Test: The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 wheelset is the French manufacturer's new high-end all-rounder. With its lighter, 45 mm deep rims and the new UD² finish, this carbon wheelset is said to be the fastest, stiffest and lightest all-rounder for road bikes with disc brakes. We wanted to find out whether Mavic can pick up on the old days and tested the supposed all-rounder for you.
Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 review
After the Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 wheel was conceived and developed by the manufacturer itself in Annecy, it is now 100% handcrafted in the company's own European carbon manufacturing facility. We can reveal so much in advance, you can feel this quality!
We were very happy with the first special feature of the Cosmic SLR 45, because the special shape of the rim well makes it much easier to mount and remove tires. We had no problems with tires from a wide range of manufacturers and were able to mount them in no time at all.
The already mentioned Fore technology in combination with the Infinity hub technology ensures a super stiff overall system, which ensures great power transmission. This gives you the feeling of getting a very direct acceleration and getting the necessary support for sprints and starts. This also has a positive effect on handling and conveys a very direct, agile driving experience, as if on rails. It doesn't matter whether it's brisk passages that require a lot of smooth running or technical sections that require good reactions, the Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 masters every challenge with skill.
Despite the high stiffness values and the direct handling, the wheelset also provides pleasant comfort. The UST tubeless set-up eliminates the need for a tube, which means less friction and more air volume, providing a smoother ride and also promoting rollability. Because the subject of speed also plays an important role with the Cosmic SLR 45: With its rim height of 45 mm, the all-rounder has the perfect height for aerodynamic performance at a relatively low weight. In addition, the patented elliptical Mavic spokes save another 5 watts according to the manufacturer. Time to step on the gas!
Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Compatibility
The rear wheel hub of the SLR 45 is available for either Shimano HG or Sram XD-R cassettes, and can be converted to Campagnolo with an optional freewheel body. A 12×100 mm thru axle will fit at the front and a 12×142 mm thru axle at the rear. Appropriate adapters are supplied for converting to quick releases.
You can find another wheel test by Mavic here here:
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/12/test-mavic-allroad-sl-gravel-laufradsatz/