Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gemini Bridges
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
(Came with bike) Le Pédalier
Strengths:
Light, stayed true
Weaknesses:
Service or replacement parts
Similar Products Used:
first UST wheels
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula 2002, Marzochi, Race Face, XTR/XT, Avid SD7, IRC Serac/Mythos, Stan's no tube.
Bottom Line:
As long we keep in mind those wheels are for cross country riders, and not for 200 lbs and over free riders, you get a more than acceptable pair of wheels for your bucks. Did not get any freewheel issue so far, as reported in other reviews, or had to replace bearing cartridges. Very low leaks, I only have to inflate tires once a week.
I accidentally pulled a spoke out during the first month, and Mavic replaced the wheel (Thanks to my LBS). Both wheel remained true all those years. I'm not an agressive rider, and not heavy at 155 lbs, but did lot of rough trails and would buy the same wheels anytime.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond Va Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Douthat State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Great Looks
Weaknesses:
Constant attension, very week.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 117 Disc
Bike Setup:
Klein hard Tail,, Race frame
Bottom Line:
These wheels are not a good buy.. There are alot of better wheels out there, that do not need attension.. I am 200lbs, and get flex all the time - I will be getting rid of these right away,,, I too see why Mavic diss continued.. now Im stuck with them... I guess Im going to go back to Shimano... Seeeee ya Mavic
I would recomend another wheel set,, most wheel sets are better..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Piedmont, NC USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Various
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
See previous review. Fast rolling, little maintenance so far.
Weaknesses:
Previous review cited leakage. This was before I found out about Stans sealant. My mistake in jumping to conclusions without getting with the mainstream of sealant usage with tubeless technology.
Similar Products Used:
My first tubeless
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3 w/Continental Explorer Pro UST
Bottom Line:
My previous rating dogged the wheel on account of leakage. Please note the correction here in recommending this wheel with the use of Stans sealant. The difference is significant in noting the liveliness of the wheel after having taken the tubes out (which the seller of the bike left in the wheels upon my acquisition).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Piedmont, NC USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Various
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Used with bike
Strengths:
Roll well, seem to hold true, but am not a gonzo rider.
Weaknesses:
Leakage. Require pumping after about six hours from full pressure.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3
Bottom Line:
I was an unsuspecting buyer of these tubeless wheels in not recognizing that there were tubes (didn't know the presta valve height distiction) in the wheelset purchased with the used bike, until the valve stem broke on the front, and was quickly recognized by the bike shop. They removed the tubes, replaced with Mavic UST valve stems, and remarked that these wheels could entail daily pumping with a floor pump. They added that a tube would be recommended as a fixture for a flat. I'm inclined to put the tubes back in with this more than minor inconvenience, but will give them a try as is. I can't heartily endorse a leaking tube, and must agree with other reviewers that it is a defect of design. The price of the bike with these wheels was pretty reasonable ($600), so it wasn't a ripoff, but am now a little leary of tubeless technology, and of course, the seller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Van Der Klauw
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane QLD Australia Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Roll well, typical Mavic, look great with low spoke count which keeps the weight down.
Weaknesses:
I had problems holding a tubed tyre on the bead above 45psi before I switched to the UST tyres at 35psi. Blew 3 tubes.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 221, Sunrim 0 degree XC
Bike Setup:
Specialised Epic, XT V brakes, Rockshock SID World Cup Team.
Bottom Line:
I am an 90kg / 205lb rider who treats my bike gently and I have had no problems at all with these wheels. But with low spoke count I could not recommend these to hard, fast or heavy riders. So if you are light and only ride XC then you might find these to be a bargain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark m.
a Cross Country Rider
from Cottonwood Hts. , Utah Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
crest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Light.
Weaknesses:
Special tool for spokes.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80 with upgrades.
Bottom Line:
These are like an old Jaguar: Need constant attention and tune up. Shops do not know how to repair them. I had broken spokes on 5 rides in 2 seasons and now the axle is toast. Durability just ain't there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Cle Elum, WA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light and affordable.
Weaknesses:
Mavic quit making the freewheel. The spokes require special tools to replace.
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper Pro
Bottom Line:
I bought these on a closeout at Supergo. Last week during a race I noticed a spoked had pulled out possibly stripping the reverse thread on the rim. I took the rim to two bike shops and it was noted the freewheel was wobbly in addition to the thread problem on the rim. One of the shops called Mavic and Mavic reported they no longer make the freewheel and the whole hub would need to be replaced. I bought this wheel pretty cheap and its understandable why Mavic discontinued this wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric hawkins
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee Woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Tubeless!
Weaknesses:
Overall wheel strength
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR-XC, carbon fiber seat post, riser bar and cranks.
Bottom Line:
They were cheap and tubeless. No more pinch flats and I can run at lower air pressure. The rear wheel leaked from the beginning, no big deal. Had to fill with air before every ride. Had the rear wheel true'd three times. Recently, the freewheel began going south. Nothing lasts forever, and I ride a lot and hard (and I weigh ~200lbs). I am pleased with two years, and I will own another set of UST wheels (just maybe not Mavic's low-end). 4 more years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Racer
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Awesome bearings, tubeless traction is awesome, low rolling resistance/weight is awesome. Haven't had to true them yet, either.
Weaknesses:
A little flexy.
Bottom Line:
Great wheels for the money. If you install the tires properly and with a little patience they don't leak at all. These wheels roll and roll and roll and the UST tires GRAB on the uphills. No complaints at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from dutchess ny Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Durable. They roll well.
Weaknesses:
Realisticly-- none
Similar Products Used:
517's, xmax xl
Bike Setup:
these came on 2002 f3000
Bottom Line:
I've used only tubless (explorer rears, mosquito fronts) with Stan's. They've held up extremely well, skewers are fine too, for me. 6000 not so easy miles, with 1 truing! Maybe the closeout wheelsets are different?!phuk bush
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert woldring
a Cross Country Rider
from augusta, georgia Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
boyne mt.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
price, radially laced front hub, overall looks (wheelset matches my frameset)
2002 Giant XTC se2 frameset w/ RockShox SID XC, Chris King headset, Race Face Next LP cranks, Shimano XT/XTR, Avid Ti brakeset, eggbeater stainless pedals, easton CT2 bar, Ritchey PRO stem and a (2004) Giant (carbon) seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I initially thought this was a decent wheelset. It worked well and didn't leak with tubeless tires. Then, at the end of the first season of use, the freehub needed to be replaced. In addition to that, the rear wheel would constantly go outta true. After the second season of use the rear wheel began leaking air. Upon closer inspection, I discovered several of the spoke "nuts" had worked loose. Since they've been retightened, the rear wheel seems to be holding air again. I'm glad to see that Mavic finally came to their senses and decided to drop production on this wheelset. To all the folks out there that don't know it already...this wheelset is junk! I've noticed that several internet based companies are offering this wheelset for as little as a 150 bucks!!! Unless you're a 120 lb. rider or just ride occasionally, PLEASE, SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! I certainly wish I had.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Johnny Sprockets
Strengths:
Light.
