Mavic launches new sub-£1000 Cosmic S 42 carbon wheelset

Iconic French cycling brand Mavic has announced a new addition to its long-standing Cosmic range of road wheels. The Cosmic S 42 as the name might suggest is a 42mm deep aero profile carbon wheelset that aims to blend performance and affordability into a single package. 

Retailing for £900 / $999 / €999 the wheels are positioned competitively against the likes of Hunt’s 40 Carbon wheels and Zipp’s 303S. The Cosmic S 42 are slightly narrower than the competition with a 21mm internal rim width whereas both the Hunt and Zipp alternatives sit around 1mm wider. In reality, this isn’t going to make a world of difference with a 28mm tyre fitted but if your intentions lay more on the unpaved end of the spectrum with some higher volume rubber fitted it might be something to consider. 

Mounted to Mavic’s own QRM ID360 hubs are standard bladed J-bend spokes. These solidify the wheelset’s aero credentials whilst also retaining an ease of maintenance that is not always afforded to aero wheels. J-bend spokes are easy to find at most bike shops and are easy to install and tension without the need for specific tooling beyond a spoke key.