer service is sub-par and their attitude is pure arrogance.
Given a choice, I would not purchase a Mavic product again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drwmak
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, AUS Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere the bike goes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great price and good looks
Weaknesses:
The rear wheel does not hold true
Similar Products Used:
WTB Speed Disc
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Warrior Comp Hardtail XC MTB
Bottom Line:
The wheels are a step up from the stock that was on my bike which lasted 6 years before needing to be trued, and even then only after i dropped it hard after a serious mechanical saw my rear wheel dropping out of the rear drop outs on the bike... (thats another story)
Anywho, these wheels lasted about 2 months, during which time i didn't get it off road once and was simply using it as a commuter to and fro work every day... i started to hear noises from the rear hub and sure enough the spokes were starting to loosen up and the rear rim had a buckle. Since that first true, 6 months on now, i have had the wheels re-tensioned twice and now its compulsory for me to travel with a spoke wrench even if i am going short distances.
To get good use out of these i will need to rebuild them, applying hefty amounts of thread locking compound to the nipples... but for now that requires time and money... something i didn't want to have to do!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sinotim
a Cross Country Rider
from Beijing, China Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Xiangshan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
UK
Strengths:
Cheap in every way!
Weaknesses:
First time out on these wheels and they took a hit on a slow rocky downhill. The front rim split at the join,a spoke snapped and the wheel buckled badly. I replaced the front with another Cross Ride just to get going again but after riding out on my usual rocky technical trails they seem to flex a lot and steering is not precise. I am now off to buy a XT Wheelset.
Similar Products Used:
Hope hubs on Mavic 317s, hand built, lasted years!
Bike Setup:
Standard Scott Spark 30.
Bottom Line:
Only buy if you are desperate for form over function and do not use on technical rocky trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jbrskissummitcolo
a Weekend Warrior
from Arvada, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
many portions of colorado trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Lightweight and Cheap, aero spokes, cartridge bearings.
Weaknesses:
Poor quality, not for riders over 180lbs
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore hubs with super cheapo rims. Hub bearings don't last long. Spokes come loose unless spoke prep used.
Bike Setup:
plain old hardtail xc bike
Bottom Line:
I love the mavic Kysrium road wheels I have, they are the original Elite version from a several of years ago. I had no problems, they are stiff, light and fast. After many thousands of miles one of the cartridge bearings went bad and I easily replaced them, with traditional hubs I would have had to buy a new hub and re-lace the wheel. I have never had a hub with non cartridge bearings last as long and the Mavic hub is like new with new bearings. So, with such good experience I decided to go with the mavic crossride on a cross country bike I am rebuilding for relatively easy use.
The first set I received came with a broken hub - the spoke anchor was bent open and won't hold the spoke. I sent them back for another set and they also came broken. Both sets came in unopened factory packaging.
I decided that if two sets came broken before I even use them they probably won't hold up when I put them on the bike.
Nashbar site says not for riders over 180Lbs. Mavic site doesn't mention this, but reading other reviews on this site I'll believe it.
The value might be better than fair if you can get a set that aren't broken upon receipt and you are light weight and/or easy on your equipment.
Right now I'm not too impressed with Mavic quality and design of this wheel. I'm not going to give them a third chance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, DE Date Reviewed: July 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Middle Run
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Wooden Wheels
Strengths:
Price, construction, usable w/ side-rim and disc brakes
I broke a few spokes on my original Tioga/Shimano hub wheels, so my lbs recommended the Crossrides to me. $200 out the door and they have been a fantastic wheelset for 2 years now. I had them trued once last year, which is pretty decent considering my size (230lbs) and my occasional trail/bike abuse. In fact, I'm selling the Schwinn, but I'm keeping the Mavics for my GT as a spare set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gevorg
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Flume/tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance and Cycl
Strengths:
Price, durability
Weaknesses:
initial quality (loose spokes and hubs)
Similar Products Used:
stock specilized wheels on my Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper disc with XT shifter, Avid BB7, Fox Vanila RLC 100mm, XT derailers, Aztec teflon coated cables and housing.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best value in $200 range. If you do a lot of XC riding then this wheelset is just ride. I have two sets of these and used them in last 3 years.
now about quality.
when you get these wheelset before first ride make sure the following
1. wheels are true and spokes are tight
2. hubs are tight
I discovered that this needs to be done on both sets that I own.
Now about quality. I had zero problems with front wheel.
On my first rear wheel rim developed a crack at the nipple and was replaced under warranty. Mavic said they addressed that issue of earlier production, on the second wheelset I do not have a problem for 4000 miles or so of XC riding.
Bearings are sealed and I yet to see a problem with them.
One other thing user need to address is the rubber seal on the freewheel body. Looks like it wears out after about 3000 miles or so and needs replacement (part was $15 at the LBS). I also pre-ordered couple of extra spokes but so far so good
FYI, I weigh 210-220 lbs, I tend to break many wheels and these ones were one of the more durable ones. I do not do jumps, so no comment in AM/DH application of theses wheelset.
These is not the lightest wheelset, but the way I look at it gives you best bang for the buck $180, 1900 grams.
I can not give 5 chilies due to initial quality. I am assuming that $15 rubber seal is just part of the game
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
want2paulQ
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, UK Date Reviewed: May 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Afan Wales
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
UK
Strengths:
Sweet expensive looks, durable and easy to clean after a day out mud pluggin.
Weaknesses:
Spokes are an ordeal to get hold of.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Disc
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC Frame, XT groupset, race face stem, easton monkey bars, DMR pedals. Bought as stock XTC and tricked out at ressonable upgrade cost.
Bottom Line:
I ride hardtail and a Trek Fuel Ex8 rear susser. The truth is that I have Bontrager wheels on the Trek that are twice the price of the Mavics that are on my Giant rigid. I would have the Mavics anyday over the Bontrager. There are obvious asthetic reasons for this choice, the sweet n sleek looking 24 spoke straight pull set-up that are so much easier to clean up over standard wheelsets, the familiar sound of the freehub (A hope hub rip off) but I like it, you do get used to it. I do have to say though, that when you abuse these wheels they do tend to fail pretty dramaically, and the spare parts (Spokes) are a nightmare to get hold of. I managed to snap my derailier and had it crash through the wheel, taking out 6 spokes and pulling the eyelets through the rim on two of them. I guess that this would back up what some of the larger reviewers are saying about these wheels. Although I also have to say that since the rebuild, these wheels have been sweet and true and seen constant abuse and have taken some pretty heafty hits including massive offs and falling down mountains, I exaggerate sightly but I would not have complained if they'd given up the ghost after such events. They have been abused. Which is more than I can say for my Bontrager Race Disc Tubeless, one off, landed on the front wheel, folded like a Taco, go see the bank manager to finance a rebuild, do I sound disgruntled?
