Mavic

Cosmic SLR 45 23i Wheelset

Competitive Cyclist Gearhead Recommendation:

"What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:**

"I built up a dedicated gravel race rig around the Cosmic SLR 45 23i Wheelset and the performance to weight tradeoff is exactly where I want it for long mixed-surface events. The 23mm internal width let me run a 40mm tire at lower pressure without any squirm, and the tubeless setup held overnight without topping off. Ceramic bearings are smooth from the first pedal stroke and the centerlock interface made swapping rotors between builds quick and hassle-free."

Riding a route that mixes smooth tarmac, packed gravel, and the occasional stretch of rough farm road demands a wheel that does not ask you to compromise. The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 23i Wheelset is built around that exact reality, offering a carbon platform deep enough to carry momentum on open pavement and wide enough internally to support the tire volumes that make hard-packed and mixed terrain manageable at speed. At 45mm deep, the rims generate meaningful aerodynamic return on sustained efforts without becoming a liability when crosswinds pick up, a balance that matters on exposed gravel stages and long road connectors alike.

The 23mm internal rim width is the detail that defines how this wheel behaves in real riding conditions. Running a 38 to 45mm gravel tire at a true optimal pressure becomes possible, improving traction, absorbing vibration, and smoothing the transition between surfaces without adding rotational weight. Mavic's FORE carbon layup removes the need for rim tape entirely, delivering a tubeless interface that is airtight and consistently reliable across temperature shifts and pressure changes. Ceramic bearings in both hubs minimize friction over the course of long days, and the 24-hole spoke pattern provides the stiffness needed for hard efforts without over-building the wheel for its intended use.

Shimano HG hub engagement and centerlock disc compatibility make the Cosmic SLR 45 23i Wheelset a clean fit for most modern gravel and all-road builds. Front and rear thru-axle standards of 12x100mm and 12x142mm cover the vast majority of current frame platforms, and the tubeless-ready setup pairs naturally with a wide range of tire compounds and volumes. Whether the build is aimed at long gravel events, mixed-surface endurance riding, or a fast all-road bike that needs to perform across varied terrain, this wheelset provides the engineering and refined execution that experienced riders will notice from the first pedal stroke.