While much fun has been poked (by some) at the requirement that every 2014 press release include the word ‘enduro’, the fact of the matter is that, regardless of what it’s called, companies are increasingly building products that hit the sweet spot for many riders. Light enough for long climbs, fun on the descents, and durable enough for everyday use: what’s not to like?
Along these well-ridden lines, Mavic today reintroduces the Crossmax XL. Originally sold in the early 2000s, the Crossmax XL was the whippet Crossmax’s slightly sturdier older brother. Plenty light enough to be ridden uphill, the XLs may well have been the first UST-certified ‘trail’ wheel. A decade on, the Crossmax XL is now the Crossmax XL Wheel-Tyre System, “trail” riding is now “enduro adventure”, and one wheel size has become three. That’s right, kids: 26in ain’t dead.
Built to be “versatile, comfortable, and durable” for all-day adventure rides, the Crossmax XL should be right up Singletrack readers’ alleys. The Crossmax XL rim extrusion measures a sensible, sidewall-sparing 23mm inside, with lower, re-shaped bead hooks designed specifically for improved impact resistance. The rim has an unbroken inner wall for reliable tubelessness, and is machined between spokes to remove excess material.
As might be expected, four dozen of Mavic’s trademark Zircal spokes are also along for the ride. Mavic’s 2012-on ITS-4 7.5°-engagement freehubs have proved reliable and all common axle fitments (plus 20mm thru axle front) are supported as stock. Weights are sensible at 1,660g, 1,710g, and 1,780g for the 26in, 27.5, and 29er versions.
Sold as a Wheel-Tyre System, the Crossmax XL WTSs ship complete with Crossmax Quest tyres, which are surprisingly light for their 2.4/2.4/2.35in UST models: 690g, 780g, and 810g. Wheels are currently not being offered alone. Pricing is set at £750/$1,000 for the wheel-tyre system and will be available next month.