Mavic

Yksion Pro Griplink SSC Tubular Tire

If you've been fortunate enough to get your hands on a set of 2013 Mavic SSC-designated wheels, then you might be surprised to learn that Mavic developed your wheels to work in conjunction with its new line of tires. That's right, this year brings the advent of Mavic's front- and rear-specific line of Yksion Pro Tubular Tires. And featured here is the front-specific part of the line, the Yksion Pro Griplink SSC Tubular Tire. And while its SSC designation only equates to a corresponding red label with your SSC-designated front wheel, you can't put a price on streamlined aesthetics.

Mavic gave this tire a 210TPI nylon casing, meaning that the sidewalls are comprised of 210 threads of nylon per inch. And if you're wondering why there are 'threads,' this is because the Yksion Pro is what's referred to as a poly-cotton tire. This method of casing provides the ideal stiffness-to-weight ratio. By this, we mean that the tire's weight hovers around 230 grams, while still retaining a perfect level of flexibility for cornering.

Along these lines, you'll notice that the casing's relatively high TPI equates to fine-grade nylon fibers used in its composition. Accordingly, the fine fibers are quite malleable, and this flexibility creates a more adaptable interface for the tire's rubber contact surface during cornering. So, this design provides a higher level of grip than the standard rubber. Additionally, the weave's density also absorbs a great deal of impact, while also contributing to a low-level of rolling resistance. This equates directly to both comfort and speed.

Now, while the aforementioned translates to strength and speed, you're probably still wondering, what makes a tire 'front-specific?' Well, simply put, the Griplink features a different rubber compound and tread pattern than the rear Powerlink tire. In terms of responsibility, the rear tire has to place a focus on power transfer and load capacity, while the front tire places a focus on grip, handling, and maintaining a low rolling-resistance. Accordingly, the Griplink utilizes Mavic's dual compound design. This places rubber with a 60a durometer in the high-mileage center portion of the tread, while the shoulders of the tire feature a higher grip, 60a S+ high-silica rubber. The 60a center is softer than its rear tire counterpart, but its durable enough to wear evenly with the rear tire.

The Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink SSC Tubular Tire is available in the color Black with Red SSC labels and in a 700c x 23mm size. Please note that this is a tubular version, and if you require a clincher, visit the Yksion Pro Griplink.