French component manufacturer Mavic has introduced its lightest cross-country mountain bike wheelset to date, the Crossmax Ultimate, weighing a verified 1,080 grams per set, according to the company’s official product release. Priced at 2,299 euros, the 29-inch wheelset utilizes proprietary carbon spokes, titanium nipples, and an updated carbon rim structure manufactured in Europe to achieve a weight reduction of 315 grams compared to the previous Crossmax Ultimate SL model.
Mavic Crossmax Ultimate Design and Rim Specifications
The newly engineered rims maintain the internal profile of their predecessor, featuring an asymmetrical shape, a 25-millimeter depth, and a 30-millimeter internal width, according to Mavic specifications. The hookless, tubeless-ready rims are optimized for tire widths ranging from 2.3 to 2.4 inches. Production takes place in Romania, where Mavic constructs the rims using a precise combination of T700, T1000, and 3K carbon fibers. According to the manufacturer, the components emerge from the mold fully finished without requiring post-processing, saving 50 grams per rim.
Carbon Spokes and UltraLight Hubs
To further minimize rotational weight, Mavic developed proprietary carbon spokes secured at both ends with titanium nipples, departing from reliance on external suppliers. Because carbon exhibits higher tensile strength than steel, the wheelset employs only 20 spokes per wheel—four fewer than the steel-spoked Crossmax Ultimate SL. The wheels roll on refined Infinity hub shells machined down to save weight and outfitted with ceramic bearings. The rear hub incorporates a revised ID360-Light ratchet-ring freehub featuring 40 teeth for a nine-degree engagement angle. Individual wheel weights sit at 500 grams for the front and 580 grams for the rear.
Did you know? Despite tipping the scales at just 1,080 grams, the Mavic Crossmax Ultimate wheelset is officially rated for a maximum system weight of 135 kilograms, outperforming many competitors in structural load capacity for lightweight cross-country gear.
Stiffness and Comparative Market Position
Mavic states that the wheelset’s engineered spoke tensioning and low-profile rims deliver targeted lateral rigidity combined with vertical compliance. When evaluated against competing ultra-light systems, such as the Roval Control World Cup—which weighs 998 grams per set with a 125-kilogram system weight limit and a narrower 28.5-millimeter internal rim width—the Crossmax Ultimate trades 82 grams of weight for a wider internal profile and a higher load rating. Final assembly of the components is executed inside Mavic’s test laboratory located in Chavanod, France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total weight of the Mavic Crossmax Ultimate wheelset?
The complete 29-inch wheelset weighs 1,080 grams, with the front wheel contributing 500 grams and the rear wheel 580 grams, according to Mavic data.
What is the maximum system weight allowed for these wheels?
The manufacturer has cleared the Crossmax Ultimate wheelset for a total system weight of up to 135 kilograms.
What freehub options are available?
What warranty does Mavic provide on the Crossmax Ultimate?
Mavic grants original owners a lifetime warranty upon product registration, alongside a crash replacement policy offering discounted replacement components.
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