The upshot is, if you pay 200 dollars (£125)for a set of wheels, dont compare them to a 700 dollar set of bombproof wheels. They are great wheels for the price you pay!
They come highly recommended by me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jdcatnau
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: May 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
They have held up rather well. So far they have not gone out of true.
Weaknesses:
They flex a bit.
Similar Products Used:
stock from my old stumpy, shimano deore and mavic rims.
Bike Setup:
08 Motolite, 130 mm Magura Laurin, race face evolve XC cranks, easton monkey lite carbon bars, avid bb7 disc brakes. ardent up front and high rollers in the back.
Bottom Line:
After mix reviews on here I am not sure what people are complaining about. I am anywhere from 195-200 lbs without gear. I have the wheels on my 5 inch trail bike and the seem not to have any problem. My main trail system is bootleg canyon and I hate climbing so these wheels see plenty of punishment on the way down (not the DH trails). With all the rocks and g-outs these wheels have yet to let me down. A friend has even gone off a 5 ft. drop with this wheelset.
The wheels do flex a bit which concerns me a bit. I am finally re-tensioning the spokes to see if that will help. other than that, if you're smooth you shouldn't have a problem with this wheelset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iforgotmename
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: February 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
None...junk junkjunk
Weaknesses:
They are selling them.
Bottom Line:
Not to sound bitter but these wheels WILL not stay true. I am a big guy 225 lbs...but come on. I know 250 bucks may not be a lot to Mavic but it is to me. These wheels are not what I would have expected as my first set of "good" wheels. My new wheels will be built by my LBS.This summer...I am saving. Lesson learmed. Stay away...in my humble opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davidenko
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: February 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cheap, reasonable light, stiff, durable, true, good resistance to rim schratches, smooth bearings, servicable design. Looks (when cleaned), rim width for wider tyres.
Weaknesses:
ermm... none.
Similar Products Used:
WTB speed disc on xt hubs
Bike Setup:
ghost amr 130/120, schwalbe nobby nics 2,3?, magura louise 180/180. Other equipment irrelevant for this review.
Bottom Line:
After 6 months of regular offroad riding, on roots and rocks, rims stay true, bearings are smooth, withost sideplay. I do trails, epic tours, all day rides and some marathons. Sidewall scratches are minor compared to previous wtb speeddiscs. Wheelset is not particullary light, but on the other side it's not heavy. 1905 gr with skeewers. I don't do jumps. Fast down the mountain trail riding over smaller rocks, large roots is on everydays menu. As are power climbs with full pedal stroke (load on rear wheel).
Reliable, durable, not to pricey, mid-weight wheelset. I'm buying another one. Due to marathon ambitions I intend to ride a lot on asphalt, with less profiled tyres. So there to wheelsets: one for hard roads, other for paths, trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
renaultvwsaab
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: January 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$191.00
Strengths:
Look good and light
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Quad
Bike Setup:
Lapierre X Control
Bottom Line:
This wheel set takes drop of 3 to 4 feet without problem. i crashed a few times but it hold up well. Wheel stay true till now. Since it has lesser spokes, i will not recommend it for DH but should be good for all mountain. i will recommend it to anyone who do XC and AM. Very value for money. By the way, Mountain Bike UK magazine think its better than Mavic more expensive products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mattlock26
a Cross Country Rider
from Mystic, CT Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Big River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Price, Looks that are Mavic-like enough even to fool bike product managers into thinking this is a legitimate mountain bike part.
Weaknesses:
Everything else. Spokes absolutely refuse to stay tensioned and true; need to be worked on after or during every ride. Actually had an ex-US Cycling team mechanic rebuild them and they still had problems after that.
Similar Products Used:
Various Bontragers, Custom built wheels
Bike Setup:
Yeti ASR Alloy
Bottom Line:
These wheels came with the bike as part of the enduro package, I'm glad I didn't directly buy them. I ride about 6 hours a week on trails, these are just not up to the task of trail riding over the "long haul" (anything more than 5 months). I have no faith in these. I will temper this review with the fact that I'm 200 lbs on these 24 spoke wheels. In my opinion, there is just no good reason for a lower-end wheel to be built with anything less than 32 spokes (you're likely not going to race them, why not go towards strength and durability instead?). Ah yes, the marketing must have been at play: Mavic bladed spokes with low spoke count wheels at an affordable price - clearly something had to give and clearly it is quality and durability of the wheels.
I am quite surprised that Mavic would sell these considering how bad they are. If you are dead set on getting Mavics but don't want to break the bank, get the Cross Trails. There is no good reason (including low online price) to buy these wheels in my opinion. They will either leave you way out on the trail, or will cost you what you saved in getting them fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
madmagrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern IL Date Reviewed: January 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Palos, Kettle, Rock Cut
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Inexpensive, relatively light for this price point.
Weaknesses:
The included skewers are tanks, so run a lighter set. These rims are not meant for big drops and will likely bend if jumped much. Minimal spokes = minimal strength.
So far this wheelset as help up as well as I expected it to at this weight and price point. I did have to true the rim once after a few months, but once properly trued and tensioned it hasn't need any additional truing yet. I've taken a few 2-4 foot drops with no problems and I weigh 200 with gear.
I didn't expect the best rims in the world for under 200 bucks, and these rims have met my expectations. I have about 500 miles on them.
I'm using a different set of skewers because the included ones weigh a ton.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
buy_my2800
a Cross Country Rider
from sf bay area, ca Date Reviewed: December 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
can't think of just one-- maybe porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
look good, light, cheap
Weaknesses:
Not strong. rim easily dented; spoke holes not offset. difficult to find replacement parts
Similar Products Used:
all sorts
Bike Setup:
intense spider fro, various 2.25" WTB tires,
Bottom Line:
Came OEM on my spider/sram kit II. Out of true and dented within 6 mos. Pretty lame. Mavic products seem to be really hit or miss. Other mavic rims I've had (231's and 517's) and have lasted forever-- even on hardtails (other weak rim was an oem SBP230- flat spotted on a relatively mild rock hit). On the road I've had open 4cd's that lasted forever (including a 20mph header into a car) and low budget ones that also dented or flat-spotted easily. Stay away from their low-cost products. BTW I weigh only 140 lbs but ride pretty hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
06EPIC
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, NH US Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sidewinder @ kingdon trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
They look hot....
