The Mavic AllRoad SL wheelset returns to the traditional alloy efficiency and flexibility that the Iconic French model is finest 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 facet of drop-bar life. The All Highway line dropped with 4 variations of the wheelset. The entry level is the AllRoad disc (additionally accessible 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 search out out all the small print of the Mavic AllRoad line, try our technical piece right here.
What makes the Mavic AllRoad SL Totally different?
Let’s begin on the rim: Mavic runs a contemporary 25mm inner on the AllRoad rims – though some manufacturers are actually edging in the direction of 29mm (and upwards) internals on all-road and gravel-focused wheels.
This strategy works in Mavic’s favor for the AllRoad line. The rim’s profile adapts to a fairly large street, cyclocross, or gravel tire (anyplace from 28-40mm) with out distorting the form. Mavic claims the wheels can accommodate as much as a 64mm tire, however I feel that is likely to be pushing it.
The rim form is traditional Mavic: naked sculpted alloy, SUP welded with a slight variable peak (20mm/22mm). It’s hookless, tapeless, and well-crafted.
What concerning the Hubs?
The AllRoad SL makes use of the Mavic Infinity Hub with Instantaneous Drive 360, a tech you’ll see on most of their high-end wheels. The Instantaneous Drive 360 makes use of drive rings much like different ring drive hubs available on the market and are very straightforward 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 a number of cardboard padding. They shipped with practically all the things 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 had been meant to be used, day in and time out, so that you’ll have to service and take care of 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 means that ensured a strong 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 further spokes got here with the wheels. Some wheel producers going above and past these days have made a number of further spokes a part of the acquisition. Hopefully, we are going to 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 every single place. The AllRoad SL was uneventful and easy. No taping or actual work was required. I put in the supplied valve and Vittoria (Trip Armor 32mm) tire, and I used to be good to roll.
The Mavic valves are slotted to accommodate tire liners and rim savers for individuals who select that life. The edges, although hookless, are nonetheless fairly slender, with a bead round 2mm thick.
A observe: It’s finest to test the facet wall of your go-to tires earlier than committing to a hookless rim. Although most tires over measurement 28mm are accredited for hookless, it’d shock you that some aren’t.
Traditional Styling
Mavic is traditional and nonetheless has the traditional 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 further little bit of pop to a motorcycle with out being overwhelming.
The AllRoad SLs have minimal graphics, simply sufficient to know the mannequin and model. I might have liked 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 expertise, Instantaneous 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 expertise with Tapeless Tubeless Know-how and SUP Welding
- Weight: 1730g (with valves)
- Value: $950
- Availability: Now
Trip Impressions
My first rides on the Mavic AllRoad SL wheels weren’t “all street” however straight up the street. I mounted them on a evaluate 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 take a look at rig, I knew it was the wheels. The Mavic AllRoad SLs changed the 42mm deep Bontrager carbon wheels on the Trek. The burden was practically the identical between the wheels, however the profile and experience high quality drastically differed.
All Day Consolation
Talking solely on the wheels’ consolation and experience 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 inner of the AllRoad SLs and appeared mated for one another.
Climbing and chugging alongside on the flats, the AllRoad SLs carried out effectively. They had been stiff and responsive (although not as stiff because the carbon wheels they changed) and had been an asset on poorly maintained roads.
What About Gravel?
My gravel occasions 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 experience consolation and nostalgic seems. I raced Mavic Ksyrium SLs on the street for years, and once I have 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 Instantaneous Drive 360 has simply sufficient engagement for street and gravel. Mavic equips the AllRoad SL with the 24-tooth (15-deg of engagement) Instantaneous Drive 360 driver. These searching for extra can improve (it’s an excellent straightforward 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 motorcycle wash with a stress washer a number of occasions after muddy gravel rides, only for good measure. The bearings are simply as clean because the day I acquired 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 snug a experience because the AllRoads?
For those who’re a rider who likes to combine issues up—gravel sooner or later, a street experience 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 filled with harsh driving price range carbon wheels.
