Test: As part of our Best list of cyclocross carbon wheels we also took a close look at the Mavic Cosmic Carbon 40 Elite wheelset. The decisive difference to the other test candidates, and at the same time the reason why the Cosmic Carbon is not in the best list, is that the Mavic LRS is a clincher – i.e. the version for wired tires.
Manufacturer Mavic limits the field of application of the Cosmic Carbon 40 Elite to road and triathlon – so if you want to use the wheels for cross-country use, the guarantee is void. We still tortured the chic wheels in the forest. Now first to the positive: The laminated aluminum profile increases the rigidity of the rims and also ensures good braking behavior thanks to the very good heat dissipation. This is particularly noticeable when braking for longer periods, since the force required only increases slowly. Braking performance in the wet was also above average. Overall, the wheelset feels very good, but unfortunately the very good aerodynamics hardly have any effect in cross use.
The built-in hubs do their job unobtrusively and can also cope with the dirt bombardment in the forest without any problems. Even after a few harder rides, there is no play to be found, nor does the moisture and mud seem to have any effect on the bearings. Anyway, the gasket works great.
Of course, the clincher construction and the laminated aluminum profile noticeably increase the weight. At just under 1550 g, the low weight is no reason to buy a carbon wheelset - the CC 40 cannot keep up in terms of weight, especially compared to tubular wheelsets.
So what conclusions do we draw from this test? Of course, it is primarily clear that ambitious cross riders are better off with a tubular wheelset that is appropriate for the area of use. Nevertheless, the Mavic Cosmic Carbon 40 Elite are excellent wheels: Good braking properties, high stiffness and very good braking behavior are big plus points, which of course count especially on the road and in triathlon.
At a glance – the Mavic Cosmic Carbon 40 Elite
- Clincher wheelset
- Laminated aluminum profile for very good braking performance
- Strengths on the road and in triathlon
- Price 1.590 Euro
- Manufacturer site
Conclusion
The Mavic Cosmic Carbon 40 Elite is a very good clincher wheelset for riders who spend a lot of time on the road in summer. The 1.545 g wheels are also fine for cross use, but understandably they are not the first choice here.
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