After focusing more on race-orientated products in recent times, the team at Mavic have once again shifted their attention towards adventure-hungry trail riders with the launch of the Cross Adventure line, delivering a steadfast foundation for any micro adventure. We headed to the Basque country to test the XA Pro Carbon and XA Pro Elite wheels.
The Mavic XA Pro Carbon-Wheels
Inspired by epic and micro adventures alike, the new XA Pro Carbon wheels perhaps won’t be the calling of purebred racers, but they’re definitely set to deliver a lightweight, precise and stable foundation for ambitious trail riders. Not only specifically designed to offer vertical compliance, the asymmetrical flange offset has been designed to offer more traction and comfort. The 2-cross straight pull spokes have increased stability while at the same time keeping the weight low.
Thanks to the new Hookless design, the risk of tyre burp is reduced. The rims are 100% UST tubeless-compatible. The new Mavic XA Pro Carbon wheels are available in a bundle with the new Quest tyres in 27.5 x 2.4″ and 29 x 2.35″. With a 26 mm rim width, the tyres should be well supported.
The Quest tyres roll well with a mellow, less aggressive profile and the X-Mix dual compound. The 127 tpi casing has been construed to keep the weight down.
Facts
Price: € 1,700
Weight: 1,490 g (27,5″) | 1,535 g (29″)
Width: 26 mm (inner) 32 mm (outer)
Tyres: Mavic Quest Pro, 27.5 x 2.4″ | 29 x 2.35″
Axle: Standard (15 x 100, 12 x 142) and Boost (15 x 110, 12 x 148)
Availability: September 2016
In delivery: tyres, sealant, UST valve, UST tubeless tape, multi-tool, quick release and adaptor kit.
How they ride
Whisking up dust on the pretty bumpy trails in the Basque country proved the ultimate testing ground for the new Mavic XA Pro Carbon. On the ups, their low weight and minimal rolling resistance worked to their benefits, and the rims on the downhill showed a satisfying amount of vertical compliance. The Quest tyres are pretty wide, and delivered great traction in dry conditions. Check out this travel story from the current issue of ENDURO to find out what else went down in the charming Basque country.
The Mavic XA Elite Alu-Wheels
The Mavic XA Elite embody the same spirit of adventure as the XA Pro Elite, but come with a distinctively cheaper price tag. The 24 straight pull bladed spokes are also two-cross, which should be a guarantee of stability. At 25 mm, the inner width of the aluminum rims has been well chosen to provide sufficient support for the 2.4″ tyres, with the Hookless design employed to reduce the risk of tyre burp. Just like the Carbon wheels, the XA Elite come as standard with Mavic’s new Quest tyres. Moreover, the XA Elite are available in three colours: green, blue and black.
Facts
Price: € 600
Weight: 1,695 g (27.5″) | 1,770 g (29″)
Width: 25 mm (inner) 28 mm (outer)
Tyres: Mavic Quest Pro, 27.5 x 2.4″ | 29 x 2.35″
Axle: Standard (15 x 100, 12 x 142) and Boost (15 x 110, 12 x 148)
Availability: July 2016
In delivery: tyres, sealant, UST valve, UST tubeless tape, Multi-tool
More informationen on the Mavic website.
You should also check out our Travel Story about our trip to the Basque Country, where we tested the new wheels.
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Words: Photos: Noah Haxel, Jeremie Reullier