Weaknesses:
Only 2 PAWLS in the rear freewheel...
Similar Products Used:
Deore 545 hubs and Mavic 317 rims
Bike Setup:
06 Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
These wheels look pretty and would probably be fine for someone who is lightweight and does not ride on anything other than gravel roads or pavement.
If your over 180 pounds stay away. I bent a hub and broke a pawl by just going over a curb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rarero
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodinville, WA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Redmond Watershed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
REI as part of the b
Strengths:
Attractive Looks, Straight Spokes
Weaknesses:
The ratchet failed in less than 8 months of riding. A loud smap was heard during a long steep hillclimb.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic rims on LX hubs
Bike Setup:
08' Marin Mount Vision
Bottom Line:
I do a lot of steep climbing in low gears and the rachet takes a lot of load. I am 165 pounds so I am not excessive heavy. This is the type of use I would expect well designed components to withstand.
They may work fine if the user avoids agressive climbing.
REI replaced the wheelset with Mavic rims laced onto XT hubs under waranty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frey
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tas, Australia Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They're light, look good, cheap to buy
Weaknesses:
Lateral flex is very bad
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision
Bottom Line:
I was pretty pleased to get these wheels on my 08 Marin Mount Vision, given the reputation of Mavic's rims and the Cross Max wheels.
But after a couple of months riding I was getting paranoid that my rear suspension was coming loose, or that my rear tyre was going flat because the flex at the back was very noticable, especially going up kerbs, or over rocks and roots.
Turns out it was the cross rides flexing badly left and right, especially on the rear wheel. I had them tensioned up by my bike shop but the problem remained. You can literally hold the frame in one hand and move the rear rim left and right with the other. I've changed back to some old cheap wheels (deore hubs with Mavic 317 rims) which have 32 spokes and they're much much better.
Could be that lighter riders (I weigh 90kg) might get away with these wheels, but they seriously reduced the capability of my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
evblazer
a Weekend Warrior
from Double Oak, TX Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Looks nice, fast, no broken spokes.
Weaknesses:
spokes pulled the rim apart after barely 2 months.
Similar Products Used:
32 spoke OEM wheels.
Bike Setup:
Avid BB7s, 26x1.6
Bottom Line:
Nice while they last. Looked at my rims last night and spoke had pulled the rim apart 1/8" and a few more were splitting on each side of the nipple.
LBS rider had the older model which was "bomb" proof for years without any issue. Guess the news ones aren't so much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eblemis
a Weekend Warrior
from Ankara, Turkey Date Reviewed: September 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
http://www.erdoganla
Strengths:
Super smooth closed cartrige bearings, very low spining resistance, great looks, tough enough for me, service-free hubs, compatible with both presta and schradder valves, aero spokes... Did i mention they are a beauty?
Weaknesses:
Loud freehub but you'll get used to it. A little less weight would be great.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore, XT, XTR hubs, Alex and DtSwiss rims..
Bike Setup:
Sedona SD771 frame, Sram X7 gearset and X5 shifters, Avid Juicy7 brakes, SR-Suntour Axon RLD fork, Michelin XC AT tires, Shimano Deore crankset(will be replaced with Truvativ Stylo soon)
Bottom Line:
These wheels are damn smooth. I experienced with all Shimano's top series hubs but none of them including XTR had a smooth spining as much as these wheels. When you lift your bike and hold it up, wheels slowly turn until your valves are in their lowest position. They turn only with the valves' weight and as you can imagine they're damn fast.
About strenght; guys, these are 24 spoke wheels! How can you expect them to have 36er's strenght? I weight about 61kgs and altough i mostly ride in city, i'm surely not so gentle. I ride downstairs like about 10 meters and have hard landings from 1.5-2 meters frequently and don't mind the holes or bumps on my way at all. I only tuned them after 1000km and they were almost excellent. With a heavier rider, they might not be able to withstand this tension, so you should consider this issue before buying them.
Some did say the spokes twist while tuning. It's true. But all spokes twist. The reason you don't see others twist is because they're not aero. You can prevent them from twisting just by holding them with your free hand. Not a big thing to bother with.
Freehub is a little loud but every Mavic freehub i've seen including Crossmax SLR's have the same loud noise. Anyway, you're getting used to it in time and yu even start to love that noise.
The wheels may be a little heavy but they're bottom of the Mavic line, so you can't expect an excellent wheel. And of course why give a damn about they're being heavier from XTRs while they roll much more smooth and fast?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William P
a Cross Country Rider
from Davie, FL , USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Look great, reasonable price, advanced features
Weaknesses:
weakness is their weakness, and skewers weigh too much.
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek Strados 700c,Sun Singletrack&XT, SunRhynolite&XT ,all disc brake wheels.
Bike Setup:
KHS Team Issue Softtail, SID fork,BB7 brakes, 180mm XT cranks
Bottom Line:
If you want a second set of wheels for fitness, bike path, or commuting (not urban assault)type riding these wheels would be a good choice. The 24- bladed 15g. straight pull spokes look great and cut down wind resistance, and save a little weight. The skewers are unforgiveably heavy though.Mine might be an older version than what they sell now. Mine have eyelets around the spokes, and say "Made In Romania" on the decal. If they were called CrossROADS I think there would be fewer complaints about them. I run 2" slicks on these and have had no problems running fire roads, paths, and streets.But for harder use I run Sun's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seb
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Strong Smooth
Weaknesses:
flat/bladed spokes twist when truing
Similar Products Used:
Xt's, DT Swiss
Bike Setup:
Scott Scale Carbon mostly standard, XTR
Bottom Line:
I dunno if the other people who have reviewed these can actually ride properly or just ride straight into/over everything without any level of skill or smoothness, but after abusing these wheels for a year ive only had only very minor tweeks on wheel true, maybe 2mm of adjustment, ive smaked them very hard on kerbs aswell as rocks and roots with not even a dent, Very good value for money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom swift
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
Lightweight, Mavic name.
