Mavic Cosmic SLR wheels

Mavic's Cosmic wheels have been around for what seems like yonks now. The Cosmic Carbon SLRs here get the same carbon fibre spokes as the more expensive wheels in the range but by using an aluminium hub and aluminium clincher rim with a carbon fairing, Mavic can keep the price down

The technology in the wheels is looking a little dated against some of the latest crop of aero wheels, but they still work exceptionally well. The rim, the most interesting part of these wheels, is constructed by adding a 52mm 12k carbon fairing to an aluminium rim. It's something Mavic have been doing for some years, and they've pretty much perfected it now.

Mavic have continued to fettle the the Cosmics though, and the most recent addition is the Exalith treatment to the aluminium braking surface. The aim here is to decrease braking distances by a claimed 18% in wet conditions, with a combination of high-friction coating and a file-like texture machined into the rim. You have to used specific pads, supplied with the wheels.

First impressions are impressive. In the dry braking is excellent, you can stop rapidly with pretty good modulation. In the wet though they really shine, offering a touch more braking power than a regular alloy rim, and a whole heap more than any carbon rim. They whizzy sound that accompanies every pull of the brake lever is something you'll never tire of.

The shape of the rim is classic V-shape stuff, offering reasonable aerodynamic gains over a regular box section rim but paling compared to the latest rim shapes. In a straight line they pull well, once you've got the 1.62kg combined weight up to speed. Rolling along at 30kph+ they show good momentum, they just want to pound along. In blustery conditions, with a lot of cross-winds, they can be a handful, especially if you're a reasonably light cyclist like I am. It's fine if you're expecting it, but can occasionally catch you off-guard.

The rims are laced to the hubs with bladed carbon spokes. These give the tyres a very smart appearance, and the wheels slotted into any bike instantly lifts its visual impact. The spokes run continuously from rim to rim and pass over the hub with a special fitting holding them in place. Mavic call this 'R2R'. An aluminium anchor holds the spoke securely in place on the hub, but you can't see this as it's concealed by the hub flanges. This approach is designed to produce a stronger and stiffer wheelset. The spokes are replaceable should one become damaged.

Part of Mavic's recent change has been to provide wheel and tyre systems. The wheels came with a pair of GripLink / PowerLink 23mm tyres already fitted in place. That means it's a cinch to get up and running, just fit a cassette, inflate the tyres and you're off.

The tyres are reasonably impressive but lack a little in the speed department. They're made with a dual compound construction, so you get more grip when you lean over and less rolling resistance when straight up. They're front and rear specific; the PowerLink rear tyre uses a harder 70a compound so it shouldn't wear out faster than the front tyre.

In testing that has proven to be the case, with equal wear rates front and rear. They're nicely matched tyres too and make a good pairing. People will likely have tyre preferences, a favourite brand, but if you don't then the Mavic tyres are fine performers.

I pounded these wheels over many miles, through winter training rides (yes I know what you're thinking), in road races and commuting, and they've proved thoroughly dependable. I didn't have a single problem with them at all. The bearings were still running smoothly in the hubs when it came time to send them back. At 1,595g they're clearly not the lightest, but for the price they offer a good balance of performance, price and weight.

The rate of development in carbon clinchers is fast making these wheels seem redundant, but you're getting a proper aluminium rim which is supremely better than any carbon braking surface. Their reliability is well proven too. They won't be for everyone, but if you want a good all-round deep-section wheel with an alloy braking surface, the Cosmics are still a good choice.

Verdict

Decent aero performance & good braking rain or shine, but a bit heavy and pricey compared to some of the competition.