Weaknesses:
These are for tubeless tires. The rear wheel allowed very little air leakage, allowing for the rear tire to stay properly pressurized for around 4-5 weeks. The front wheel allowed for a LOT of air leakage, where after a few hours of moderate riding intensity, the pressure would drop anywhere from 5-10 psi on the same day. After one week left alone, the front tire was less than half inflated. Once I bought the bike I noticed this flaw and returned to the shop where I bought it to complain. There, the bike mechanics said this leakage was normal for tubeless rims, saying it is a hard to find a good fit with the rim and its tire. For $1500, I expected not to have refill my tire with air twice in one day. And the inconsistency between the front and rear wheels was night and day. I should have been given a replacement, period. This aside, I think for the money spent on these wheels is a waste. Now I'm going to buy new wheels - and they're NOT going to be made by Mavic.
Bike Setup:
2002 Jamis Dakota XC - mainly stock components.
Bottom Line:
If you want really poor performance, go with these. I'm giving this wheel an overall rating of "fair" since the rear wheel was fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a
from Cincy Date Reviewed: February 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBike/CambriaBike
Strengths:
I purchased my first set 2 yrs ago. The front wheel has held up well no Comlaints
Weaknesses:
I had had to purchase two rear wheels. each of them lasting for only about 4 months. I take care of my stuff too. The freewheel went out on both of them. Garbage! I contacted Mavic, only to be shunned away. Terrible customer service. OH, I can buy a new freewheel if I want too. I even took the wheel to there mobil wheel center at a 24 hour race and they didn't do anything for me.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy these wheels. Supergo has them on sale for 179 a set. Unless you have money to throw away. They are not worth 100 bucks. I am only 170lbs. Wear and tear item buy butt. I am an engineer and I know cheap grap when I see it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville Date Reviewed: December 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge Hill o' Truth
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Lightweight, very little rolling resistance. UST gription is awesome. These wheels love to accelerate and climb.
Weaknesses:
Wheelset is a little flexy.
Similar Products Used:
Typical non-UST stuff
Bike Setup:
'02 Jamis Dakota XC, mostly stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great, great wheelset for lighter riders. I'm 140 and race pretty hard (including 12-hour races) and have yet to true these wheels. They do flex on fast, tight turns, though. Not too bad for me, but heavier riders might have problems. UST system is GREAT. The increase in gription and decrease in rolling resistance is incredible. My bike isn't super light (24-25 lbs.) but these wheels make it feel like it weighs nothing. These are great wheels for XC.
Mavic's customer service may suck, but if I never have to use it then I'm OK with that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G
a Racer
from Houston Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$164.00
Purchased At:
Mavic E.P.
Strengths:
Look great
Weaknesses:
Rear spokes loosen easily
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race wheels
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel, Fox, SRAM, XT
Bottom Line:
These wheels basically suck. Great price, but now I know why. I think Mavic quality is really going down, as I've had problems with their road wheels as well.
I weigh 170lb, but am generally light on my equipment. In 3 months, I've broken 3 spokes in the rear, and it seems that the spokes need re-tensioning after every 3 or 4 rides! The hubs are great and smooth, but don't make up for the weaknesses.
I rode my Bonty Race wheels for 4 years without breaking a spoke -- probably 2 without even having to true them. Plus, they were lighter than the crossrocs.
This is my very last Mavic wheels I'll buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from montrose co usa Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
over the edge
Strengths:
now on sale
Weaknesses:
not strong enough for 160 lbs and all around rider(Fruita Moab, Durango, Crested Butte)Needs more spokes
Similar Products Used:
mavic 157
Bike Setup:
Titus/Edge FS Duke 100/XT/Thompson /King headset
Bottom Line:
I am an "all round" rider but got to the desert some and ride off ocass 1-2 foot drops-The rear wheel dvelopede flat spots after 1.5 years and about 1,500 miles-Got new 32 spoke wheels and can tell the differnc in stiffness and accelaration (I was surprised)My old stock LX/Mavic 1oo series lasted four years
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Bowers
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt Tamborine Queensland Australia Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$240.00
Strengths:
I preffer tubeless (or at least regular kevlar beaded tyres with latex added) and have tried Stan's system but had probs with getting tyres on and off. So, only these or Crossmax were available as after market tubeless options. This is perhaps the only good thing about them, as I have loved running tubeless with my 130lbs and 28-32psi.
Weaknesses:
I have two sets of these wheels and paid about the same for both sets and got three new tyres in each deal, but despite the bargin I am annoyed that I couldn't buy these as a rim only in say 28 or 32 hole.
20 spoke is silly. It is barely acceptable for the front and absurd on the rear. Every ten or so weeks I break a drive side rear spoke and suffer even more flex than should be safely ridden to get home.
The wheels came without the special spoke wrench. This was hard to get a hold of through Mavic and when it arrived I was disappointed in its quality. For $30 it was junk and now having seen one I would have machined up something for myself that drives the nipple holder better and one that would not hurt one's hands using it (sharp and flimsy junk that it is). This item is absolutely essential.
First ride the rear wheel came out of true with both sets of wheels. The nipple holders loosen (note: reverse thread-left handed-counter clockwise) and require rebuilding of the wheels immediately after delivery. Clean everything with locktite primer. Then locktite the nipple holders on the drive side with super stud grade retainer (601 I think?). All the others I used locitite copper coat so I could get good tension (this holds allows enough tension to hold everything in place on all but the drive side rear). Next I used alloy Spline Drive nipples and tensioned all up with my Wheelsmith tension guage to the highest torque recommened for the spoke gauge.
I must admit that I did replace the spokes on the first rear wheel I bought (the one that I race on) with DT 14/15s so that I would have no reliability issue. And I havn't gotten around to doing the same with the others, but rather have been putting the spokes out of the first wheel into the other as they break (this is slack and one day I will find the time to do it properly-if I havn't found a decent 28-32 hole set of rims before hand.
I don't like stickers all over the place and found the yellow on black just screams out to others "hey! I've got a set of those junky Mavic CrossRocs". Well I destickered the first set before I even rode the wheels, before they fell off as they were so badly miss applied that they interferred with the nipples. I've put up with them on the other set as I thought I'd get rid of them in due time and some bozzo would probably like the wank factor of the flashy yellow on black.
Finally the hubs seem to be Joytechs. They work most of the time. The second set of wheels had the freehub fail after a couple of weeks and was replaced under warranty and the rear bearings are only lasting six months.
Similar Products Used:
nil
Bike Setup:
KHS airlite 4000, Fox Float RLC80, carbon bars, seat post,
Bottom Line:
Mavic should make sure that this extrusion is available in a range of drillings as a rim only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flombe
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: September 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
CAMBA Trails in Wisconsin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Erik's Bikes - St. Louis Park
Strengths:
Solidly built, smooth long-spinning bearings, braking surface, and they are UST! Decals are easily removed after heating up with wife's blowdryer.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the weight, but this is my first set of dual-wall rims. Numerous goofy decals, get rid of them! I think they added 1/2 pound alone!