Weaknesses:
These rims are hands down weak. Maybe they would be better with regular spokes, but mine haven't been true since I bought them. I'm experienced with other bike maintenance but usually stay away from wheels so I didn't check and tension the wheels when I got them. If I did that, maybe they would have lasted longer. These went out of true on the first ride, nothing crazy no drops bigger than 2ft. I would consider my riding style aggressive cross-country, but these seem to go out of true just riding around on the street hoping a curb here and there. I've ridden maaaybe 10 rides on them and the rear wheel is pretty much done, it has a bad hop and pretty much all the spoke holes are stressed.
Unless you ride hard-pack dirt trails with veerrry limited technical sections, DO NOT BUY THESE! Even my crappy Alexrims held up way better. I'm moving on to Rhyno Lites or Azonic Outlaws, something I know will hold up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom swift
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
Lightweight, Mavic name.
Weaknesses:
These rims are hands down weak. Maybe they would be better with regular spokes, but mine haven't been true since I bought them. I'm experienced with other bike maintenance but usually stay away from wheels so I didn't check and tension the wheels when I got them. If I did that, maybe they would have lasted longer. These went out of true on the first ride, nothing crazy no drops bigger than 2ft. I would consider my riding style aggressive cross-country, but these seem to go out of true just riding around on the street hoping a curb here and there. I've ridden maaaybe 10 rides on them and the rear wheel is pretty much done, it has a bad hop and pretty much all the spoke holes are stressed.
Unless you ride hard-pack dirt trails with veerrry limited technical sections, DO NOT BUY THESE! Even my crappy Alexrims held up way better. I'm moving on to Rhyno Lites or Azonic Outlaws, something I know will hold up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
05Willys
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver CO Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcypine rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Everything is weak
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
Just not strong enough. The spokes loosen up every ride and now the wheel is out of round. I took the other reviews with a grain of salt because I signed up for the mp3 program so I could have them replaced if I break them, but they won't replace them for going out of true every ride and now out of round.
Get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kfred
a Weekend Warrior
from Carrollton, TX, United States Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Beautiful wheels
Weaknesses:
Wheels are weak, failed with cracks around 2 spoke nipples
Bike Setup:
Old Raleigh M80 used for commuting
Bottom Line:
I used these wheels exclusively for commuting. They are light, and the reduction on rotational mass yielded a 1mph average increase which was much appreciated. At about the 9 month mark, the rear wheel lost it's true, and on inspection I noticed the wheel was giving (puckering out) at one of the spoke nipples, and had a crack on the wheel at a neighboring spoke nipple. I don't do anything rough on these wheels, so they must be horribly weak to have failed like this. The price was definitely too good to be true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matthewbanningsmith
a Cross Country Rider
from matt Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
weak entry level wheels that wont true after 3 rides
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
I won't brag
Bottom Line:
Mavic does not do warranty work and does not want to hear from you. Period. 3 Rides and the back rim is junk and my bike shop refuses to try and true it anymore. Mavic took 10 weeks after sending it to them to charge me $70 for a $109 wheel to rebuild the same crap wheel. I rode this wheel for 3 hours and it is garbage. It is actually worse than the stock crap that came on my bike. True, it's light, and if you ride tame, flat trails, you could actually get some use out of them, but just buy a quality wheelset that is durable man. Mavic has pissed me off to where I will never buy from them again. Imagine throwing a weeks pay in the trashcan after 3 hours of riding and having mavic tell you the rim "took a hit" (mountain biking...Duhhh) and wont warranty it. Really? Are the serious about that? Is that really what they are doing? YEP, so buy some BOMSHELLS and save yourself the crap I'm dealin with. UN-FREAKIN-BELIEAVIBLE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt smith
a Cross Country Rider
from FAIRFAX, VA. Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
FOUNTAINHEAD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
HUDSON TRAIL
Strengths:
I CANT NAME ANY
Weaknesses:
Bent rear rim that will not true after 3 rides
Similar Products Used:
several
Bike Setup:
I won't brag here.
Bottom Line:
Mavic won't do warranty work. period. Their version of a warranty is you send the stuff back, then you pay top dollar for them to fix it. BUY A QUALITY WHEELSET, WHICH MEANS NO ENTRY LEVEL STUFF. this wheelset is probably O.K. for real tame riding on flat stuff, and the wheels are light. If you plan on riding anything other than straight tame trails, then buy good stuff. These wheels are actually worse than the crap that came stock on my bike, then Mavic wasted 10 weeks of my time at this point to charge me $70 (for a $110 wheel) to make it right. after 3 rides man. They have a real attitude too. Beleive me, they don't wan't to talk to you ...EVER. Don't waste your money, or your time. Mavic can straight kiss my ass. NEVER AGAIN.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: July 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kelso Trail System
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Great looks make them appear to be top of the line wheels
Weaknesses:
They are'nt
Similar Products Used:
Mavic Crossmax Disc
Shimano XT/Mavic Rim Wheelset
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakota Elite 2006 Frame built up with XT components, Formula Brakes, Zocchi 600 Fork
Bottom Line:
I bought these wheels as a finishing touch for a Jamis Dakota Elite hardtail that I put together this winter in a futile attempt to beat the cabin fevor a lot of us suffered through in Toronto this year.
The goal was to keep the cost of the build below the $2000 mark and the CrossRides would do that with room to spare. I could not believe that Mavic could sell a set of disc wheels for less than $200. I have a set of CrossMax Discs on my Heckler and they are hands down the best wheels I have ever spun. Of course they cost $700+. There is a reason for that and it's called Quality! I should have known that a sub $200 set of wheels would be short on something, but I talked myself into the purchase. My thinking was that if they turned to crap I would only be out $200.
Well, I'm out $200! First things first. These wheels really are well endowed in the style department. They look great on your bike, what with the flat spokes and nice graphics. The one tell tale sticker on the wheels is the little bitty one that reads Made in China. OK, I'm not going on a Chinese rant here because not everything made in China is junk. My CrossMax wheels say Made in France. Does that in itself make them better? In this case the answer is yes.
The first negative that I noticed about these wheels is the lack of lateral rigidity. I went flying down a paved hill near my house and, when making the sweeping left turn at the bottom, the rear wheel felt like it was coming off. I stopped to make sure that I had the skewer closed properly and I did. Later runs down the same hill yielded the same feeling. It's like my old childhood fat tire bike felt when I had a friend riding on the back.
