Mavic is defying gravity with the launch of its latest Cosmic Ultimate 45 wheelset, which tips the scales at a feathery 1,255g, making it the lightest in its class.
As its name suggests, the tubeless, disc brake-specific wheelset features a rim depth of 45mm, along with an internal and external width of 19mm and 27mm, respectively, which is optimized for 700x25mm tires to run at a maximum pressure of just 87psi.
However, Mavic says its new set of hoops can accommodate tires up to 32mm. Moreover, since the rims are not drilled, the French brand says they do not require rim tape in order to remain airtight, simplifying the tubeless setup.
Mavic also points out that aerodynamics played an important role in developing the wheelset, which features full-carbon spokes that are mated to thin carbon fiber flanges in order to increase the wheels’ wind-cheating properties, relying on just 20 molded spokes per wheels to ensure optimal strength and durability, while stiff hub axles and oversized cartridge bearings further enhance the wheelset’s solidity.
Additionally, the hubs come with thru-axles (12×100 front and 12×142 rear, but they can easily be converted to quick release, while the Shimano/SRAM freehub can be converted to Campagnolo.
“Ultimate is not just a name, it’s the word we reserve for pinnacle performance. And it’s now finally compatible with tubeless and clincher tyres and for disc brake bikes. At just 1255g, this wheelset is the ultimate balance of lightweight, stiffness and aerodynamics. The rim is engineered with a NACA-inspired, full-carbon profile that’s 45mm deep and 27mm wide. It’s made from a complex lay up that optimizes the stiffness to weight ratio. Its external layer takes our distinctive UD² finish. The rim is not drilled, so it doesn’t require the use of a rim tape to become airtight: a guarantee for a hassle free tubeless use. The 20 elliptical carbon fiber spokes and high, thin carbon hub flanges offer a proven aero advantage. The spokes are made with unidirectional carbon fibers, so they don’t stretch. The spokes run continuously from one edge of the rim to the other, through the hubs (R2R technology), creating one single spoke instead of two. This adds wheel stiffness and eliminates the need to mechanically attach the spokes to the hub. Inside the carbon hub shells, the axles are paired with automatically adjusted sealed cartridge bearings for perfect preload. At the back, the ID360 freewheel system provides instant engagement (40 points of engagement = 9°) and low friction. The hubs are thru-axle compatible (12×100 up front and 12×142 at the back) and made for Center Lock brake rotors.These wheels are designed, engineered and patented by us in Annecy, France, and are 100% handmade in France. They benefit from a lifetime warranty and from a generous crash replacement policy,” boasts Mavic.
All things considered, Mavic says it takes no fewer than 71 carbon fiber pieces and 10 workers to hand-build each Cosmic Ultimate 45 carbon wheelset over an eight hour period, which explains is hefty price tag of €3,900.00.
Mavic
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