Similar Products Used:
'95 Weinmann BCX with LX hubs - light and strong - sorry to see them go after 8 years! Hubs were fried and I wanted to try UST.
Bike Setup:
'95 GF Mt. Tam hardtail - I just cannot part with the beautiful polished aluminum frame that has treated me so well! Pretty much every part has been replaced/upgraded over its life - at least once!
Bottom Line:
First impression is that this is a great set of wheels for a reasonable price, 4 chillis for weight although not unreasonable, but I did not gain a reduction in weight. I weigh 173 LBS. and do not balk at blasting through the rough or use brakes on downhils. The trails I ride are primarily hardpack with exposed roots, gravel with babyhead size rocks with embedded sharp rocks, sandpits at hill bottoms etc. Rear wheel required truing after first 25 miles of trail, but I figure this is normal for break-in. I ran these tubeless after a week of use in the Chequamegon Fat 40 with Hutchinson Pythons and was very impressed with their performance - no flats, great braking and traction in mud with cantilevers with Kool Stop pads (v-brakes are next upgrade). Cornered like on rails and blasted over rocks. Total confidence! The rear required slight truing after the Fat 40 which is normal compared to previous years on old setup. I mounted the tires without using soap (who carries soap on the trail?) with no problems and only slight air loss in front after a few days. I suspect the valve stem is not fully tightened. The wheel/tire combo hooked up extremely well even in wet sand, roots and mud. Going UST allows me to run at 43 PSI with a noticeable improvement in traction AND comfort. I tried running at recommended 30 PSI but felt the tires were too soft and I could hear the sidewalls compressing. I run higher PSI because I hate flatting and I run a USE XCR shock post to soften the ride. I was running tubed Conti Explorer front/Escape rear at 60 PSI prior to this setup and I do not detect any increase in rolling resistance and in fact feel that the new setup maybe rolls faster. I also noticed that the UST Pythons are taller than the tubed Contis I used to run. Highly recommended for x-country / general trail riding. I am not sure if they are appropriate for a heavier rider, but would guess they would perform fine for up to 190 to 200 LBS. See reviews below regarding heavier riders. Overall very impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Achmed
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Harbin Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Bio Wheels www.biowheels.com
Strengths:
They really do work and help you hook up better in the corners. The rims are great and Tubeless is a great system. They really take some weight off your bike and they give your hardtail a little more suspension. I have not had any problems like everyone else is talking about having. They either must weigh a ton, beat their bike, can't ride, or just don't know what they are talking about.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Similar Products Used:
LX Wheelset
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed, XT&LX w/ Mavic Rims, Answer Bars
Bottom Line:
Great product, Go UST! Buy this if you are a lighter weight rider and you mostly like to do xc riding or racing. Don't buy them for freeriding stuff or downhill. That would be dumb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from St.Paul Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lebonon hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Now Sports
Strengths:
Hard pressed to find any.At the time of purchase I thought this was a budget friendly up grade $200(+$200 credit=$400 for wheels on bike 221/XT )for tubless. I liked the additional traction and suspention that tubeless tires offer.
Weaknesses:
Were to start, on my very first ride the rear rim went out of true after a low speed endo?? no major impact??? fixed it trailside. Over the next month I must of fixed 6 or 8 truing issues before the rear rim finally settled down. The Hutunson Python tires that came with it sucked (slow leaks, lack of traction, wearied out quickly) and were replaced. I noticed that both the front and rear tires flexed laterally allot. The rim spoke inset nipples kept coming lose until lock tighten in place???Something that should have been done at the factory maybe!!!! At the beginning of their 2nd XC race session the front rim flexed and folded on a tech down, in the ensuing crash I totaled a brand new Marzzoki Marathon SL #$%#@@!. Had a new rim built (hugi 240 on 3.1 mavic rims 32 sp) 2 weeks later the rear free hub seized up, cracked bearing race. Back ordered from Mavic 3 weeks@#$%. $60 + install, 3 weeks later it fails again. Had another rim built (240 hugi again)
Similar Products Used:
First time tubeless. Last set of rims rino light on XT rear,stock Stumpjumper radial stout front. 3 years hassle free
These rims should come with a wieght limit. a 205 lbs agressive XC Racer is abit much. I'm thinking 170 lbs max. 150 maybe trouble free??? For me these rims were junk. heavier riders BEWARE!!!!! -5 chilis
Ride fast and take chances!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Robert E. Lee
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Joe's/Mt. Washington Bike Shop
Strengths:
Strong, pretty light, look cool
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Corvair, Sun Mach 4/LX, Weinmann ZAC-19, Sun ZJ-93
Bike Setup:
'00 Giant Iguana SE 6061, lx, xt, avid sd ti, duke xc
Bottom Line:
These wheels are a great value. They are really strong, haven't need to be trued yet (considering my rough riding), perhaps Mavic could have tried to make these a bit lighter. They look pretty cool with the low 20 spoke count and black anodizing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nasif
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington Hills, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
American Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
They are strong, fast and are of the hook
Weaknesses:
can't name one
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900, these wheels, michelin front and back tires, lizard skins lockjaw grips
Bottom Line:
Dude these are sweet. So happy i bought them. I am so much faster. Also the tires i bought gave me a lot more traction. These wheels are so tite. Buy them if u want a good deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nasif
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington Hills, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
American Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
They are strong, fast and are of the hook
Weaknesses:
can't name one
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900, these wheels, michelin front and back tires, lizard skins lockjaw grips
Bottom Line:
Dude these are sweet. So happy i bought them. I am so much faster. Also the tires i bought gave me a lot more traction. These wheels are so tite. Buy them if u want a good deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Area 51- Ithaca NY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Veloswap in Denver
Strengths:
supple tire
Weaknesses:
leaky, not durable, difficult to repair on the trail
This is really more a comment about the tubeless rim than the entire wheelset per se. I was originally a big fan of the tubeless- they seemed to really hook up well and it seemed so liberating to be beyond needing tubes. So when I upgraded to front discs and at the same time I upgraded to tubeless: I've never had more flats with a wheel in my life- before moving to Santa Barbara I took an old trail in Ithaca, NY and popped the tire off the rim after landing an obstacle. Since then, and moving to rockier santa barbara- I've had the bead seperate from the rim on several occassions; when I'm cornerning in gravel or if I get a rock at just the right angle (I mean probably 2-3 times out of literally a billion possible times- but still, this never happened with tubes). Of course, this may be isolated to my specific wheel (other factors like psi, are not likely- since I run these as high as my old tires). Though I like the higher elasticity of the tubeless- I'm going back to tubes- maybe a huigi hub and nice 317 rim-
P.S. I did some riding on these wheels in George Washington National Forest in VA- where --often-- it's much smoother and less rocky-- these were great. Like so much, it probably comes down to application- these were great for semi-smooth singletrack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham,NC, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
little hickory top
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Looks,they roll
Weaknesses:
nipples snap, Mavic reps are @!@#$#@ pieces of $#@@#
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 517s
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Pisgah, XT, Sid sl
Bottom Line:
I used to like Mavic, but the customer service I received has made me change my mind. I will never buy Mavic again. Mavic should learn how to treat people with respect. I wouldn't use Mavic again. I feel guilty that some poor sap is going to buy mine used. I know alot of other riders who have had similiar problems with their nipples and rude customer service. Hopefully MTBR will get out the word.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emery
a
from Birmingham, AL, USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Very good rim set except for a later discovered quality control issue on the rim edge. I was getting sidewall punctures when I flattend. After $100 worth of tires, I discovered sharp, unfinished edges on the rims and filed them over. No more sidewall punctures....infact, I have been riding since 1988 and prior to the Crossrocs, I have never had a sidewall puncture. If you get a pair, check it out, it may not become a problem unless you get a tread flat and as soon as that sharp area runs over your flattened tire....you get another hole in the sidewall. I run radial tire Slime sealant in them now. No flats for over a month. Think the rear spokes may be loosening...but the kinda riding I do, they should! Normal maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Ambler,PA Usa Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
a good one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
employee purchase
Strengths:
Strong and stiff
Weaknesses:
Rear goes out of true a bit.