The next negative thing that happened was the rim strip coming loose on the rear wheel and shearing off the valve stem on the tube. When I removed the tire and tube the rim strip was wadded up at the stem hole. I made it home on a new tube and then replaced the rim strip. Two days later that rim strip wadded up and did the same thing. When changing that tube I noticed that 2 of the rear spokes were loose. What does this mean? It means that these wheels are off my bike for good. I put my old Shimano XT Hub/Mavic Rim wheelset on the bike.
I feel that Mavic has made a big marketing mistake in launching these "bargain basement" wheels. Did they really have a need to go to China in order to offer the mountain bike masses "more affordable" wheels. They should stick to what they do best and leave Wal Mart in charge of the "more affordable" sector.
Save your loose change for a few more months and step up to a higher pricepoint when shopping for wheels. My Shimano XT Hub/Mavic Rim wheels set me back $379 when I bought them 3 years ago and I have never had an issue with them. They don't look as sexy as the CrossRides but in this case the sex is overrated.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lucyfek
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake County, IL Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any trail/road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
jensenusa.com
Strengths:
price, looks (when clean, but who cares about dirt anyway), low friction sealed hubs (front spins better than the wheel on my road bike, smooth, maybe because of the mileage) that need no adjustment (what a change from from deore and even worse crap that had originally come with my bike}, 4000+ miles (i guess) and never even bothered to true them - i'm ~185lb + fully equipped bike (large frame) + (sometimes) in the "off-road commuter mode" a loaded, detachable cargo rack (i'd put the total for some 230, probably more), mostly cross country (few rocks here in IL but plenty of dirt trails) and roads, sidewalks, curbs, little jumps etc, all year round. i use/abuse them with no maintenance at all (chain, cassette, crank derailleurs, fork and brakes are more than enough). i like speed and these make you fly.
Weaknesses:
black rims/spokes shows dirt, disc only - lowers resale/reuse potential (silver - rim,/disc could be better choice, too late now), strong/loud freewheel mech (will scare birds/other animals before you'll stop to have a closer look), i don't know if this applies to any wheels or is this specific to crossrides, but after fording deep water there may be some water left in rims (found it when fixing flats, could be only an issue in the cold season when there is little chance for water to evaporate quickly), service may be a problem when the stuff brakes (especially spokes) but so far so good
Similar Products Used:
none of my old wheels had sealed bearings and flat spokes, have mavic cosmos on my road bike but hard to compare the two species. surely better than stock junk original to my giant yukon 2004 and deore 525 hubs i refitted original wheels with for 2006.
Bike Setup:
reached the end of the road for giant yukon 2004 - no point to upgrade it any more, nice ride that begun as a "disposable" try on mtb
Bottom Line:
low maintenance wheels that came at reasonable price (= low price), as long as they spin i see no reason for any upgrade/replacement.
no regrets whatsoever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Buddy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Bruno Date Reviewed: June 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hidden Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong wheels, they hold up with my kind of riding. Crashed really bad once, hit front wheel first and cracked my helmet after hitting my head. I expected the rim to be bent but it was only slightly out of true. It works. Taken dirt jumping, expected the rims to be bent but same thing happened. Taken on a downhill/freeride trail, still held up.
Weaknesses:
Kinda heavy but considering how much it costs, cant really *itch about it.
Similar Products Used:
Stock wheels on my 05Stumpy hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Stumpy frame, BB7, Fox 80RL, XT/LX components, Ritchey Rizer comp, WTB seat, and these wheels
Bottom Line:
You can't expect these wheels to stay true if you take it outside its intended purpose. I don't mind truing the wheels after a hard ride because it amazes me how this wheel holds up. It stays true on moderate to hard xc riding. As long as the rims dont get hops or bends while doing xc riding, i will not rant about how lame these wheels are.
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Submitted by
matt smith
a Cross Country Rider
from fairfax, va., u.s.a. Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
wakefield
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
hudson trail
Strengths:
they looked cool new
Weaknesses:
rims won't true, stay true, or roll straight after a few rides and 8 times being trued.
Spend the cash on a real wheel set, not this entry level poop that any real rider will completely trash in no time at all. I got riped off and Mavic won't stand by their product. try contacting them about warranty work. They told me to send the wheel back to them at my expense and they would rebuild it for $150, which is $35 more than the wheel cost, which is their way of telling me to bend over, insert the wheel in my colon, and say good by to my hard earned money 1 month after buying this junk new. THE WHEEL HAS BEEN TRUED 8 TIMES IN ONE MONTH. my dealer wont even try to true it anymore and my $2,000 Bike now limps down the street with a freakin shimmy. Buy a real wheel set from a manufacturer that will warranty and stand behind their product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Good looks, inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Spokes.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Marlin, XT head to tail, Avid BB7's, looking for new wheels.
Bottom Line:
After years of abusing a set of Mavic Cosmos on my roadie without issues, I decided to go with Mavic to replace the crap Bone-tragers that came stock on my Fish. After only 500 miles of road commuting I lost a spoke on the rear wheel. It broke off at the nipple. NONE of the local shops carry the very cool looking black bladed spokes that come on these things. And with only 24 spokes in the first place, breaking that one put too much stress on the rest. Now with a total of 3 spokes somewhere on the roads around here, I'm taking advantage of REI's 100% satisfaction guarantee and returning them.
I suppose that my 230lbs of flesh and gear might have been too much for this wheel set, or I might have been the lucky one to get a bad spoke. Personally, I feel that mountain bike parts should be strong enough to be abused, and my wheel broke without trail riding abuse.
Bad flamin' chilis for the inconvenience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J D
a Cross Country Rider
from Gridley, CA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Potters Ravine
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Hubs and price
Weaknesses:
Tricky when truing
Bike Setup:
Zion 660 full xt
Bottom Line:
I'm doing this because some reviews talked about plastic paws in the free hub. I opened mine I didn't see any plastic parts. I saw a nice three sealed bearings and two steel paws. I'm a heavy rider and I've been taking this cross rides on very nasty single tracks and climbs with no problem. I'll recommend it 100%
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
syaiful khaidell
a Weekend Warrior
from malaysia Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Hiap Ho Bike
Strengths:
Able to handle my weight 220lb. Nice performance, good handling and I like the hubs. Help me in stearing in hills and look nice with my tire. Planning to upgrade but not at the moment.
