Mavic

Crossroc 27.5 WTS Wheelset

With a middle-of-the-road size of 27.5 inches and an ideal balance between considerations of strength, rim width, and weight, the Mavic Crossroc 27.5 WTS Wheelset is all about finding consensus that all parties can appreciate. We'd definitely vote it into congress, but inanimate objects aren't eligible for election. Yet. Whatever the case, if you're after a light wheel and tire combination with cross-country speed and reliability on downhills, then this is it.

The Crossroc WTSs' S6000 aluminum is slightly heavier than the Maxtal aluminum used in Mavic's top-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 weight addition of around 150 grams — hardly something to lose sleep over. Compared to the Crossroc XL 27.5s, they lose 1 millimeter of width and a claimed 60 grams of weight, so you'll accelerate with more snap out of switchbacks and enjoy less inertial resistance on climbs.

Mavic's Transfer System 2 (TS2) hubs are the main focus of the Crossroc WTS wheels. 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 rear wheel 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 spoke tension is greatest.

The Crossroc 27.5 WTSs 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 Roam 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. They're also Mavic's lightest tire, which complements the rim's light weight.