Similar Products Used:
nothing else tubeless
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakota XC XT, AVID, Easton, HUtchinson Tires,Thomson post.
Bottom Line:
These wheels rock, but I don't like the fact that the rear goes out of true a bit so I'm going to try lacing the rear 3x and the front, just for the hell of it 2x. Fame flaming turds for both categories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Okinawa, Japan Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Spider Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Mail
Weaknesses:
Spokes, Freehubs, Nipple inserts.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano/Mavic, Rolf Dolomite
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98
Bottom Line:
While grinding up a hill, TWANG, broke a spoke. I replaced it and a month later the freehub developed too much drag to use. Sent it to Mavic for work, two weeks and $125 later and I'm back in business. Two weeks later, TWANG. The wheel was never severely out of true, and have been flexy from the start under my 180-190Lbs. I don't know if I got a lemon or what, but luckily I upgraded to disks and don't have to deal with these wheels anymore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
After over a year of riding, these rims are still in excellent shape. I've had some minor trueing by my local wrench a few times-nothing major tho'. The actual rims are still in awesome shape and I've been running about 34psi for my 175lb. carcass.
Mavic makes a great product- infinitely better quality hubs and rims than Bontrager. There is no silly rubber rim strip to mess with. I've had no problems with skewers breaking or hubs disinegrating (I don't over-tighten the quick release)
The best upgrade I've done, short of a new bicycle!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Norcross,GA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tsali - N.C.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fantastic grip, seem quicker than my old tubed tires, no pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
Poor skewers, tough to mount tires, nipples have broken, hubs starting to make some noise. Limited tire selection, but getting better.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F 1000, Head Shock Fatty, XTR, Thompson (worlds best) seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding these wheels for over a year now (800 miles +/-). Had early problems keeping rear true, and keeping the Hutchinson Pythons patched, everything seemed to puncture them. Changed to Michelin Wild Grippers S's which are more durable, have as good grip, but a little skinny (2.0)for a hard tailed bike. This week had the first nipple break, and the local shop ended up replacing 5 nipples that were all pulling out of the rim. I must have received an early pair, without locktite. LBS also recommended me send back to Mavic to have them replace rim (sounds expensive). Been on them twice since replacing nipples, with no problem. For the price they are acceptable if you are under 180 lbs., any heavier go for the Crossmax's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eroc
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002
You get what you pay for! Cracked my old stock rim 1 week before a race, I had wanted to go tubless for a while, so what a good time. Got the bike back the day before the race so the race was pritty much the first ride. When I came in I noticed the reat was out of true..Damnn. Crossmax is the best way to go, but I did not have the money at the time..Tubeless is great.. you can acend and decend hills with no prob @ 35psi. So 5 flaming turds for value as compaired to the crossmax(thank they use the same hubs? cuz the hubs are great) and 4 Turds for going out of true
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike swap
Strengths:
Looks cool
Weaknesses:
Goes out of true after every ride. Not enough spokes.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic CrossMAX, Weinmann 519 on Specialized hardrock
Really cool looking wheels. It's only 20 spokes on a wheel and they are way to weak for me. Goes out of true within a few rides on normal XC riding. The El'Cheapo stock wheels on my Hardrock (Weinmann 519) is stronger. The CrossMAX are stiffer but the price is just ridiculous.
Oh wait. I forgot to say I am 260lb. These wheels are great if you are a light rider. I am going for XTR hub and Mavic F519 now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alain Imboden
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm Sweden Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
price, UST system, Mavic quality
Weaknesses:
weight
Bike Setup:
Titan frame, all XTR, manitou Mars Elite, all Syncros, Flite titanium, Schwalbe Fast Fred light
Bottom Line:
UST rules ! I was not convinced at all when I purchased these wheels but now I am ! First was SPD pedals, then front shock suspensions and now the third revolution : UST. The grip is amazing, the tires are working much more efficiently, you feel much mor esecure when attacking a single track and as a result : you go much faster ! UST is her to stay I think, no question about it. One only problem : you really need soapy water if you get a flat in the woods so the best thing to do is to suppose that you will not get a flat !
Last thing : Mavic will release a SL version of its Crossmax ...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Apeldoorn Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Rob Akkermans
Strengths:
Good wheelset. Stiff. UST.
Weaknesses:
Spokes break easily. Can't jump with it.
Similar Products Used:
221-DT-LX
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC PRO '99, full XTR, SID
Bottom Line:
Great wheelset, not too exspensive. Had a few minor problems with the spokes. For XC only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Clearwater Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
UST technology, excellent rims
Weaknesses:
hubs are junk
Similar Products Used:
non-ust: bontrager superstocks, mavic crossrides
Bike Setup:
Custom Sugar 3
Bottom Line:
UST is awesome, it's deffinately the best upgrade I've ever made to my bike. I had no trouble getting the tires on the wheels, (Hutchenson Python's). The downfall is the hubs, they are complete garbage, and to top it off no other manufacturer makes a 24 hole hub, so they are non replacable. My buddy bought a pair about 4 months ago and the rear hub already needed replacement parts, I've had mine for 3 weeks and it's already in the shop for the rear hub popping on hard climbs. Mavic customer service is horrible, don't expect to get anything out of those people. My recomendation would be to build a set of wheels, don't buy this wheelset. For about the same money, maybe $30-$40 more, you could build up a set with mavic ust rims and xt hubs and end up with a much better wheelset that is upgradable and easily repaired. I'm going to build a set and use the crossroc's as my spare set. Minus 2 chilli's for the junk hubs, minus another chili for the terrible customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from texas Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
-UST technology -ride quality in rocks, roots
Weaknesses:
-heavy -pretty flexy -flats suck to fix!
Similar Products Used:
Crossmax UST Mavic 517/XTR Stan's style!
