Mavic

Ksyrium Elite Clincher Rear Wheel

We're certainly happy any time a wheel gets lighter, and happier still, when the weight saved is at the rim. This latest version of the Ksyrium Elite Wheelset uses aggressive Inter Spoke Milling (ISM) to take away all the excess aluminum between the spoke threads and sidewalls. And rather than being all black like last year's rim, the ISM machined sections are left raw so this wheelset looks nearly identical to its more expensive Ksyrium siblings.

Speaking of similarities, the Maxtal aluminum rims use Mavic's FORE drilling, so you don't need a rim strip as the spoke holes don't penetrate the outer rim wall. And like the more expensive rims, these were also built using Mavic's SUP welded/machined rim joint and UB Control machined braking track for pulse-free, controlled braking performance in all conditions. Where the Ksyrium Elites differ are the spokes and the hubs. You won't find any carbon fiber in the hubs nor will you get Zicral spokes. Instead you'll get tried and true aluminum hubshells and stainless steel bladed spokes. We like steel spokes. They're strong, durable, and they present very little surface area to the wind.

The Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheelset combines durability with lightness to create a great training/racing package. The 22mm front rim is tied to the hub with 18 radial spokes and the 20 spoke rear wheel has a 25mm deep rim and Mavic's Isopulse lacing -- radial on the drive side and two-cross on the non-drive -- for extra stiffness and better power transfer. And just like their top level wheels, these Ksyrium Elites run Mavic's QRM+ bearings on aluminum axles. Both the front and rear hubs feature a micro-adjustable bearing preload system that is easily adjusted with the wheels on the bike. Choose between Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM compatible freehub body. They come with a spoke wrench, bearing adjustment tool, and BR301 quick release skewers.

This wheelset is part of Mavic's MP3 extended warranty program. The acronym stands for Mavic Product Protection Plan, and it provides you with two years of almost unlimited no-fault protection from Mavic. More details can be found on the MP3 website. Please note that MP3 coverage must be purchased within 5 days of the date that you receive your wheels. Contact one of our customer service representatives for the retailer and product codes that you'll need to register your wheels on the Mavic MP3 site. You'll also need the serial numbers that you'll find on your wheels. The cost for this coverage is approximately 8% of the retail cost of the wheels.