Mavic

Ksyrium Pro UST Wheelset - Tubeless

Tubeless rim technology isn't anything new for Mavic. Heck, it pioneered modern mountain bike tubeless rims as far back as 1999 with its excellent Crossmax UST. What is new is Mavic's dedication to road tubeless. Smaller, higher volume tires present new requirement for an optimal setup and the French firm wasn't ready to fully embrace it until it felt like the technology was safe and offered an increase in performance. Well, the day has come and we for one are happy that the sometimes staunch French firm now has additions to the hotly contested road wheel market with its Tubeless Ksyrium Pro UST Wheelset.

We feel like those that criticize tubeless road tech simply haven't ridden it to experience the benefits. After just one ride, the quicker rolling, smoother ride, and increased puncture resistance is addictive and it makes the idea of a clincher tire and inner tube seem uncivilized. A common complaint is the hassle of mounting. We're here to tell you that the refined rim profile makes setup so easy, all you need is your standard floor pump.

Tires easily fit into the rim's channel without the need for levers. When paired with Mavic's UST tires, they install much easier than any other road tubeless setup we have come across. This gives us great peace of mind that the tire will be easy to remove and install in the field in the rare instance that the sealant can't do its job and seal a puncture and we must install a tube. In this instance, if it’s a big enough cut to deflate a tubeless tire, it would certainly have wreaked havoc on a traditional clincher setup.

It gives us great satisfaction just simply pumping up the tires and having them plump up as the tire beads slipped into place. The secret to the ease of mounting and inflation shouldn't come as a surprise since we are dealing with Mavic. Its level of R&D borders on obsessive and the tolerances are so precise and repeatable, the key to the ease of install while still sealing up and holding air. Most road tubeless installs result in a lot of swearing, sweating, and frustration. Mavic knew that for its system to be successful, the user experience had to be a great one and we admit that it hit a home run here.

Other features making these wheels stellar all-rounders are the weight-reducing ISM 4D rim milling, lightweight, and stiff Zicral spokes, and Mavic's quick engaging Instant Drive 360 freehub. The weight is remarkable, especially when you consider the predictable aluminum, not carbon, braking surface. At a claimed 1,410 grams, these wheels earn their place on any lightweight build. So much technology is packed into these wheels, there's no denying why the Ksyrium wheelset has been a staple in the peloton since its introduction in 1999.