Bottom Line:
These wheels work great for XC use. If you ride aggresive you will notice some flex! I usually don't run anything less than 32 hole. So far things are holding up though. These things have stayed true! Around my part of the country we have cactus, mesquite, etc. I highly recommend liquid latex as used with Stan's system!(www.notubes.com) You can find the stuff at most local hobby shops. Works better than the tubeless slime. Punctures are a pain in the a$$ otherwise!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Installed on customers bike
Strengths:
The system went together extremely well and easily. Disregard the reviews that state the tires are hard to get on and inflate. I had no problems whatsoever. A+++
Weaknesses:
Tires are still a little heavy compared to flyweight tubes and a good racing tire.
Bottom Line:
Take your time installing the tires and the product goes together like gangbusters. Lots of soapy water though. When you think you've got enough on, keep going and going. Think Lawrence Welk's bubble machine. Thank ye' boys...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simon
a Cross Country Rider
from plymouth Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
secret, sorry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good weight, stiff, easy to replace spokes.
Weaknesses:
usual UST spares availability
Similar Products Used:
crossmax every combo of hub and rim imginable!
Bike Setup:
2002 litespeed pisgah (rigid)
Bottom Line:
purchaced these wheels to get a feel for the UST system, so far i am impressed with them. the bearings are adjustable and the spokes can be replaced with the normal type if needed. i have had to have them trued once and that was because i put a log in the spokes, other wise they have remained tru and strong, even if they need it they can be trued easily. these wheels will apply to first time UST users or people who want a set of nice wheels for the week-end. if you want to have a set of normal wheels for day to day use then the mavic 519 shares the same dimensions as the crossroc rim.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Wrentham, MA, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Union Cycle/Attleboro, MA
Strengths:
Price. No more pinch flats. Ability to run low tire pressure.
Weaknesses:
Strength. Poor Mavic support.
Similar Products Used:
Crossmax.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 XTC. Pyslo SL.
Bottom Line:
Early wheelsets were prone to spoke loosening because Mavic did not Loctite the rim nipples. Instead of sending them back I applied Loctite myself. Since then have not had problem. Was able to get the special nipple tool from my LBS for nothing. Of course he had to yell and scream to get the tool from Mavic. Should have been included with the wheel(I purchased rear wheel only). I like to do 3-6' drops and this wheel is not strong enough for that kind of riding. Have broken a spoke a few times hucking. Good part is that I have huge grip climbing, no pinches, and the UST tires seem more resistant to puntures. Bad part is tire choices are few and the few that are available are pricey. Would like to see a 32-36 hole UST rim for the added strength. Mavic does have an attitude though. Very difficult to get warranty service. Very accusatory when dealing with them. But I guess when your the only real pre-bulit wheel manufactuer out there with the biggest market share you can get away with it. Tubeless is here to stay though so get used to it. It will be standard set up on pre-built bikes within a couple of years. CrossRoc should be purchased by non-racers, under 180lbs, on a budget. If money is not a problem buy the Crossmax UST. It is a much better wheelset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tom Brown
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
You gotta love the feeling of tubless. The traction is unreal. You'll add 1.5" of rear travel to your hardtail.
Weaknesses:
These wheels should come with a tru-ing stand. The rim nipples are constantly backing out, and they don't come with the tool to retighten them. Your LBS will probably tighten them with pliers and mar the hell out of them. I think I got one of the first sets. I think they are starting to come with locktite on them now.
Similar Products Used:
I tried UST CrossMax, they were out of my $$$$ range.
Bike Setup:
01' StumpJumper Comp
Bottom Line:
These wheels are 1/2 the price of Crossmax and twice the headache. Do yourself a favor and buy the best if you must have Tubeless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beto bob
a Cross Country Rider
from el paso tx Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
red road, state park, las cruces
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bike co
Strengths:
rolling resistance, look good, front seems very durable
Weaknesses:
tire mounting is a b--ch even when you folow their directions
rear wheel will not stay true, think I need locktite version
Similar Products Used:
517's
Bike Setup:
Klein Adroit, XT, Manitou Mars
Bottom Line:
I weigh 225, I think I'm too big for these wheels. Terrain around EP is extremely rocky and technical.
Rear wheel is back with mavic (as ar several others) which were returned by the bike shop.
Initialy used python tubeless but had durability problems. Side walls would tear and tires would get out of round with bumps. Had lots of flats related to punctures and found changes in the field to be difficult. Have been using tubes and tubed wheels for several months.
In all fairness, my buddy runs the Rolf tubeless with Pythons and has had no problems (weighs about 30 pounds less than me).
Not a good wheelset for big guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alexandre
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any climbing singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-Few flats. -Confort. -Low rolling resistance(i've pythons). -Strong. -Price.
Weaknesses:
-Weight (not that bad for a UST wheel, though).
Similar Products Used:
None tubeless
Bike Setup:
FSR-XC, Manitou mars 1, Sram 9.0 SL, etc.
Bottom Line:
Well, this was one of the first things i bought for my bike that amazed me from day one, the confort is impressive, the rolling resistance is also good despite the weight, and they're very strong, i've around 2000Km on them and didn't need to true them yet, i'm not a very agressive rider but from time to time I do 3 or 4 foot drops, in all the time i've been riding with them i had about 9 or 10 flats witch comparing too a normal tube+tire system is amazing, i use to have about 2 flats a day with the standart wheels.
I'm very happy with this wheels, and they are cheap at least in Portugal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fitzpatrick Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Hub Cycle; came on my Giant NRS
Strengths:
The wheel, she is strong. It's also black and pretty good looking.
Weaknesses:
Pain in the ass to: -Patch UST Tires at home OR trailside -Reinflate UST Tire at home OR trailside -Insert a tube without puncturing it with tire levers (less room in there than a conventional rim) -Need considerably more pressure than advertised to keep tire bead from rolling off rim in tight, fast corners -Hub axles are weak. Broke one. I've never broken a hub axle before in my life. -Removeable presta valves are week. Mini-pump snapped one of them in half during tire re-inflation.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC NRS-2, pretty much stock, except for the fork, which is now an air-sprung Z3 bomber
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money. These wheels are strong and well-built for 24 spoke wheels, but jeez... I pity the poor bugger who ever gets a puncture flat with these. Repairing tires, attempting to insert tubes, etc. are all exercises in misery.
Stick with tubes, you'll be much happier fixing the odd snakebite, believe me!
I don't think there's a suitable user for this product, unless it's a team racer with a super easy-going mechanic at his beck and call.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Twin Cities, MN Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Farm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Employee Purchase
Strengths:
Tubeless
Weaknesses:
Needs to be trued after every ride, hubs come loose easily. Skewer could be better, no tools included for truing.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey non-tubeless
Bike Setup:
'99 FSR w/ lx, race face, manitou sx-r, profile stiffy stem. I like, but not to many other people do.
Bottom Line:
These wheels were great for about the first month, but then the rear wheel constantly would pull out of the dropouts. The skewer, axle, lock nuts cones, and cap were all damaged when this happened. Mavic sent me out new parts at no cost. I did replace my derailer hanger with one that has knurling on it. It hasn't happened again, but know the wheels don't stay true. I true them after evey ride along with tightening the hubs. Part of the problem I think is the reverse-threaded inserts that hold the spoke nipples in keep loosening up. I did not get a tool to tighen these done so I had to buy one from mavic, Only $10, but would be nice if it came with the wheels. I dont mind the work that they take(i'm a wrench), but I expected a little higher quality wheel.
