Mavic crossmark sx wheels

[inshane]

Hey
So I've been looking at those Mavic crossmark sx wheels lately.
I first saw them on a stinky air at cove bike shop and really liked them.
They informed me that those wheels are super tough and only heard two cases of them blowing up.

I've also been looking at the CrossMax wheels, Deemax Wheels and Easton Hacocston havoc wheels.

Anyone here run the Crossmark Sx or CrossMax wheels? Please let me know what you think. Pro/cons ect..
Plus any other ideas for hub/rim combos that people are happy with.
Thanks

Ps, would be running them on a Santa cruz driver 8 w/ Boxxers

[GladePlayboy]

I have the 2010 Crossmax SX wheels and they are incredibly tough... I have taken sticks in the spokes that would have rendered a traditionally spoked wheel trash and these have literally shrugged it off. One thing to consider though is that the 2009-2011 Crossmax SXs have an issue with the freehub that is remedied in the 2012 (white) model. I recently had to upgrade the axle and freehub on mine due to a cracked freehub that Mavic would not warranty, even though they have admitted there is an issue, hence the ITS-4 upgrade kit that is now available. This kit will fit 2009-2011 Crossmax SX and Deemax wheels. The 2012s already have the new design axle and freehub.

Oops, after rereading the original post I see you said "Crossmark" not "Crossmax"... I am assuming you meant the latter?

[Spinach]

I don't understand the draw to buy high-priced, low-spoke, proprietary-shit wheelsets. If you're buying a Carbon/Ultra-light wheelset it makes sense for sure. But for a >1400g wheelset, go to your favourite shop and have them build an appropriate set for you.

Personal choice
Stans Flow Rims (Flow EX was not out yet)
DT Comp Spokes/alloy nipples
XT Hubs (Would have gone DT Swiss 350 but the budget wasnt there)

Building worked out far cheaper than a prebuilt wheelset and I ended up with one only slightly heavier than the XT wheels, but a BUNCH cheaper.

Anyways, for your bike I'd snag a set of Stans Flow EX Rims on your choice of DT 350/King/Hope Hubs. The 350 = best bang for your buck, but the King and Hope have their obvious merits as well.

My 2cents.

[boomforeal]

I don't understand the draw to buy high-priced, low-spoke, proprietary-shit wheelsets.

this. not judging; i just don't get it

[bogey]

Originally Posted by inshane

Hey
So I've been looking at those Mavic crossmark sx wheels lately.
I first saw them on a stinky air at cove bike shop and really liked them.
They informed me that those wheels are super tough and only heard two cases of them blowing up.

I've also been looking at the CrossMax wheels, Deemax Wheels and Easton Hacocston havoc wheels.

Anyone here run the Crossmark Sx or CrossMax wheels? Please let me know what you think. Pro/cons ect..
Plus any other ideas for hub/rim combos that people are happy with.
Thanks

Ps, would be running them on a Santa cruz driver 8 w/ Boxxers

One thing to get straight from the start is the name of the wheels and some other details:

* Crossmax SX is the enduro wheelset from Mavic
* Mavic does not make a wheelset called a Crossmark - that is a tire from Maxxis
* Mavic makes a few wheelsets under the Crossmax name (SX, ST, SLR, ...)

Now that we have that out of the way, you can't actually fit them on your frame. Your frame has a 12 x 150 mm rear end and the SX wheels can only be used on a standard quick release or 12 x 142 mm.

Step up to Mavic Deemax wheels or Easton Havoc wheels if you want nice prebuilt wheels. Even better, go with a good builder and pick up some hand built wheels.

[gweb]

Originally Posted by Spinach

Stans Flow Rims (Flow EX was not out yet)
DT Comp Spokes/alloy nipples
XT Hubs

This, but I'd go with Hopes, not sure if XT are available in 12x150?

[Bryce]

An SX wheel will be lighter/stronger than just about anything you can build, without using carbon rims. That Flow rear wheel above would be ~150g heavier than an SX rear. And a lot of that is in the spokes and rim, ie rotating weight. And the SX wheel still requires less truing and resists dents and flat spots better. I've used both rear set-ups. Can't speak for the front, but I imagine its not much different.

In the not so distant future, it will probably be more cost effective to use carbon rims though.