Don’t compromise, ride Crossmax. That’s the slogan Mavic has been using for nearly 20 years since the very first Crossmax wheels were introduced in 1996. Originally introduced to offer what Mavic considered the best blend of performance and reliability, mountain biking has changed drastically since they came on the scene. Initially available in just one model, Crossmax wheels have evolved in step with riding to include 4 different models with over 100 pro level race wins in everything from XC to enduro, 4x, even slopestyle.
The latest addition to the Crossmax lineage blends much of what we’ve seen recently from Mavic with a few new touches that offer continuous improvement. Given the Crossmax Pro LTD moniker, some of the new product will be available in limited numbers and only in certain markets…
Consisting of two separate Wheel Tire Systems, two jerseys, a short set, and a hydropack, the Mavic Crossmax Pro LTD is focused on the riding that falls in between trail and all mountain.
On the wheel side, Mavic starts off with the Crossmax SL Pro LTD WTS which is the more XC friendly option in the group. Using the same wheelset as previously shown with the Crossmax SL, the wheel is the only mountain bike wheel in their line up to use their most advanced ISM 4D rim shaping technology. Built with an internal width of 19mm and external of 23mm, the Crossmax SL Pro may be on the narrower side of rims lately, but Mavic says that’s on purpose. Mavic doesn’t deny that wider rims can provide benefits – they’re continually testing wider rims and tires. But without tires that are specifically designed to take advantage of the wider rims, the added width can cause the tires to take on a squared profile that will provide more rolling resistance. Part of the WTS or Wheel Tire System design is that they are designing the tire to work specifically with the rim to offer the perfect combination for performance. You can still ride other tires on the wheels or vice versa, but as far as Mavic is concerned this will provide the best result.
Completing the WTS equation for the Crossmax SL Pro is the new Crossmax Pulse XC tire. Available only in a 2.1” width in 27.5 or 29” sizes, the tire is specifically designed with 19-21mm rim in mind. That width will result in a tire that has a lower rolling resistance but grips well when leaned into the turns. According to Mavic for XC the tire has to be fast rolling so the narrower width makes sense. Using a 127 TI casing the tire lacks any sort of puncture proofing to make it as light as supple as possible. The multi conditions tire makes use of a 55 shore a durometer center rubber compound and softer 50 shore a on the sides with Mavic’s X-Mix rubber. Mavic is continuing to work with Hutchinson to produce their tires, but Mavic has their own in house rubber guru for development whose past work includes MotoGP. Tubeless ready instead of UST, the tires require the use of sealant but that’s results in an impressive, 480g for the 27.5, and 620g for the 29” in 2.1 widths”
Crossmax SL Pro LTD WTS will be sold with 9mm qr or 15mm TA front axle standard or a Lefty Supermax option, and a 135 QR, 142×12 TA rear and Shimano or SRAM XD freehubs. At this point there are no options for the new Boost standard, which Mavic isn’t rushing into. They want to ensure that the changes actually make sense and feel that there isn’t a rush since Boost compatible bikes are still very limited. Additionally, Mavic wants to evaluate the added width of the Boost hubs to see what effect the increased spoke angle will have on the spokes or the rims. The limited nature of the WTS means they will only be available for a year and will sell for $1099 and include 120ml of tubeless sealant, and valves. Replacement tires will sell for $80.
When the riding gets burlier, the Crossmax XL Pro WTS LTD provide big mountain performance in a lightweight aluminum package. Again using the same wheels we’ve recently seen from Mavic with the Crossmax XLs, the news for the WTS LTD is the introduction of a new Crossmax Quest XL dual ply tire. First sold with the Crossmax Roam XL, Mavic’s enduro and all mountain athletes wanted something with more grip and a more durable casing so the Quest XL was introduced. The 2.4” tire uses a new dual compound X-Mix rubber with 50 shore a in the center and 40 shore a on the sides in contrast to the solid 40 shore a found on the front Crossmax Charge XL tire. Weights come in at 940g for the new rear tire and 990g for the front – both of which are dual ply, 2.4” treads.
Crossmax XL Pro WTS LTD will also be a limited run and will sell for $1000 and include two bottles of sealant, valves, and adapters for 15mm front or Lefty Supermax and 142×12 rear and standard or XD freehubs. The XLs will only be available in 27.5” as this is the size that Mavic sees as the option going forward for enduro and all mountain riding. That may change in the future, but for now 27.5 it is. Replacement tires will run $90 a piece.
While Crossmax has you covered for your wheels and tires, Mavic has also made serious strides in their apparel line for Crossmax as well. For the LTD launch, much of the apparel will be available in European markets only, but the new Hydropack LTD will be offered world wide.
Offered in both short and long sleeve, the Crossmax LS Jersey LTD is a pro level jersey meant for enduro racing especially in the long sleeve option. The loose cut enables free movement and along with the Trail Wick fabric, it dries very well as we found on a fairly warm day in Los Angeles and sells for 65 Euro.
The Crossmax LTD short set includes a baggy Trail Tech ST outer shell with a new Ergo 3D chamois liner which uses 3 different densities and thickness of foam. Air mesh inserts help keep things cool and a snap fly keeps them in place. Compared to previous Mavic all mountain shorts, these are lighter and will sell for 130 Euro.
To get you through your all mountain adventure with the necessary tools and hydration, the Mavic Crossmax Hydropack LTD is available in an 8.5 liter bag only with a 2 liter hydrapack bladder. Developed with Salomon, the bag includes 4 zippered pockets, a dedicated cell phone pocket, tool storage, a zip out helmet storage flap, and easy access to the water pouch and internal storage with a full zipper. Using a Clima Flo system on the back padding to channel air through the back for ventilation, the bag also includes a generously sized hip belt with large, easy to access pockets on the hip and on the shoulder straps. The full hydration pack will sell for $130 with most of the products above arriving in May.
The last bit of news for the Crossmax launch is a product that you won’t see available until around Interbike, but it’s one of the most exiting new products from Mavic that we saw. Called the Crossmax Pro, the new helmet will slot in above the Notch as their high end, All Mountain helmet. Providing deeper protection than the Notch, the Crossmax Pro also builds in a channel for goggle integration, an adjustable visor, and most importantly an inner liner made from Poron XRD foam.
While Poron XRD has typically been used for impact protection, in this case it is being used for improved fit. At rest the material easily conforms to your head and absorbs vibrations making for an extremely comfortable fit. The protection of the helmet will still be provided through the EPS foam, but the Poron XRD liner takes the fit to the next level.
Sold with both a mosquito mesh liner and a regular pad set, the helmet is said to weight 315g or about 5g more than the notch. Colors are still being finalized, but they are planning on 4 colors with at least one option in black with a retail expected for $170.
