Mavic's wheel systems have been known by their prodigious development of wheel technologies over the decades, though has been late to the game with full carbon clincher wheels. But for Mavic being first is fine, but being the best is true to their company ethos. There was no way that Mavic was going to release a carbon clincher before they felt 100% confident that the technology and execution was absolutely ready and would step right into the top of the podium.The Cosmic Pro Carbon SL C Wheelset is a full carbon clincher set-up with a 40mm aero rim profile supported by NACA proven shape and confirmed in the wind tunnel. The rims have a 17mm internal width (25mm external) to get more inline with today's standard, and the carbon brake track has tested as the best braking carbon wheel available today. More on that shortly.

There are two principle rim technologies that create the rim brake Mavic carbon clincher design. First is the lay-up process is called Integral Glass Transition Temperature, though the name is opaque, the result is not. iTgMAX consists of an inner rim bed finished with multiple layers of seamless 3K carbon fiber to achieve the molded entity of a unique one-piece rim contour, without cutting any fibers. The result is an incredibly strong rim that moderates temperature better than any other carbon clincher; which as any carbon rim brake user knows, is crucial to safety and braking performance. To complete the concept, the brake track is then laser machined to ensure the best braking efficiency, power and control possible. This laser treatment very finely removes epoxy without damaging the carbon fibers, and effectively creates a surface with texture and capable of more friction. This results in consistent and efficient braking, and a ridiculous 50% shorter stopping distances in wet conditions over a standard carbon braking surface. The net result of all this technology? Mavic calls this "the most reliable carbon rim, able to resist the highest abuse, by the most brutal riders in the worst conditions." After using the Cosmic Pro Carbon SL C, and descending at speed in the rain, we believe you will agree.

The rear wheel carries 24 steel straight-pull bladed spokes and alloy nipples that offer high tension, and help to smooth out the ride by attenuating road vibration. Mavic's IsoPulse lacing offsets hub alignment that is dished to the driveside by lacing the driveside spokes at very high tension in radial formation. The non-drive side gets 2x lacing. This is the opposite of what would be expected and is only possible due to the strength and tension allowed by the technologies of the wheel, rim and hub. Not to be overlooked is the straight-pull hub design allows the spokes to react to impacts, which helps protect the rim and rider. The machined alloy hubshell carries an oversized axle, QRM+ micro adjustable bearings, and the incredible new lightweight Instant Drive 360 freewheel system which features super fast 9° engagement from two 40 tooth ratchets (similar to DT's system). A radial seal provides low friction for higher speed and completely seals out water. The freehub bodies are hardened alloy to save weight, and are interchangeable, as well as allowing the engagement system to be simple to service.

The front wheel carries 18 straight-pull steel bladed spokes and alloy nipples that offer high tension, and help to smooth out the ride by attenuating road vibration. Mavic's lacing is radial, which produces an exceptionally well balanced, tensioned wheel that is laterally stiff, extremely fast. The high tension is only possible due to the strength shared by the technologies of the spokes, rim and hub. Not to be overlooked is that the straight-pull hub design allows the spokes to react to impacts, which helps protect the rim and rider. The machined alloy quick release hubshell carries an oversized axle, QRM+ micro adjustable bearings, and has been sculpted with smooth edges and the flanges cover the spoke interfaces for maximizing a clean, aero leading edge.

To complete the wheelset, Mavic includes a set of their clincher road tires. For the rear, you get the Yksion Pro Powerlink SSC 700x25 clincher tire. The single compound rubber features a wide, harder durometer center for limited rolling resistance, and directional grip for fast acceleration. The outer shoulders use a softer application of the same rubber, which ensures terrific grip when leaning over. The tread design is directional, with angled channels that help with grip and sipe water away from the center section. The carcass is a 127tpi nylon casing which augments the rubber and has a true rounded shape. In between the rubber and the casing a wider polymide breaker is supple enough to match the casing, and has good puncture protection. The front specific Yksion Pro Griplink tire offers a narrower protection belt on the same casing, and softer shoulders for better cornering. These 25mm tires are rated to 110 max psi, which will roll smoothly with the stiffness of the 17mm internal width carbon clincher rim and improve the overall aerodynamic effect.

Late to the game? Perhaps, but Mavic's carbon clincher rim design and the astounding braking technology were well worth the wait. The rim shape is fast, responsive and stable at any wind angle. Braking is stupendous not only because of the power in wet or dry conditions, but also with the consistent feel and control achieved with the included carbon-specific brake pads. The freehub system is more than welcome, as it is super reliable and delivers incredible response. That drives the IsoPulse lacing to deliver power out to the rim with ultra-efficiency. This is a carbon clincher that will shock riders of Enve's carbon clincher rim, as well as Zipp Firecrest enthusiasts. If you have been holding out, or saving up for a do-it-all racing carbon clincher, you owe it to yourself to embrace Mavic's insanely incredible technological achievement. Seriously.