You can’t reinvent the wheel – but the wheel market certainly isn’t boring. New technologies are introduced regularly, though not all of them stick around. This often comes down to how practical or compatible they are with modern bikes. In the trail and enduro segment, the weight difference between analog bikes and e-bikes is becoming more and more important when it comes to purchasing decisions.
It’s getting harder to justify trail and enduro bikes weighing 16–17 kg, especially as demands on durability have steadily increased. With more riders spending time in bike parks and on rough trails, big hits and jumps are far more common than they used to be. To meet these evolving demands, Mavic has launched the Crosstrail SL Carbon wheelset – a product designed exactly for this sweet spot. And yes, it’s even certified for e-bikes up to a system weight of 135 kg.
Mavic made a smart choice by using a particularly lightweight rim that allows minimal lateral flex while avoiding an overly harsh rebound. Even under heavy load, the wheel stays vertically stiff and doesn’t twist. The Crosstrail SL Carbon wheels feel exceptionally stable and true to line.
You can feel the difference compared to a standard aluminum wheelset as soon as you hit the first descent. For mid to higher speeds, you get a noticeable boost in steering precision. When the trail gets extremely rough with rapid successive impacts, the wheels feel slightly more nervous than my full-on gravity setup like the Deemax – but that’s perfectly fine, as this is also where the intended use case ends.
Still, the Crosstrail SL performs so well that I’d confidently take it down any trail without hesitation.
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Easy acceleration and low rotating mass
Thanks to its low rim weight and reduced rotating mass, the wheelset sprints and accelerates effortlessly. The response is immediate. With a listed weight of 1690 g, you might raise an eyebrow at first – especially since both the hub and rim feel light. The explanation lies in the use of steel spokes and nipples, which contribute to the overall durability.
Since this is exactly where the most load hits the least amount of material, Mavic didn’t cut corners. This configuration actually enhances long-term reliability. Subconsciously, I found myself thinking “what could possibly go wrong?” – a confidence I haven’t had with many other carbon wheels in the past.
And if something does happen, there’s no need to hunt down replacement spokes: Mavic includes two spare spokes and a tool with every wheelset.
Subtle design with carbon charm
Looks are always subjective, but if you appreciate clean and refined aesthetics, you’ll probably love the Crosstrail SL Carbon. The visible carbon weave, subtle grey decals, and black components create a premium, understated appearance.
A distinct ridge along the nipples – part of the manufacturing process – combined with the slightly visible carbon structure through the transparent tubeless tape gives the wheels an honest, high-quality feel. You immediately see what you’re getting. And we’re big fans of that.
One minor complaint: the tubeless valves
As happy as we – and now even several coworkers – are with the Mavic Crosstrail SL Carbon, there’s one small issue that we unanimously agree on, and it’s worth sharing. Not a dealbreaker, but still a bit disappointing: the tubeless valves.
Mavic supplies basic silver standard valves – a poor visual match for such a premium-looking product. If you care about the finer details, you’ll want to invest a few extra euros in matching valves.
That said, it doesn’t affect our strong recommendation in any way.
Final verdict: Versatile, thoughtful, and highly recommended
We tested these wheels on a range of bikes – from trail hardtails to full-on enduro setups, including multiple days in the bike park. The result? The Crosstrail SL Carbon performed flawlessly.
For riders who push hard or spend a lot of time in bike parks, we recommend switching between two wheelsets if you only own one bike: sturdy aluminum wheels with downhill tires for park days, and a lightweight carbon set like the Crosstrail SL with folding tires for everything else. The rotational weight difference can easily hit 1,000 g, and you’ll feel every gram.