Weaknesses:
not yet found
Similar Products Used:
XTR
Bike Setup:
Scott Racing Com,XTR groupo,Fox RLC
Bottom Line:
Will try to stick with the product since I need to look for my second bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Holmes
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: February 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
Somewhere in Essex
Strengths:
Looks trick, light (for the price), reasonable cost wheelset in a seemingly void price band (ie all other wheelsets are either cheap or mega expensive!!)
Weaknesses:
Not really found anything to grumble about, keep in mind the cost of these wheels.
Similar Products Used:
CrossRide 2002's
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula frame, Pace EvoIII forks, x-lite bars, XT drive train, Avid Juicy ultimate hydros.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that these Wheels are sweet for the price! several other reviews seem to forget that you're goning get what you pay for, there's a reason that superlight race/marathon/trail wheelsets are mega bucks and thats because they're far better made, lighter etc.
If you're buying these as a good quality nicely priced wheelset then they tick all the boxes for beginner/intermediate riding.
If you're buying at them at $200 and then compare them to a $600 wheelset then they're clearly not going to be as good!!!!! If you're planning on thrashing your wheels get more money out and buy better (DT Swiss or Hope etc).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Hyde
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: January 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bobcat
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance O'Side
Strengths:
Inexpensive, Look Good, Good Hubs, Disk/rim brake option on same wheel.
Weaknesses:
Not sturdy enough for me.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic Crossland, never had any trouble with them.
Bike Setup:
GT STS 1000 DS, XTR Drivetrain. Avid CODE disc brakes, RS Recon 135mm, currently running backup wheel set because...
Bottom Line:
Used these for three months and started doing some heavy cross country. I went down and that was the end of it. Rims are ready for some sour cream from tacobell. Hubs are ok, but at $200 for a new pair it's not worth it to relace them to new rims. Great wheels while I was XC only, but if you are even thinking about doing any light freeride, move on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Norstein
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown Date Reviewed: December 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
wherever.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.
Strengths:
Reasonable for price. look like pro stuff, hubs are sweet. Not sure what to think because i have read all the other reviews and not all of them are very good. I hope mine dont do what some of the consumers described.
Weaknesses:
Mine went out of true kinda quickly. But thats an easy fix, and Pricepoint sent them a little damaged anyway. Which took an hour of my time re-seating a couple of the spokes and doing a crappy truing job. but it did the trick. Otherwise, lets see how far i can pound on these rims until i have to replace them.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M525, stock giant yukon rims
Bike Setup:
Very good hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Like i said, i dont know what to think about these rims. I smashed my old ones and bought these ones thinking i was going to get an incredible deal, Look at them, they look like bombshells or something a pro would use for competing in races. But reading all the reports, apparently some guys/girls hate the, some love them. Me, personally, i like them, just need a truing job on the back and front, and then they're perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonman Roorkamper
a Cross Country Rider
from Three Rivers, CA. USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Case Mtn BLM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike shop
Strengths:
You get great Mavic rims, straight-pull spokes,sealed bearings, and a 2-yr warranty. They are smooth, straight and true. The rims and lacing can withstand moderate stunts and rocky descents without going out of true. I feel that they are stronger than a traditional hooked-spoke wheel. I weigh 160lbs and ride aggressively. I want to like these wheels, I really do.
Weaknesses:
The free-hub pawls are weak, with ridiculously small and fragile plastic retainers. The freewheel mechanism self-destructed after 5 1/2 months of riding. My twice weekly ride in the Sierra Nevadas requires more than an hour of extremely steep, brutal,unrelenting climbing - the pawls just couldn't stand the pressure. Perhaps on more rolling terrain the hub would have survived.
Specialized '04 Enduro, XT/XTR, Fox Vanilla 140 RLC, Avid Juicy 7's, Kenda Blue Grooves
Bottom Line:
Stick with Shimano hubs- they are inexpensive, durable, and user serviceable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Wyngaard
a Cross Country Rider
from East London South Africa Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Looks great, makes people think you are a pro...oh and they are not square.
Weaknesses:
plastic stickers come off quickly. (should be painted on!) Heavy weight. freewheel system cheap and MADE OF plastic!!! I broke mine within 24hrs of purchase going off a tiny jump. MAVIC wouldn't replace it they only sent parts to REPAIR., took 5 days to get fixed.
Bike Setup:
2007 Stevens, SRAM X9 all round, Juicy 5's, truvative cranks, rock shox REBA SL, Schwalbe R.R tires
Bottom Line:
Dont buy this product unless your trails are made of smooth sand. Any rocks, jumps or heavy pedalling and the freewheel system will snap like twig. Buy these rims and you will be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julius
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, CA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Looks, very stiff, bladed spokes, sturdy hubs, rim & disc compatible and pretty cheap for the performance.
Weaknesses:
Rotational weight
Bike Setup:
BMC Fourstroke 03
Bottom Line:
For less than $200 you have a solid entry level XC wheelset who wants to start MTB seriously. You want rim brakes? Check. You want disc? Check. The hubs are solid. No problems with the bearings and I went thru these on a 24 enduro. They're tough!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
broom broom
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glen Tres
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
Evans cycles
Strengths:
Value for money, looks, strength
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Dt swiss, Sun rims, Mavic 321
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpy 07 Expert, stock except crossrides, thomson post, Odi, Hope clamps and skewers and high rollers
Bottom Line:
This is a really great product, for the money its worth it. I had DT swiss on before had to replace 6 spokes within the first couple of months. I have had no problems so far with the Mavic's. I would say if you want to upgrade but aren't looking for race weight or downhill bombproof. Then these are the perfect trail wheels they handle jumps, rock gardens and drops no problem. I have two other friend who bought at the same time none of us have had any problems !!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jang Shian (Yin) Chen
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kesas motor lane & most of KL Bike Hash Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Pro Malaysia
Strengths:
Value for money & its look cool.. Good for normal use & light jungle terrain.
