Technique

Test: Mavic wheel Cosmic Carbone SL 2009

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: Mavic

Published on Thursday, 18 June 2009 18:38

Further evolved prove of great wheels, with a favourable price-performance ratio

The Company

We have repeatedly spoken of Mavic, then we refer readers to previous articles, we have detailed the history of this company. For 2009 Mavic has done, as always, a great job of developing their own range of products, including the road wheels.

 There were no striking new debuts, but a refinement of existing products, with some interesting new techniques. For new products, it was then taken to an implementation of the values of stiffness, smoothness and reduction of weight, so as to increase the performance of the product by road. An example of this renewal are the wheels under test, undergo a thorough job of aging, which has raised the competitive level, without distorting the original design.

The range of wheels Mavic Cosmic Carbone

The range of high-profile wheels for Mavic includes several models, at the top are the Cosmic Carbone Ultimate, and entirely for tubular carbon, then we have the Cosmic Cabone SLR, with rim compatible for tyre, so the wheels covered the test, with the rim for tire and steel spokes. In addition to these products, we remind the lenticular wheels and equipped with Power Tap hub for measuring power. Finally, the Cosmic Elite, light alloy.

Wheels Cosmic Carbone SL on test

The new Cosmic Carbone SL have the alloy wheel Maxtal, common to all Mavic products, while the flanges are carbon 12K, to a height of the rim of 52 mm. The sides of the rims are adjusted to achieve a more modular and braking gradually, while also joining the rim, after welding, is adjusted to reduce weight and improve the surface quality of the rim itself. The drill is for the rays of the traditional type. The rim, undergoes further milling the holes between the spokes, the less subject to stress. The spokes are the steel plates, 16 radial front and 20 rear, and cross-second free-wheel on the side and radial on the opposite side. The hubs have the body and the axis of light alloy anodised black. The bearings are the classic Mavic QRM +, without maintenance, recorded and sealed. The structure contributes to the rigidity of the hub itself. The bodice freewheeling exploits the "nose FTS", an extension of the body of the wheel hub in the body free. This system allows for greater rigidity in the area, reduced friction and increased reliability of free-wheel. The pair of wheels is available with bodice ED10 (Campagnolo) or M10 (Shimano, Sram) and supplemented by the following allocation:
BR301 quick releases
Key spokes (wheel post.)
Key aerodynamic spokes (wheel post.)
User manual and warranty certificate
Para-tape nipples
Extension valve
Bearing adjustment tool (wheel post.)
We found the following weights: 779 grams the front wheel, 973 grams the rear wheel, 108 grams the quick releases.

The road test

As all these wheels Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL wheels are cured in every detail. The envelope of the package is complete, lacking in reality the stock markets, however, essential for the assembly and the ongoing maintenance is present. Well made the quick releases, a classic Mavic. The installation does not create any problems. Considering the wheel well is preferred over sliding tyres fitting and light so as to enhance the skills speed, inflated sempe at most bars allowed. Moving it appreciates the strength and smoothness of the wheel. The lateral rigidity is high and this allows an excellent power transmission, bearings there also appeared to be more than good, so that an optimal smoothness. The weight, content, but not low, you hear in the hills and acceleration, where these wheels give way to more specialized products similar, but also more expensive. It is true that the differences are not deepest. Where you show is very good on the plate quickly, where reached its cruising speed allowed to keep a high rate with a minimum of effort and a considerable gain of speed than, for example, a medium wheel Try it, even if read more. Are wheels for fast athletes, thus making it the best in races where there are only small hills to overcome and a long way in the plains, without major changes in rhythm. In such cases are very, very, competitive and do not feel the brunt compared to products lighter and more expensive. If there are constant changes of pace, however, are somewhat affected by weight, but always in comparison with products of top end, which slows down the acceleration and the achievement of a high speed. Same in the long climbs, where it is always slow down the weight, while in the long runs is appreciated much braking rim aluminium, always powerful and flexible, with the wet. Tortuous path, it has also slowed by the inclusion in high profile curve of the circle. All typical of high-profile wheels, which even this product can be subtracted. On balance, however, has not affected that much, apart from a greater engagement in the guide. Conversely, these wheels can be stated is a handicap in high wind side, where even on the plate, are not fast and requires a certain commitment to maintain the correct trajectory. In this case their adoption be carefully evaluated, because it might be counterproductive. Again, however, their behaviour is no worse than similar products. Their rigidity also affects significantly the comfort of travel, but it is not natural and requires the wheels to be comfortable.

Conclusions

Wheels Cosmic Carbone SL have found excellent when used for the purpose for which they were made: the speed. Not be strong upward or in tortuous paths, but in the long flat give a significant advantage, thanks to perfect aerodynamics, their lateral stiffness and rolling bearings. To this must also be equipped with adequate and tyres inflated more than the bar, otherwise you mortify performance. Wheels are great for the amateur agonist, which seeks strong performance, but without reaching a significant financial commitment. Compared to more refined products, this product loses ground acceleration and uphill, because of higher weight, but not in pure speed. For this wheel is perfect for a quick athlete, which manages to maintain a strong and consistently high speed and find that these wheels in a technical component of certain satisfaction. Like all high-profile wheels affected side of the wind, slow down in placement and are cornering hard on uneven, but can not be considered defects in the product: no wheels 360 degrees and 365 days. Can make a substantial advantage or a handicap, it should be evaluated case by case basis as they are adopted. In their paths just benefit is tangible.

The price

The price of the pair of wheels is about 900 Euro, a very good price (you can also find interesting discounts on line) considering the type of wheel and its effectiveness.

Are suitable for

Athlete: even if the catalogue Mavic there are still the best wheels are great for the agonist that has not or does not want to spend high figures.
GF cyclists-tourists: they can be considered ideal wheel for a fast and demanding lover who prefers routes dishes, from advise on cycling more comfortable because of their rigidity, which affects the comfort.

Positive aspects

GWeight
Stiffness
Construction quality
Fluency
Aerodynamic
Braking

Negative aspects

None

For further information:

Mavic
Metz Tessy
74996 Annency Cedex 9
Tel. (+33) 0450657171
Fax (+33) 0450657196
Sito internet: www.mavic.com