Mavic’s popular Ksyrium Elite wheelset has been updated with a wider rim designed to be paired with a 25mm tyre.

We’ve covered in detail the current trend for wider wheels and wider tyres. Ideally the two should be matched, a wide rim with a wide tyre (we’re talking 25mm rubber and above, away from the old 23mm standard), in order to give the tyre a sure-footed profile.

The Mavic Ksyrium Elite is one of the most popular upgrade wheelsets on the market, combining relatively low weight and plenty of stiffness in a reliable package which won’t break the bank. However, while many manufacturers have been quick to follow the ‘wider is better’ trend, Mavic have been typically cautious.

However, the updated Elite changes that and the rim has been widened by 2mm internally, growing from 15mm to 17mm, giving the new wheel an external rim width of 21.5mm. That’s still nominally wide by modern standards – the H Plus Son Archetype measures 23mm externally and the Spin Koppenberg MAX25 measures 25mm, to name two examples – but it should provide a solid foundation for a 25mm tyre.

Mavic say the 2mm difference increases the volume of the tyre by 18 per cent and reduces rolling resistance by 13 per cent (at the same tyres pressure), while they also say can improve comfort and maintain the same rolling resistance by lowering the tyre pressure by 20psi.

The increased width comes without a weight penalty as Mavic say their ISM4D technology removes unnecessary material from the rim to balance durability, strength and weight. Claimed weight for the wheelset is 1,550g (without tyres).

Speaking of which, Mavic sell their hoops as a wheel-tyre system and the Elite comes with 25mm front and rear-specific Yksion Pro tyres fitted as standard. Mavic say the new rim shape is designed to work in conjunction with the tyre. Claimed weight is 210g per tyre, which is lighter than both the Schwalbe One and Continental GP4000SII (both a claimed 225g).

The new Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheelset will be available in three colour options: black on black, black with red highlights and black with blue highlights. Yours for £500.

Website: Mavic