Mavic packs decades of experience and technology into the Cosmic Pro Carbon Wheelset. 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 13mm 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 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 the rear wheel, laced radially on the non-driveside, and 2x on the driveside. The front hubshell is a sleek, machined structure with large flanges to accommodate the 16 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. Mavic employs 16 spokes on this front wheel, laced radially. 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 / Griplink SSC 700x 23 or 25mm clincher tires. The single compound rubber is different rear and front, respectively. The Powerlink rear features a wide, harder durometer center for limited rolling resistance, and directional grip for fast acceleration. A wider poly breaker reduces the risk of puncture. The outer shoulders use a softer application of the same rubber, which ensures terrific grip when leaning over. The Griplink front is slightly softer in the center and on the shoulders, for better cornering grip. The poly breaker is narrower, as the front tire carries much less weight. The overall Yksion Pro tech includes a directional tread design, 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. 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 levers, which have 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 wheelset, there is no better option than the Cosmic Pro Carbon Exalith Wheelset anywhere near the list price of $1500. The braking improvement alone is worth the step up from the non-Exalith version, but when you take into account that the treatment hardens the rim and allows more extensive milling of excess material,, the rotational weight reduction can't be dismissed. Go fast, safely!