Founded in 1889, French cycling brand Mavic is celebrating one heck of a milestone this year, one few other brands in the industry can enjoy. To commemorate the affair, they’ve released limited edition 125 anniversary Ksyrium 125 Wheel-Tyre Systems and a matching HC 125 jersey and bib short.
And they’re not just rebadged versions of existing product, both the wheels and clothing introduce new technology that makes them lighter and faster. Check all the tech details below, followed by the official PR with a nicely condensed history of Mavic’s innovation over the last century and a quarter…
It’s a new rim extrusion and stock, and it uses an all new ISM 4D machining. Compared to the ISM 3D it only saves a few grams, but the extrusion shape is deeper and more aerodynamic thanks to a rounded profile. So, it’s theoretically a faster wheel without adding any weight.
They’re using Exalith 2, which is a quieter version of the original and was introduced last year.
With a claimed weight of just 1370g for the pair, it’s the lightest Ksyrium ever. And for now, the 6,000 pairs of anniversary wheels world wide are the only way to get this new version. U.S. inventory will be based on orders, so contact your shop now if you want a set. While it’s very likely, there’s no word on if or when this new rim shape will make it onto a standard Ksyrium wheel. Retail’s $1,849, available in late May 2014.
The clothing uses the same pattern and cut as the existing version but gets an all new Ergo 3D Pro chamois. They say it has an entirely new shape to fit a larger cross section of the population, and it’s 20% lighter and more breathable. The outer surface against the skin is softer and smoother than before, and the multiple densities of foam are built up away from the sit bones, toward the exterior, to make it more comfortable.
The leg bands also get a new compressive fabric. These follow the wheels in June with a retail of $149.90 (bibs) and $124.90 (jersey).
PRESS RELEASE: This is a special year for Mavic, as it marks the 125th anniversary of the company’s founding as a bicycle parts business in Lyon in 1889. To mark the occasion in style, officials from the company and special guests created a special event in France. Few organizations in cycling can claim such a long and storied history as Mavic, so in addition to hosting a 2-day event tracing the company’s history at various locations in France, Mavic has released a suite of limited edition products to commemorate the historic milestone. The 125 anniversary products include a Ksyrium 125 Wheel-Tyre System and a matching HC 125 jersey and bib short.
Special events in France commenced with a tour of the “Mavic Museum,” a product display in Lyon where visitors viewed original Mavic products dating back to 1889. Special guests in attendance included Mavic riders from the past and present. Stephen Roche emceed the evening, and he was joined by Sean Kelly, Tony Rominger, Laurent Jalabert, Bernard Thevenet, Johan Van Summeren, and Christophe Riblon. Also present were track riders Florian Rousseau, Mickael Hubner, and Jens Fiedler, as well as Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme.
Following the museum visit, guests rode from Lyon to Mavic’s historic rim factory in Saint Trivier sur Moignans. In operation since 1966, this facility was center of Mavic’s operations until the late 1990’s. Even now, 90% of Mavic rims are made by hand at this location. Finally, guests toured the Annecy Design Center, Mavic’s home of innovation and development in the Haute Savoie since 1999.
After the company was born in 1889, followed by the creation of the trade name and logo in 1923, Mavic has been responsible for many milestones in cycling. In 1934, Mavic made cycling’s first aluminum rims. Starting in 1973, Mavic revolutionized the pro peloton by creating a neutral support program. The company made a complete parts kit in 1979, and followed it with the world’s first electronic shifting in 1992. In 1994, Mavic was the first to approach wheels as a global system by creating the Cosmic wheel, and later building the Helium and Crossmax in 1996. Another game changer, the original Ksyrium was built in 1999 featuring revolutionary materials and technologies. Ten years later, the Wheel-Tyre System approach was conceived in 2010 with the Ksyrium K10, as Mavic began to integrate tires into wheel design.
Now available for 2014 in limited quantities, the Ksyrium 125 Wheel-Tyre System features a new ISM 4D machining process to reduce weight where it matters most, at the rim. The new process also allows a deeper, more rounded rim shape for better aerodynamics without any added weight. The Ksyrium 125 rims are finished with Mavic’s exclusive Exalith 2 treatment for superior braking performance in all weather conditions and a durable, long-wearing brake track. Signature Mavic materials and technologies like Zicral spokes and FORE drilling, plus new Yksion GripLink and PowerLink clincher tires complete this Wheel-Tyre System, which weighs 1920g for the pair with tires (1370g without tires, 605g front/765g rear). The Ksyrium 125 Wheel-Tyre System will be available at Mavic dealers for $1849.90, starting in late May.
Mavic’s limited edition HC 125 bib short (MSRP $149.90) arrives in late June and features a new Ergo 3D Pro insert and supportive Skin Power material in the leg panels. The new Ergo 3D Pro insert has a redefined architecture to fit all cyclists in total comfort, thanks to progressive padding, softer face fabric, lighter weight, and improved breathability.
The matching HC 125 Jersey offers distinctive and refined styling with exceptional performance and fit. Ride Wick ST fabric brings superior moisture management and UV protection, with added cooling thanks to Air Mesh inserts. This jersey is available starting in late June for $124.90 at select Mavic dealers.
