Mavic E-Crosstrail SL 29 Wheelset

The Mavic E-Crosstrail SL 29 Wheelset is built for one specific problem e-bikes create: a motor adds torque and weight that a standard trail wheel wasn't designed to absorb. Mavic built the e-Crosstrail SL around that reality, reinforcing the hubs and rim for e-MTB use while keeping the wheelset light enough to still feel responsive on technical trail and enduro terrain.

The rim is Maxtal aluminum, an alloy Mavic uses specifically because it offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio than standard 6106 alloy, at a 30mm internal width and 22mm height. Rather than drilling the rim for spoke nipples, Mavic uses their FORE construction — the lower rim bridge is pushed up and threaded so the nipples screw directly into it, which keeps the rim stiffer and stronger where it takes the most abuse. The rim joint itself is arc-welded and then milled smooth (Mavic calls this SUP welding), and a Black Shield coating on top is meant to double the rim's resistance to stone impacts and scratches — the kind of trailside damage that ends a ride early.

Mavic's Infinity hubs handle the power side of the equation, built with non-contact spoke lacing that stays quiet under load and reinforced specifically to handle the higher torque an e-bike motor puts through the wheel. The Instant Drive 360 freewheel is the detail that matters most in technical riding — quick, consistent engagement means less lag between a pedal stroke and the wheel responding, which counts on technical climbs where hesitation costs you your line. QRM Auto bearings round out the hub, with sealed cartridges that self-adjust preload over time rather than needing regular manual tightening.

This is a UST tubeless-ready wheelset — Mavic's own tubeless standard, engineered to seal reliably without a separate tubeless conversion kit. Tire compatibility runs from 52mm to 76mm, which covers most trail and enduro tire widths, with recommended max pressures around 43 psi on the narrow end and 36 psi at the widest. The wheelset carries an ASTM category 4 rating, meaning it's built and tested for enduro and aggressive trail riding, not just cross-country use. Total weight for the pair comes in at 1,975 grams — 906g front, 1,069g rear — which is a reasonable number to carry the max recommended system weight of 150kg (bike included), a spec that matters more on an e-bike where total weight tends to run higher than a standard mountain bike.

Hub compatibility covers Shimano MS and SRAM XD MTB freewheel standards, with 6-bolt or Center Lock disc mounting and front/rear axle sizing of 15x110mm and 12x148mm, both common on current e-MTB platforms. Each wheelset ships with two spare spokes, a multifunction adjustment wrench for the rear wheel, and a UST valve that you'll mount yourself before setting up tubeless.

This is a wheelset for riders pushing their e-MTB into real trail and enduro terrain rather than commuting or light gravel use — someone who wants a wheel built to handle motor torque and rough ground without babysitting spoke tension or rim damage every few rides.