The Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon Rear Wheel features a lightweight aluminum rim and brake track with a 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. 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, and this rear wheel comes in at 930 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. Braking is sure in wet or dry conditions. For many competitors, the fact that they can ride a fast, value-packed wheel with standard clincher tires and brake pads means racing just got simpler, allowing them to remove focus from the equipment and to shift it on the performance.

Mavic packs decades of experience and technology into the Cosmic Pro Carbon Rear Wheel. 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. CNC machining of the brake track provides precise parallel faces, called UB Control for smooth, sure braking in wet or dry, and is very durable to long-term use. Though it can't be seen due to the bonded 12K carbon fairing, the 13mm internal width rim is milled using the ISM process to reduce as much weight as possible without impacting strength.

The sleek 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 lightweight alloy FTS-L freehub engagement system is fast and reliable, as well as being easy to service and interchangeable. Mavic uses 20 spokes on this rear wheel, laced radially on the non-driveside, and 2x on the driveside. The spokes disappear into the fairing of the rim, where standard nipples affix the spokes to the rim, where they can easily be accessed when the tire is removed. The high tension system creates a stiff wheel that will rarely need truing. The bladed spokes, elliptical fairing shape, sleek hubshell and hidden nipples result in a responsive, fast rolling, aerodynamic wheel.

To complete the wheel-tire system, Mavic includes their 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 Kevlar breaker is supple enough to match the casing, and has good puncture protection. This 25mm version is rated to 110 max psi, and 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. When paired with the matching rear wheel, this Cosmic Pro Carbon, Front Wheel will serve your need for affordable speed for both racing and training. The set comes in under 1700 grams, which is excellent for an aero clincher wheelset (with tires) priced under $1300. If you are starting your competitive years in road racing or triathlon, or just prefer to keep the budget manageable, the Mavic Cosmic Pro wheels are a great option.

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