Mavic has updated their all-weather premium aero road clincher wheels with a new wider rim that only adds aero benefits, improves handling, and accentuates the Exalith brake track for more power and feel. Sounds like it was worth the change to us, and the rear hub got the most welcome upgrade possible- more below! The Cosmic Pro Carbon Exalith WTS Rear Wheel features an aluminum rim with an advanced profile deep section carbon fairing that is bonded to the rim structure. This construction process has been used for almost two decades, and though there has been subtle shaping modifications to a more elliptical shape improve overall aerodynamics, the combination still provides a fast, cost-effective wheel system that is ideal for road racing and most triathlon distances. The massive wet weather braking of the Exalith II brake track, which not only delivers exceptional stopping power and control when wet or dry, but also hardens the rim structure, allows Mavic to mill away more of the aluminum rim, and dropping the wheel weight substantially from older generations.

Affordable aerodynamic performance wheels today generally rely on the top-end technology of the recent past. As most changes are incremental, you be assured these wheels are still fast and sleek, and a significant upgrade over standard road wheels.The overall profile is 52mm for both the front and rear, and the weight for the rear comes in at sweet 910 grams. Speed is paramount, of course, but you don't sacrifice handling in crosswinds or the trust in your ability to drive the wheel into a sharp corner, which is where the added with really shines. The Exalith II braking system (rim/pad in combination) will give you confidence and control you never thought possible, even in driving rain. For many competitors, the fact that they can ride a fast, value-packed wheel with standard clincher tires means racing just got simpler, allowing them to remove focus from the equipment and to shift it to personal performance.

Mavic packs decades of experience and technology into the Cosmic Pro Carbon Wheels. The extruded rim structure itself is made of advanced Maxtal alloy, which is both light, strong, and resistant to fatigue. The rim is joined through welding, then milling, referred to as the SUP process, and the joint becomes as strong as any other part of the rim. Exalith II is a chemical treatment that penetrates deep into the rim, hardening the material and creating a super durable textured finish. Though it can't be seen due to the bonded 12K carbon fairing, the 17mm internal width rim is milled using the ISM process to reduce as much weight as possible without impacting strength. The harder material and texture require the use of a special brake pad formula only available from Mavic that not only holds up better, but combines with the braking surface to deliver 18% better stopping power and control when wet. And brake pad life is on par of a standard rim/pad combination.

The stiff rear hubshell is a machined structure with large flanges to accommodate the straight-pull bladed steel spokes. The alloy axle within rides on the micro-adjustable QRM+ sealed cartridge bearings, which are fast and smooth and can be easily adjusted while the wheel is mounted in the dropouts. The big news is the change to the super smooth, low friction, fast engaging Instant Drive 360 lightweight freehub system is fast and reliable with 40T ratchets offering contact every 9°, as well as being easy to service, reliable, and interchangeable for different drivetrain needs. Mavic uses 20 spokes on the rear wheel, laced Isopulse: radially on the driveside, and 2x on the non-drive side to optimize tension and lateral stiffness.

To complete the wheel-tire system, Mavic includes their Yksion Pro Powerlink 700x25mm clincher tire. The Powerlink features a wide, harder durometer center for limited rolling resistance, and directional grip for fast acceleration. A wider nylon breaker reduces the risk of puncture. The outer shoulders use a softer application of the same rubber, which ensures terrific grip when leaning over. Tire size is 700x25mm and these are rated to 110psi. The added width combines with the elliptical fairing for improved aerodynamics.

Mavic includes the excellent BR301 quick release lever, which has a reassuring lever mechanism for proper tension. Of course the rim strip, multi-function adjustment tool, instructions and a tube are also part of this complete wheel system. If you live in any region where wet weather is a regular feature of your event or racing season, and you are looking for an all-around aero rear wheel, there is no better option than the Cosmic Pro Carbon Exalith WTS Rear wheel anywhere near the list price of $795.