Mavic

Crossroc XL 29 Wheelset

The Mavic Crossroc XL 29 Wheelset takes the terrain-clearing and traction advantages of 29ers and adds a beefed-up rim, the option to run tubeless, and the incomparable compatibility of Mavic's tire and wheel system. The result is a no-nonsense monster that devours ups, downs, and all-arounds with equal aplomb.

The Crossroc XLs' S6000 aluminum is slightly heavier than the Maxtal aluminum used in Mavic's higher-end wheels, but it still makes for more than enough power transfer for those of us who are self-sponsored. The spokes are also a step down from the top-end models, using steel spokes with brass nipples instead of the Zicral aluminum found on Crossmax builds. These small differences result in the paltry addition of a claimed 165 grams of weight.

Mavic's Transfer System 2 (TS2) hubs are the foci of the Crossroc XLs. As opposed to the Crossmax's four pawl setup, the Crossroc's freehub uses two pawls that engage simultaneously. The hyperglide body that comes standard on the Crossroc XLs is compatible with all Shimano mountain groups and SRAM's nine and ten-speed mountain groups. It can be converted for use with SRAM's 11-speed groups using an optional kit. The rims get Mavic's H2 treatment, which consists of hammer hardening the rim to reinforce the points where the spokes pull hardest on it.

The Crossroc XLs rock Mavic's UST system, so you can run them with tubes or you can take advantage of the smoothness, low-weight, and fewer flats associated with a tubeless ride. The included Crossroc Quest tires have a middle-of-the-road 60a compound for all-around functionality that's further buttressed with an additional layer to ward off flats.