Weaknesses:
So far so good
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 217 rim with XT 760 hub
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Team, XT Grouppo, Mavic Crossride
Bottom Line:
If ur in low budget ur looking for an exotic look alike wheelset. Such as Mavic Crossmax, i can say this is the answer. Performance is outstanding. I've using it for Crosscontry road riding & even HASH for more than 1,000km (600miles) & its still performed well. Even cyclist around thought it was a Mavic Crossmax hehe Cool..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Huntsville SP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance.com
Strengths:
Stiff, Light weigh, low cost
Weaknesses:
Rims do not hold up with 220lB rider
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 317 / Shimano XTR, Forte Loco
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
The rear wheel held up good for 6 mo of XC riding (about 2k miles) but then the rim cracked and 3 of the drive side spoke eyelets pulled through. Performance.com replaced the wheel at no charge. Mavic XC rims do not stand up well under a 220lB rider.
Hub and bearings ran well. Front wheel is still performing well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicety boy Flloyd b
a Weekend Warrior
from Erindale, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
They seemed pretty good but felt alot of flex. I ride very hard bashy all mountain/trail style, no drops over 3 feet if any at all, only do small natural terrain jumps. I taco'd the front badly after 2 months. The flat spokes are strong until sideways pressure is exerted. I weigh 200 Lbs, 220 with gear. Look elsewhere unless you weigh les than 175 and don't ride too aggressively.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian F
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ratpack, which is now a condo for 50+ folks.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
great look, super smooth hubs, Price!
Weaknesses:
Blew out 2 spokes going over a log... worst part was being 5 miles from the car with a two mile downhill ahead, yikes!
Similar Products Used:
Mavic d321 laced to hayes hugi hubs. single tracks laced to xt hubs, velocity deep v disc laced to xt... the list goes on
Bike Setup:
Lots of goodies, marzocchi marathon sl, hayes carbons, full xt with sram rocket shifters, the good stuff.
Bottom Line:
Great wheel for the price but am concerned with the way the spokes popped out. Happened right next to each other, must have lost tension and the slid right out. would not have happened if it were a normal spoke. but hey I cannot complain because the wheels are really nice for the price point. Try and find a wheel that runs as smooth as these for that price you will be looking for awhile. Well happy trails...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john sczowski
a Cross Country Rider
from wilson, wy 83002 Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$197.00
Purchased At:
local buy
Strengths:
incredible value-strong so far-stiff(mavic!)
Weaknesses:
nothing for the price
Bike Setup:
blur lt
Bottom Line:
first off, i had no idea that the 2007 build doesn't have eyelets. get the 06 if you can that has them-you need them for this wheel set. these things are strong and have the renowned simple mavic hub. im not spending 900 bucks to save 400 grams on wheels even though that is the most important place. dont believe the hype, you're riding a mountain bike through the woods beating the crap out of everything in sight, hopefully smiling. i used to race semi-pro xc and ran the crossmax at cost(it was below 50% retail) so it wasn't that big of a hit to have really nice wheels. if these dont work im trying the crosstrail set. mavic makes the best wheels period for mtb and im stoked to have these. i ride hard xc and no problems...yet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Core_Shot
a
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Shop Employee Purchase
Strengths:
VALUE!!! Great Hubs
Weaknesses:
Not quite stiff enough, a little heavy (though not for the price)
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lite, Stock- Specialized hubs on Mavic 317s
Bike Setup:
Stumpy, Full XT, Thomson and Easton
Bottom Line:
I bought these when I upgraded from the stock rim brakes to the XT hydros. They've been great, save two small gripes: They're a little flexy, and they're a little heavy. But for what they cost, they're incredible. In the grand scheme of things, they get 3 chilis- very average overall. Value- I'd compare these to a wheelsets in the $400 range. If you're looking for a mid level wheelset that performs like stuff twice the price, pick these up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Conyers Horse Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Free-Flite
Strengths:
Stiff as hell, looks awesome, bladed spokes, and versatility.
Weaknesses:
umm...
Similar Products Used:
Sun DS2-XC, Bontrager Mavericks, 04 Crossrides
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dragon. 853 Reynolds frame, Reba w/ poploc, mostly XT components, FSA K-Force carbon bar and post, Avid BB7's
Bottom Line:
These wheels rock! I have two sets of these and both of them are freakin awesome. I used to have a Skareb fork (FLEXY!) and it was so bad that my disks would actually rub going through turns. I decided to get these wheels to replace my Ringle wheels that were laced to Deore hubs and all of a sudden, no more rub! Also, these wheels are amazingly stiff (I am however a pretty lightweight rider).
Also, the non-disk specific version can accept V's or disks. Its just got a disk hub with a machined rim, so theyre extremely versatile if you happen to have alot of bikes and rotate youre wheels around alot.
Best of all, these work perfectly with a Stan's kit. I don't know why I read about people saying these don't work. The standard cross country conversion kit is literally the perfect fit. Just make sure you double wrap the spoke holes with the included nylon tape (theres plenty) and seat the rim strip evenly. It mounted and sealed completely on my first try using Bontrager Jones XR tubeless tires. I did have a shop compressor to use though, but i tried it with a floor pump and all that is required is about three quick pumps and it will seal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vibrato
a
from Silvis Illinois USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
If you weigh less than 170 pounds or are afraid of leaving the ground, these are a pretty good bargain. They look great and hold true really well. However, the whole SET cost $175.00 which is a deal, but the rear axle alone is $45.00. The axle is machined on one side smaller than the other side, and it's weak if you ride with your nuts clankin.
2 axles in 6 months. I'm 200 pounds, ride sport and NEVER drop anything more than 3 feet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lowell
a Cross Country Rider
from Brunswick, ME Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bradbury mountain, Lanzo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Bikeman
Strengths:
This review for the rear wheel only. STRONG AND RELIABLE. Not too heavy for the price. You can also run either rim or disc brakes on it...sweet.
Weaknesses:
Rear freewheel started out quiet and randomly got loud. It still works fine, but it's kinda weird.
Similar Products Used:
Crossmax SL (on the front) Not nearly as strong. Old mavic 221 rim and stx hub.
Bike Setup:
1997 Jamis dakar sport (the light one with the easton tubes), Crossride rear, crossmax SL front wheels, XT/LX drivetrain, Manitou Skareb fork, Avid/XT rim brakes.
