Mavic introduced their first full carbon mountain bike wheels in 2016 as the XA Pro, which had 26mm internal widths and used an asymmetric profile. Now, the all-new Mavic XA35 Pro Carbon builds on that to offer a wider option for fast trail riders. They’ve also added a new alloy mountain bike wheel, and are switching strategies regarding how their wheels will be sold.
The XZ35 Pro Carbon has a 35mm internal width, as the name implies. They keep a low profile to add compliance. There’s 24 spokes front and rear, making it a lightweight trail wheel that’s very capable. They say they don’t need a lot of spokes to make it stuff because they can do that with the carbon rim, so they can save weight.
It recommended for 2.35 to 2.8 tire sizes, and they say a 2.4-2.5 is ideal for most riding. These wheels are 27.5 only for now, but stay tuned…there are more carbon options coming this year. Why not a 29er? Because the additional forces the larger diameter and big 2.5+ tires can put on these wheels would be a bit much, especially considering we all tend to ride our equipment beyond their intended purposes.
Mavic is starting to ship the mountain bike wheels without tires, taking a step back from offering the compete wheel tire systems. They say this will let them come in at lower perceived prices and let customers pick which ever tires they want…even though Sam Hill’s been winning top level events on prototype Mavic tires, some folks prefer options.
Boost only, for now. They’re considering a 157×12 Super Boost option as demand grows, but with the caution that these are aimed at bikes up to 140mm travel. So, no, it’s not your next lightweight enduro race wheel, but it’s looking pretty good for that growing lightweight 120mm trail bike category. Price is $1,900, claimed weight is 1,610g.
Mavic XA Pro Alloy
For alloy wheel fans, the XC/Trail XA Pro Alloy wheels are built with their Zicral alloy spokes. They say the additional elasticity in the spokes to make it compliant without giving up lateral stiffness. They’re designed for bikes with up to 140mm travel.
The rims get their ISM 4D rim machining with Fore drilling, so it has a sealed rim bed for easy tubeless.
They have a 25mm inner width with hookless sidewalls and are designed for 2.1-2.5″ tires on both 27.5 and 29er sizes.
These will come in both 27.5 and 29er, starting at 1,600g. Hubs will have Boost and non-boost options. Price is $1,000.
Mavic 40mm Yksion Gravel Tires
Mavic just launched new Allroad wheels and tires for gravel, and now they’re adding another wide tire option. The AllRoad Yksion Elite gets a new 35mm to fill the gap between the existing 30 and 40. The 35mm and 40mm sizes will come with a new tan sidewall option. The difference for Mavic is it’s a structural element, incorporating the tubeless casing and protection into the tan color, letting you see the casing through it a bit. The black wall tires have a little more sidewall protection, but these still have some. Pricing will be the same, they’ll be available this summer.
At the top of the post, the mannequin behind that Unno carbon trail bike is showing off the new Sam Hill limited edition Deemax jersey and kit, which he had a hand in designing the look of based on the texture of a napkin he found and liked. And without the bright yellow logos. Short and long sleeve options.
