Are mavic wheels that bad?

[mariovalentim]

People bad mouth them so much, old design, narrow rims, crappy hubs...the only Mavic wheel that I previously had was the Ellipse a track wheelset that I really liked.

Is it really that bad or is it more a case of hive mind? I'm contemplating getting the new Ksyrium Pro Exalith it has a very competitive price, looks cool and it weights less than 1400grams

[istigatrice]

Narrow rims, not particularly aero, freehub engagement is slow. Black brake track may also wear off over time (though that may be more of a problem with the first generation Exalith)

If you don't care about these things you'll probably like them. I'd actually skip the Exalith model since the Ksyrium Pro will have the new(er) wide rim design.

[F45]

Yes, except CCU.

[stormur]

CCU owners reviews aren't "enthusiastic" as well "harsh" and "feel dead" are in most reviews.

[sawyer]

The new rim shapes and the use of steel spokes are huge improvements for Mavic

Now they just need to sort out the hub. AFAIK the nipples are fine

... that said, plenty of races are won on them!

[fromtrektocolnago]

Nope. not awful. They get the job done. and mavic wheels tend to be quite solid. personally i just prefer the feel of other wheels.

[Tom14]

I have an old pair of Cosmic Carbones and my GF used to have a pair of Ksyrium Elites. She trains on Aksiums now.

I think they're reliable and easy in maintenance. But when I'm going to buy a new aero wheelset, it won't be Cosmics but a set with wider rims.

[Tomstr]

Nope. not awful. They get the job done. and mavic wheels tend to be quite solid. personally i just prefer the feel of other wheels.

It's this for me.

Back in 2003 I could finally afford a second hand set of Ksyriums (they where the bomb back then) from a pro friend and I'm amazed to see they still run true and well. Nowadays their design seems a bit outdated but if you want a set of wheels that is hassle-free any Cosmic or Ksyrium can do the job. I like their looks too but that's personal I guess.

[kgt]

People exaggerate, Mavic wheels are not that bad.
CCUs are superstiff and light with amazing looks and pro heritage. Mostly positive reviews here.

[synthesis]

I can´t comment on ride quality, only on build quality. Replaced two rims from Cosmic SL/SLR from two customers that both cracked lengthwise. got pics if interested.

[mimason]

For a high mileage rider or someone hard on equipment, or heavier, I would avoid them due to wear on various parts in the hub like the nylon bushings for example. Also, for a given rim depth they were less friendly in crosswinds than other wheels I've owned or ridden. I generally liked them otherwise.

Most of their offerings make me yawn though, not wide, not aero not serviceable enough etc. The CCU's have merit and look great but not without compromises stated above.

[cmcdonnell]

Not that bad at all. Had several Ksyriums from the original SSC model to the ES and they were fine, but, to be fair I can't honestly say I noticed any advantage to the Record hub with Open Pro rims I ran. Always sold them after a while as I got bored with them, apart from a set of Classic SSC's I've had since the 90's which apart from a new hub body and bush every 3 years have been faultless through many winters. I guess I don't like how they look and the hubs are not the best but they are cheap and easy to maintain. In contrast I've never sold any of my Campy wheels, they seem better made and I just love the looks

[spookyload]

The giants always get toppled. I remember when everyone wanted Mavic GP-4, MA-40, GL-330 and GEL-280 rims. The gold standard. Flash forward twenty years and they are back on top with Ksyrium and Cosmic Carbone. THE wheels to have. Now the giant has become a target again. Wait a few more years and they will be the wheels to have again. It is cyclic like neon colors.

[mimason]

^ Especially now that they will get ENVE tech most likely.

[fromtrektocolnago]

One of the articles I read on the acquisition opined that Enve was bought because Mavic was not competitive on technology. Well now Mavic has some technology. Expect to see a lot of Enve ideas incorporated in new Mavic products. Carbon wheels have basically taken over.