What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I’ve been testing the Crossmax XL S on everything from loose, rocky trails to smooth flow lines, and they just keep delivering. They’re light for alloy, but super tough, and I love that the Fore design eliminates rim tape—it makes tubeless setup a breeze. The 30mm width pairs perfectly with 2. 4–2. 6in tires, giving tons of grip without the tire rolling over. For trail riders who want reliability with real performance, these are the ones."Built for riders who climb hard and descend harder, the Mavic Crossmax XL S 29 front and rear wheels bring modern alloy performance to trail bikes that demand versatility and strength. Whether we’re threading technical climbs or flying through rooty descents, these wheels keep the ride controlled and smooth thanks to a carefully engineered rim shape that balances stiffness with just the right amount of compliance. The 30mm internal width alloy rim is optimized for traction and cornering stability with 2. 3–2. 6in trail tires, while Mavic’s patented Fore technology keeps the upper rim bridge fully sealed—no rim tape needed. This not only saves 30 grams per wheel but also makes tubeless setup fast and frustration-free. ISM rim machining trims weight where it’s not needed, leaving strength intact for all-day trail abuse, and the Black Shield finish adds long-lasting protection from rock strikes and scuffs. Each wheel uses 24 straight-pull steel spokes laced 2-cross for an ideal mix of vertical compliance and lateral precision. The Infinity hubs provide lightweight stiffness and clean spoke tension, while the ID360 double ratchet freehub system delivers fast engagement to keep the wheels responsive when we hammer out of corners.