For what I paid(30% below cost) I think they are worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a Cross Country Rider
from Sag Harbor, NY Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trout Pond
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bay Ridge Bicycle World
Strengths:
Strong Wheel, reasonably light, good looking wheelset, value for the money (tubeless, of course)
Weaknesses:
none so far, I guess they could be lighter (couldn't everything?)
These wheels have taken a beating in the short time I have had them. I am 188lbs and I run these things at 38psi. The traction is phenominal. I am using Michlin Wildgripper XL S tires on them and they are amazing. The wheels have stayed true despite the beatings. When I first got them, I ran them at 18psi instead of the 28 I was aiming for. This was due to a broken pressure gauge. Despite the abuse at the low pressure, they held up OK. I would not reccomend trying this, I consider myself lucky. The wheels look awesome on my bike and combined with the disc breaks stop phenominally. I do not have any complaints. I suppose they could be a bit lighter. You can get a lighter set if you buy the Mavic CrossMax, but they are VERY expensive. I opted for the cheaper model because I'm not sure the cost justifed the performance difference. I don't race so I'm content. These wheels (because of the low psi I can run) allowed me to really feel the dirt I was rolling over and climb with great traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
(relatively) affordable for tubeless. Mavic quality rims.
Weaknesses:
Expensive and limited tire choices
Similar Products Used:
No other tubeless system. Many other conventional rims
Bike Setup:
2000 Sugar 2 w/Michelin Wildgripper S
Bottom Line:
Most of the benefits you've read about are true. Traction is unbelievable and ride quality is improved enough to be immediately noticeable. Pinch flats may be a thing of the past, but puncture flats aren't. While tire availability may be an issue, the Michelin Wildgrippers I use are truly excellent, great handling characteristics and reasonable weight. I've run them as low as 22 lbs pressure without any problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sugar Loafer
a Weekend Warrior
from Central, Maine, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$315.00
Strengths:
Improved climbing, especially on rocky trails Excellent braking surface
Weaknesses:
I'm relying on 20 spokes even in the middle of nowhere
Bike Setup:
CAAD2 Cannondale
Bottom Line:
A revolution in ...er... revolution! You will ride better with this upgrade. I can now remain in the saddle on many climbs where I had to walk. The traction is especially good in rocky areas (either large rocks or loose stuff). Performance in tree root areas is also better. Even these do not help out much in ATV rutted zones. These are dished for 8 speed rear cogs. I tried to use my seven with a spacer but ended up in gear 0 a few times. I advise going to 8 and upgrading your shifters at the same time. The Hutchinson Pythons give an excellent ride and shed mud like no other tire I've seen. They are not front/rear specific so I suspect there will more evolution in this revolution in the years to come. Tough call on value rating - 5 chilis if they last 5 years, 4 if they only go 2 or 3. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slugsmasher
a
from pacific northwest Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001
These are a great concept, (all other vehicles use tubeless) and with proper care and handling should work well without problems. HOWEVER, the nipple nuts suck and they DO come loose. Locktite the little buggers and they will stay put. Special tool called PLIERS may be required. Cured leaky tire bead with light coat of vaseline on the inner lip of the rim. Only have to air up once a week or less now. Blew out rear tire on sharp rock. Used tube inside UST tire with patch no problem. Then went one step further and replaced rear UST tire with regular tire and tube, works fine. Why do I have these? Maybe with more tire selection, these wheels will catch on. Right now the tire selection is grim at best. Especially with the winter goop coming up soon. My latest bike came with these rims so I had no choice. If I had the choice again I would stick with conventional rims. These wheels are gucci marketing hype parts, take em or leave em, you definately don't need em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JimPz
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover MA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything w/ dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
smooth bearings, well built, reasonably lite for comparable wheels, it's Mavic!
Weaknesses:
cheaper is always better, lack of choice of tires(but that's changing)
Similar Products Used:
No UST wheels, but Bontrager Race's(uggh!), Superfly's & XT's
Bike Setup:
2000 Sugar, only Frame & Sid are original. Only a shimano cassette & no Bontrager parts!
Bottom Line:
If you follow the direction, the tires actually mount fairly easy. BUT FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
I rode Hutchinson Python's before & put them on these wheels. so tire difference is minimal.hese wheels, even at lower pressure are faster than my old Bontrager's and climb much better. I was on vacation doing sme trails I only do once a year & was making steep climbs that usually give me trouble. I'm 175 & run 35-38 lbs pressure (I'm still experimenting) even at lower pressure these feel faster than the same tire with tubes. Being Mavic & with past experience, I expect these wheels to be durable. People mention weight, but these whels are no heaver than the Bonty Race's I had & they are a much better quality. Yes, you can buy other whelsets, probably cheaper & lighter (XTR, etc.) however, the benefits of tubeless are woth getting. I received these wheels thru a team discount, but I know think they are worth the full price. As more & more tire choices come out (and the tires get lighter)this will even make these wheels better. For added flat protection, go to Stans Tubeless system website & buy his sealant & put it in the tires, that should take care of punctures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ozzie
a Cross Country Rider
from Silverdale, WA USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tahuya Badlands
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
Silverdale Cyclery
Strengths:
*Better Performance...smoother ride due to less air, better grip/traction as more "tire pad" surface area is on the trail. *Ratcheting action was barely noticible compared to my former wheel. *Flat resistant. *Sound wheelset when used for normal xc use.
Weaknesses:
Tougher to mount tire on rim than conventional. Weigh slightly more. Costs slightly more
Similar Products Used:
Some stock Vuelta rims (non tubless)
Bike Setup:
A great bike with disk brakes, Time ATAC pedals, XT/XTR componants, Monkey Lite Bars and more.
Bottom Line:
I weigh in at 160 lbs and consider myself an avid cross country rider. I ride 4+ times a week rain or shine all year round to the tune of 10 to 20+ miles a ride on the average. I don't take big drops, but I have really worked these wheels/tires hard for just over a month to see what they would do for a normal to agressive xc rider that is not doing 4 to 5 foot plus drops and extreme downhilling or freeriding. Disk brakes, so I also have the added stress of disk brakes pulling on these wheels.
With that disclaimer, the reason I am contributing this review after only a month rather than waiting a full 3 months like I normally do is that I am sure there are others that might like more feedback to make the decision as to buy or not buy tubless and I hope this helps.
I normally treat my bike -- and maintenance of it -- with utmost respect and diligence, so I felt almost guilty when I subjected it to more abuse and stress than I normally do. I tend to ride pretty gnarly trails that motorcycles also use, so there is rock, loose soil, roots, sand, gravel, steep hills, streams, mud, 1 to 2 feet drops and the like.
After placing something over 200 miles on these CrossRocs (and at least 160 - 170 miles were beater miles) I am fasinated by how well they have performed.
