$452.49

When you want top-notch braking performance, it’s hard to beat Mavic’s Exalith treatment. It both reduces stopping distances by 18% in the wet or dry, and it increases the durability of the brake track. It is the core of the Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon Exalith Clincher wheel.

Mavic is a big fan of aluminum braking surfaces, and Exalith takes their machined sidewalls to a higher level. It’s a texturing and hardening of the surface, which provides more bite to brake pads and keeps its dark color permanently.

Exalith is the upgrade on the already impressive Cosmic Pro Carbon. This is an aluminum/carbon hybrid, with the carbon shroud permanently bonded to the aluminum rim. The straight-pull, bladed steel spokes go through the carbon and affix to the rim, which adds a little extra compliance to the package. as water can seep in through the spoke holes, there are exit ports on the sides, spinning the water out as you ride.

The rim shape is 25mm wide and 52mm deep. The width results in a 17mm internal channel, which Mavic designed to give the proper shape to the included 25mm wide tires, Mavic’s Yksion Pro GripLink Front and PowerLink rear, both 210g. The tires and rims together make a faster shape, while the increased tire volume makes for both a more comfortable and lower rolling resistance ride. The wheels weigh in at 735g front, 915g rear.

The wheels also come with a multifunction wrench, Exalith brake pads, BR301 quick releases, and rim tape. The cassette body can be either SRAM/Shimano or Campagnolo. There is an optional SRAM XD-R body, which can be purchased separately.

Mavic has a warranty program, Mavic Care, which can come in handy if crashing does in your Mavic wheel. Register for free on their website, and you get 40% off the purchase of new product for up to three years. Make sure you keep receipts.

When you’re ready for fast wheels with prodigious stopping power, Mavic’s Cosmic Pro Carbon Exalith wheel lights up the road and stops on a dime.