Bottom Line:
Great upgrade wheel. Super strong. I have ridden it hard for a year and even off a drop that I shouldn't have done (bike and rider both not built for it) that resulted in a crash, a broken frame, and my front crossmax SL way out of true, the rear Crossride was perfect! Not too heavy either. I highly recommend this wheel, especially if you run rim brakes and are looking for a upgrade wheel. It brakes way better in the wet AND dry than the Crossmax SL ceramic in the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Blackman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bremerton, Wa. USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$174.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Price, Durability and I didn't have to change my braking system to have them
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
To many to count
Bike Setup:
1999 Trek 950 (Yep not only a V-Brake hold out, but also still riding steel) SRAM 7.0 Esp Drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Between my weekend rides, my old commute in downtown Seattle and now using these wheels for a Bike Courier Business that I have started, these things are great. Only have need to be trued once and that was with the typiclal, ride them for a month and then take them in. I probably wouldn't have need to take them except that I run with my brakes tight. Waiting for them to go on sale again and will buy another set just to have when the ones that I currently have give up the ghost, I can put em on and keep going. But if I haven't killed these things by now. I do see me killing them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from state college, pa Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Roll well, pretty stiff, cost, looks.
Weaknesses:
Odd spokes which are probably rare.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic x117
Bike Setup:
5" f/r all mountain
Bottom Line:
I think these are great wheels if you are in this price range. They obviously aren't the best out there but they have stayed true and stiff under my 235 lbs for over a year. They are fairly light and look similar to more expensive sets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Painter
a Racer
from Mtn View, CA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
baseballbert@hotmail.com
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
The OffRamp, Mtn View
Strengths:
durability, strength, reliability, looks, quality of ride, price
Weaknesses:
weight??
Similar Products Used:
Alex TD 17's
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 4 with full RaceFace Deus toys/Next Riser, Maxxis ADvantage Exception 2.1's, Avid SD 7 levers + BB7 discs, X.O Twisters and Rr Der, LX Fr Der, Fox F80 RLT Fork, Crank Bros Candy Pedals
Bottom Line:
With a wife in grad school the CrossMax wheels aren't an option yet. These things have been great, and I'm going on my 2nd season with these without them needing to be trued once. Plus, they do look pretty cool with the ADvantages on them. I liked them so much, I put the V-Brake version on my wife's bike. Plus, if you are a weight weenie, LOSE WEIGHT ON THE RIDER not the bike. That way is much easier, and a hell of a lot cheaper!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vagos2
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Serkos Riders - Monastiraki
Strengths:
Durability, lightweight for the money, asthetics. Sealed bearings
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore '05(came with bike), Shimano '06 XT.
Bike Setup:
Ideal Hillmaster frame, xt drivetrain, specialized rival saddle, kore seatpost, reba fork, scott oxyd tires, pz racing stem,, race face handlebar
Bottom Line:
So far the set holds true and gave no problems. It really made a difference from the previous wheelsets. Great for the money..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ifestion Papadam
a Downhiller
from Thessaloniki Date Reviewed: March 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
www.grand-raid.de
Strengths:
Durability, low weight, great look, fully sealed ball bearing hubs, disc and v-brake use, easily serviced if ever needed it.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Canyon Big Mountain 1, Marzocchi All mountain 1, Shimano XT set, Avid BB7 Brakes 203mm, Chris King Headset.
Bottom Line:
My review is for the 2006 version witch is disc and v-brake and is still being produce for 2007. It’s an excellent value for the money, i have tested those wheels in all mountain conditions, trails, medium jumps, hard rocky terrain, mud and they performed surprising well. I have only once true the back wheel after 10 months of really hard abuse on them. I understand why the fellow from Australia, says that the 2007 only disc version has no eyelets, and the spokes pop out of the rim, because it’s true. You can check the specs in Mavic site and you will see that Mavic replaced the extra eyeletting of the 2006 version with the so called H2 Hammer Hardering treatment. In other words, instead of using extra rings in the eyelet area of the rim, they hammered the spoke area, in order to save weight, about 30 grams lighter each wheel compared to the 2006 version. So, thank you Alex IP for your post, because you saved me from buying the new version for my other bike, instead of the well tested and reliable 2006 version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC, USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Price, weight, looks (black version)
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Several OEM wheelsets - Araya, Alex
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance custom build
Bottom Line:
I mainly wanted to respond to the poster below that says his Crossrides do not have spoke eyelets. My '06 Crossrides have eyelets, which can be easily seen without removing the tire, etc. - they are little chrome rings around each spoke nipple. Mavic's website shows both the disc and std. '07 Crossrides also have eyelets. I can't imagine Mavic would make a lesser wheel for the Australian market, as the info on their website is international, so I'm not sure how the poster below got a set of Crossrides without spoke eyelets.
As far as the wheels go, I find them to suit my needs perfectly - they're an inexpensive wheelset that looks great, is reasonably light, and supposedly quite durable. I use them for cross country riding and occasional all-mountain, so I can't really give feedback about durability (as one should expect, my Crossrides are holding up just fine - staying true, etc.). So far, so good. I listed weight as a strength and weakness because the wheelset is relatively light for the price but not as light as some more expensive wheelsets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Ip
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: December 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wombat State Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM with Scott Scale 30
Strengths:
Looks good, Entry-level pricing for Mavic wheelset
Weaknesses:
No spoke eyelets - weakness at rim. Instead of spokes breaking, they pop out of the rim. No spare parts available in Australia.
Bike Setup:
Standard 2007 Scott Scale 30
Bottom Line:
Do not "upgrade" to this wheelset - spend the extra money and buy a wheelset which offers more than just looks. I am replacing this wheelset with a conventional 32-spoke 819-based wheelset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark O'Neill
a Weekend Warrior
from Plymouth Meeting Pa Date Reviewed: December 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$178.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
They roll fast and smooth and they have stayed almost perfectly true. They're very light too.
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
I just upgraded from whatever wheel came stock on my bike, and I've felt a world of difference. My speed has been increased dramaticly, and these wheels can really take a beating.
If you're looking to upgrade your wheels at a great price, these are the ones to get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from State College, PA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rothrock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
roll fast, look good, stay true
Weaknesses:
nothing really
Similar Products Used:
Mavic X117, Mavic X717
Bike Setup:
Phase 2, AM 3
Bottom Line:
This wheelset is probably junk for people that are used to Crossmax or other high-price wheelsets, but if you are looking for a wheelset that out-performs your beginner wheelset then these are for you. They are low price and are much better than the normal beginner sets.
Overall rating is 5 chilis because I have never experienced a Crossmax wheelset on my bike, maybe it would be 4 chilis then.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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