So far no flats (they are not flat proof -- just like a car's tires are not flat proof). I'm sure someday I will get a flat, but what's new...just carry an extra tube in case it won't hold air.
My performance actually went up. I have climbed tecnical sections that amazed me that I did it. The tires absorb obsticles and allow you to roll over them rather that bounce off of them, allowing for better traction. And in many cases in a gear higher than I normally would have run (This several times as I didn't have time to shift down far enough and had to just go for it).
The factor that has negated some of the benefits has been the tires I am currently running. I am running the Hutchinson Pythons which work wonderfully well on normal trails that do not require climbing with rock and loose dirt. On those trails the tires just don't have enough hookup as they are really just slightly better than semi-slicks. I had previously been enjoying the Panaracer XC Fire Pros that have worked wonderfully well as an all terrain tire for my area.
I have been running 34-36 pounds in the front and 36 to 38 pounds in the rear, depending upon what I'm riding.
The best part is that so far they have remained true. My other wheels always had me tweaking spokes.
I have always been in the habit of checking my air before each ride, and I do the same here. I have found that I do need to add a pound or two of air every couple of days.
So to bring a long story to a close, what have I learned?? *Follow the installation instructions the first time. Notice how the tire bead and wheel grooves interface for install/sealing. *Use soapy water to help on the instal. *Have your wife, girlfriend, or guyfriend maybe throw in a 3rd hand really helps. *I also understand that Schwinn has flat, smooth plastic-friendly tire levers that I understand shouldn't hurt the bead. *When you pump up the first time, fill to the max (ie 60 lbs) to get a good seat/seal and then back off to the desired air pressure that you will run. This is actually pretty important to do, as I understand if you don't they may not seat properly. I found a "baby" air compressor that gets it to about 40 pounds and then I take it up the rest of the way with my hand pump - no biggie. *I have heard excellent reports on Kenda's Kharisma Tubless which should solve the search for a more aggressive tire. *Use your old rims with a "road friendly" tire that you can rotate to for off trail/road riding if needed. Understand that these are not really for road riding and you will be disappointed if you primarily would be using them there. *Realize that a tubless tire can still puncture (I understand that normally it will not lose air as quickly as conventionals) so carry your normal spare tube and patching supplies. I can't say more on this as I have had no flats yet.
Since I am more than satisfied with these wheels (the disk version with no braking surface also looks killer on my stealth black bike) I am going to have to rate them highly. I anything changes as I put more time on them, I will modify my review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$226.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Mavic finally brought tubeless to the masses with this great wheelset. There are 20 spokes front and rear (all of the online bike stores say 24 spokes for the rim brake version, which is incorrect). I weigh on 125 lbs, so the low spoke count is helpful for a light guy like me. The rim looks pretty beefy, much wider than what I thought it would be, but again this is a plus because you get an overall stronger wheel. The bearings are so smooth, I can watch my front wheel spin for at least 3 minutes. The rear hub at first seemed to have a silent clutch, but after about 40 miles, it is beginning to sound just like a normal freehub. The rear wheel spins just as well as the front. I have read so many reviews saying that they have flatted after only a few rides. I can't argue with them, since I weigh so little, but if you are a huge person, I wouldn't recommend these low spoke wheels anyway. I believe in the advantages of tubeless, with the flat resistance (I've yet to have one) and increased traction, and perhaps the lower rolling resistance. The wheels hold air perfectly. The machined sidewalls are beautiful also, and they stop me on a dime. While you may not get the ooh and aahs of the CrossMaxes, at least you got tubeless for a VERY reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
I can't say I have any general ones, but since I am a very light person, I wish Mavic made CrossRocs with a narrower rim, since the rim of the CrossRocs is really too beefy for a person like me.
Similar Products Used:
None, my first tubeless.
Bike Setup:
GT yr 2000 XCR 3000 i-drive with kore 3 stem, titec 141 bar, avid SD Ti levers, cheapo Koski v-brakes (but they stop me and they're lighter than even avid's SD Ti brakes) hutchinson python tubeless. lx rear, lx hollow crank, judy race. hard as a rock SDG saddle also
Bottom Line:
I love my wheels. Even if people don't stare at your wheels as they would with CrossMaxes, I still would rather have the functionality of tubeless over tubes anyday. I got so sick of tubes after popping 3 in a week that I decided to go tubeless. Besides, THEY ARE SO CHEAP!! at least compared to Crossmaxes... Planning on my first race with these babies in a month... AND I'M NOT BRINGING ANY SPARE TUBES!!! (because, honestly, if I flat during a race, I done with anyway, tubes or no tubes) Wish me luck.
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Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, N.C., USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New light. wake county, n.c.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
original on new bike
Strengths:
Great traction, and fast smooth ride with Hutchinson python tires. Wheels look great except for old school looking hubs
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel went out of true in one ride. Several of the spoke seats backed out. Had double puncture flat on rear on third ride running at 28 psi.
Similar Products Used:
none. Usually run 517s with shimano hubs.
Bike Setup:
2001 Jamis Daker Pro, Manitou mars elite, Fox float R shock Hutchinson Python tubeless tires.
Bottom Line:
First time with tubeless tires. The first ride was a revelation as far as speed and traction. Since then the positives don't out weigh the problems. Half of the spoke seats on the rear wheel have come loose. I took the wheel to my regular shop, where they tightened the seats with the special tool and trued the wheel. Worked for a while, but wheel is out of true again. I got two holes in the rear tire on rocky trail running the recommended pressure of 28 psi. It defeats the advantage of the tubeless tires if I have to run 50 psi too keep from getting flats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sophal
a Cross Country Rider
from Paris, France Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Tubeless, no more puncture, really smooth hub, strong wheels for XC, stay true, ready for disc brake.
Weaknesses:
not the lightest.
Similar Products Used:
XT/mavic 517, LX/mavic 221.
Bike Setup:
K2 razorback with crossroc and XT disc.
Bottom Line:
good wheels for tough XC, they are strong and really smooth. I had to lightly tighten the hub after 500km, to get rid of a small play, easy to do, no problem. I had no puncture at all after 1000km, tubeless really works if you pump enough air in it. It is not that difficult to change tubeless tires once you know how to do it, I can do it in less than 3 minute. Be sure you tire side is clean before pumping air, most air loss problem comes from junks between the tire and the wheel.
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Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any climbing singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Rools fast despite the weight. -They stay true, i have about 1000 miles on them, climbing, descending, jumping, etc, and they are still true. -Very smooth, feels like an upgrade on my suspension. -Flat resistance.
Weaknesses:
maybe a little too heavy, but i felt it more on the scale that i do on the trails.
I was originally aiming for crossmax's, but they cost more than twice these wheels and i would only shave about 220 grams, so i bought these and have been very happy with them, i'm just curious to see how they hold in the long run. By the way the set weights 1870 grams. I'm giving them 4 chilis because i wish they were lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Coeur d'Alene, ID Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bernard peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
UST rims
Weaknesses:
Spoke seats unthread out of rim causing the wheel to loose tension.
