The Mavic AllRoad SL wheelset returns to the basic alloy efficiency and flexibility that the Iconic French model is greatest recognized for. With manufacturers (Mavic included) leaning into budget-friendly carbon wheels, it’s good to see a performance-driven alloy wheel maintain its personal, particularly one that appears to blur the strains of all-road and gravel wheelsets.
Mavic AllRoad Line
The Mavic AllRoad SL wheelset is a part of the model’s motion into the gravel and bigger quantity aspect of drop-bar life. The All Highway line dropped with 4 variations of the wheelset. The entry level is the AllRoad disc (additionally out there in 650b), adopted by AllRoad S with extra premium options. Then, fading into the race-ready designs; AllRoad SL and AllRoad SL Carbon, each hookless. To seek out out all the small print of the Mavic AllRoad line, try our technical piece right here.
What makes the Mavic AllRoad SL Completely different?
Let’s begin on the rim: Mavic runs a contemporary 25mm inside on the AllRoad rims – though some manufacturers are actually edging in direction of 29mm (and upwards) internals on all-road and gravel-focused wheels.
This method works in Mavic’s favor for the AllRoad line. The rim’s profile adapts to a pretty big street, cyclocross, or gravel tire (wherever from 28-40mm) with out distorting the form. Mavic claims the wheels can accommodate as much as a 64mm tire, however I believe that could be pushing it.
The rim form is basic Mavic: naked sculpted alloy, SUP welded with a slight variable top (20mm/22mm). It’s hookless, tapeless, and well-crafted.
What in regards to the Hubs?
The AllRoad SL makes use of the Mavic Infinity Hub with On the spot Drive 360, a tech you’ll see on most of their high-end wheels. The On the spot Drive 360 makes use of drive rings just like different ring drive hubs available on the market and are very simple to service and swap out (extra on this later)
Presentation and Packaging
When my Mavic AllRoad wheels arrived, they got here in a thick field with numerous cardboard padding. They shipped with almost every part I wanted to service the wheels and freehub physique. Plus, there are some Mavic stickers that each store has plastered on work stands. What I’m making an attempt to say is that they got here with intention. These wheels have been meant to be used, day in and time out, so that you’ll have to service and look after them.
I’ve seen lovely wheelsets upward of $3K ship in a cardboard field I wouldn’t ship a tire in. These $950 Mavic wheels arrived in a manner that ensured a stable buyer expertise. It’s small issues, however I used to be impressed with the considerate care.
I used to be barely bummed to see that no additional spokes got here with the wheels. Some wheel producers going above and past recently have made a number of additional spokes a part of the acquisition. Hopefully, we’ll see one thing like this quickly from Mavic.
Tubeless Setup
It’s at all times an excellent factor when the setup is uneventful, and I don’t get Stan’s in all places. The AllRoad SL was uneventful and easy. No taping or actual work was required. I put in the offered valve and Vittoria (Experience Armor 32mm) tire, and I used to be good to roll.
The Mavic valves are slotted to accommodate tire liners and rim savers for many who select that life. The edges, although hookless, are nonetheless moderately slim, with a bead round 2mm thick.
A word: It’s greatest to test the aspect wall of your go-to tires earlier than committing to a hookless rim. Although most tires over dimension 28mm are accredited for hookless, it’d shock you that some aren’t.
Traditional Styling
Mavic is basic and nonetheless has the basic yellow and black styling that this Pittsburgh’r loves – not solely as a result of it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ colours. As a result of it provides that additional little bit of pop to a motorbike with out being overwhelming.
The AllRoad SLs have minimal graphics, simply sufficient to know the mannequin and model. I might have cherished to see that lone yellow spoke on these wheels. Or perhaps simply the one on the rear wheel…however one can dream.
Mavic AllRoad SL Wheel – Particulars
- Hubs: Infinity Hubs, QRM Auto bearing preload know-how, On the spot Drive 360 freewheel
- Spokes Lacing: Double Crossed Entrance and Rear, Contactless
- Nipples: Fore built-in aluminum Depend: 24 entrance and rear
- Rim Top: 20/22mm, Hookless, Inner width: 25mm, Exterior:
- Rim Tubeless Tech: UST tubeless know-how with Tapeless Tubeless Know-how and SUP Welding
- Weight: 1730g (with valves)
- Value: $950
- Availability: Now
Experience Impressions
My first rides on the Mavic AllRoad SL wheels weren’t “all street” however straight up the street. I mounted them on a overview street bike and hit a few of my favourite pave’. The Trek Madone frameset accommodated the 32mm tires effectively sufficient, and I bought a style of the wheels’ efficiency on the tarmac.
I initially thought, “These are cozy.” Having spent many miles on the present check rig, I knew it was the wheels. The Mavic AllRoad SLs changed the 42mm deep Bontrager carbon wheels on the Trek. The burden was almost the identical between the wheels, however the profile and journey high quality drastically differed.
All Day Consolation
Talking solely on the wheels’ consolation and journey high quality (not aero-efficiency), I felt extra excited to tackle a protracted day within the saddle. The larger-volume 32mm Vittoria tires paired effectively with the 25mm inside of the AllRoad SLs and appeared mated for one another.
Climbing and chugging alongside on the flats, the AllRoad SLs carried out effectively. They have been stiff and responsive (although not as stiff because the carbon wheels they changed) and have been an asset on poorly maintained roads.
What About Gravel?
My gravel instances on the AllRoad SLs weren’t restricted to cobbled previous Pittsburgh roads. I took these guys out on correct chunky bits. I had them paired with the Problem Gravine tires, and the match was good. The shallow rims’ forgiving nature, paired with the supple cotton casing of the Problem tire, labored out effectively.
What the AllRoad alloy wheels lack in aerodynamics in comparison with their carbon brethren, they make up for in journey consolation and nostalgic seems. I raced Mavic Ksyrium SLs on the street for years, and once I take a look at the AllRoad SLs, I get a slight reminiscence flicker of these tremendous cool wheels with the one yellow spoke.
Hub Efficiency
The Mavic Infinity Hub with On the spot Drive 360 has simply sufficient engagement for street and gravel. Mavic equips the AllRoad SL with the 24-tooth (15-deg of engagement) On the spot Drive 360 driver. These searching for extra can improve (it’s an excellent simple job) to the 72-tooth driver with 9-deg of engagement.
As for climate resistance, I’ve ridden these wheels in all climate. I’ve even thrown in a motorbike wash with a strain washer a number of instances after muddy gravel rides, only for good measure. The bearings are simply as easy because the day I obtained them, and even with many dings, the edges are surprisingly dent-free.
Remaining Ideas
For below $1000 ($950, to be precise), the Mavic AllRoad SL wheels are very a lot price it. Sure, Mavic simply launched a $1000 efficiency carbon wheel. However is it as comfy a journey because the AllRoads?
In the event you’re a rider who likes to combine issues up—gravel someday, a street journey over the weekend—and wish one wheelset to do all of it, the AllRoad SLs are it. The burden is a slight downside, however the efficiency, consolation, and styling stick out in a world stuffed with harsh using price range carbon wheels.