Similar Products Used:
first UST wheel
Bike Setup:
Kona hei hei TI
Bottom Line:
These wheels are a pain to mount and change the tire. but the most frustrating thing is keeping them true. I noticed the other day when they came out of true after one ride that the spoke seats (that you have to use some special wrench on) were backing out. So in talking to the Mavic people at the Durango UCI race, the seats on some wheels didn't get the loctite blue treatment at the factory and so this is a warranty issue, so back to Mavic. We'll see what the turn around time is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Hatch
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Tubeless, and disc ready, reasonable price, ok weight.
Weaknesses:
So-so weight, not nearly as nice as Mavic's more expensive wheels, needs a special spoke wrench.
Working great for me as cross county training/beater wheels. I like the UST system, and think that it will only get better. Not my choice for aggressive or downhill riding, nor for racing (I'd use CrossMax's for that.), but good all around. Rotor mounts seem square and spaced properly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurie
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
No pinch flats. Smooth rolling and fast.
Weaknesses:
seating is difficult but not impossible
Similar Products Used:
mavic 517/xt hubs
Bike Setup:
specialized rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Decent set of wheels. Tubeless seems to be the way to go if you ride roots or rocks. I've been pleasantly surprised. Pretty cheap way into the tubeless arena also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agam Sharda
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
National Trail - South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles
Strengths:
Rolls fast, pinch flat resistant, can run lower pressure = high traction.
Weaknesses:
Hard to find replacement tires, pain to fix flats and seat the tire on the rim. When doing even moderate drops, the bead popped from the rim, all the air escaped and made the wheel disappear from under my handlebar. The rear tire went out of trueness after 4 rides. No big deal, I guess, but my 517's have stayed true after a year of hard riding.
Similar Products Used:
None - first experience with tubeless
Bike Setup:
Stock Jamis Dakar Pro
Bottom Line:
Bottom line -
Mavic is inspecting my hoops as of now to figure out what might be wrong. Till I get some assurance from Mavic that this s**t isn't going to happen again, I don't think I am riding tubeless again. Not for technical stuff; maybe for x-country. Till then, standard 517's it is for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARK
a Cross Country Rider
from NEW JERSEY Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
INDIAN LOOP - WISSAHICKON
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
E.P. FROM MAVIC
Strengths:
Low pressure (not too low, i experimented at the 30psi range-not so good)Michelin wildgripper tires work well, I don't see why everyone hates them. pinch flat resistant, but not infallible- I got one so far which is outstanding since I used to get at least one a ride. Ratcheting action on hubs is prety smooth. They are still true (relatively) three months later which is surprising considering the ridiculously low spoke count.
Weaknesses:
Mavic does not make a 36 hole UST rim. I would far prefer to spend some more money and build a meat and potatoes 3x wheelset with hugi or king hubs. Even though they are still true, I question the lifespan of these wheels under my 180 lb. self.The radial lacing up front is too stiff and forces me to run too low pressure.
Bike Setup:
old 9900 oclv frame, 8 sp. xt, crossroc wheelset(duh)
Bottom Line:
Good xc wheels. I hope mavic comes up with ust rims that are 32 or 36 hole and allow people to build their own wheelsets, I like the idea of tubeless and hope it stays around for a while. For what I paid I can't complain too much. It still pays to carry a spare tube to get out of the woods- the tires can be patched but thats best done at home while watching tv, leaks are hard to find.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bradley Kriley
a Racer
from BUTLER Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
NA-
Strengths:
UST Tubeless quality standards Strong Rim Smooth as silk bearing & Freehub
Weaknesses:
Not light enough to impress you friends
Similar Products Used:
XTR/Revolution/517
Bike Setup:
Merlin Taiga - SRAM 9.0SL - Raceface - King - etc.
Bottom Line:
Tubeless wheels are great - not perfect - they roll fast, give great traction and absorb shock. However not impossible to pinch flat - I hammered a rock with 35psi (I only weigh 143lb) and put a snake bite in the tire casing and at the bead - DNF from that race - but there was no damage to the rim. They have stayed true and relatively maintanance free. These wheels are great for the serious racer who wants his bike to withstand a beating or cannot afford the big buck CrossMax. Stay away if you are only a recreational rider - you will be better off with a standard wheelset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Skookum Flats
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
They seem to be very smooth and true.
Weaknesses:
Seating the tire is a pain. You really can't do it with a hand pump. Seat it with a compressor and you are good to go.
Similar Products Used:
None. First try with tubeless
Bike Setup:
K2 4000/race face cranks/ xt/xtr components
Bottom Line:
These have performed really well so far. They have stayed true through a couple of fairly brutal rides and stayed true. I did notice a spoke pinging sound sometimes on hits where the wheel was angled when it struck a root or rock but could find nothing wrong with any spokes upon inspection. They seem a bit high maintenence as far as the seating of the tire goes but other than that they are pretty sweet. Great price for tubeless though and no more pinch flats. Yeah!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay Matthews
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
web
Strengths:
Stiff, slick looks, simple spoke layout, smooth bearings spin freely for 4 minutes when spun by hand.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
custom Ellsworth
Bottom Line:
These are truly excellent UST disc wheels. I am running Python tubeless tires and the traction is awesome. Better than Jones, XC PRO, etc.
Shed mud fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simonb
a Cross Country Rider
from northern italy Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
bici.it
Strengths:
accelerate fast no lateral flex normal j-bend spokes - easy to replace
Weaknesses:
cheap looking hubs - not the usual mavic hubs with adjustable bearings like on crossrides
Similar Products Used:
lx/mavic138 mavic cosmics
Bike Setup:
old school - bontrager race, ritchey rigid forks, deore thumbies
Bottom Line:
not so impressed with these wheels out of the box. i'd seen the crossrides already, and liked them, and used mavic cosmics on my road bike, which have been great. however, my bike's rigid, so i thought tubeless tyres might give me a bit of cushioning.
the first thing i noticed about these wheels was the hubs: mavic wheels are distinctive in that they have adjustable cartridge bearings(they can be adjusted when they develope play), with a threaded aluminum bearing cover and a special tool to adjust them, and they use straight pull spokes. all the mavic wheels i've seen have had this setup, from the crossrides to the crossmaxes.
however, these wheels have normal hubs, presumeably with cartridge bearings, with a plastic bearing cover. despite the mavic stickers, they have a cheap, OE type look to them, which makes me think that mavic has had someone else make these for them. they seem smooth, but time will tell how the bearings hold up. they use j-bend spokes, not straight pull ones, which some people may see as an advantage (normal spokes can be used to replace them).
anyway, they haven't gone out of true after a couple of rides. i've not used tubeless tyres yet - i had a pair of normal tyres which i'd already bought to use - but they work fine with normal tyres and tubes as well.
so, unless the ride from the tubeless tyres turn out to be a revelation, i have to say that if i chose again, i would have got either crossrides(cheaper, better hubs, more trick) or xtr/517 handbuilt wheels (you can buy these mailorder in the uk for cheaper).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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