Mavic SLR 45 News: Marketing or Technical Revolution?

MAVIC, the iconic French brand re-launched in 2020 by the Bourrelier group, unveils an update of its Cosmic SLR 45 Disc, wheels cut for road and gravel performance. With a weight of 1,480 g the pair and a competitive price of 1,999 €, they position themselves as a serious alternative to Zipp or Enve, especially below the 2,000 mark €. Maintaining Fore technology and the 23 mm internal width of previous versions, they incorporate subtle evolutions, such as ceramic bearings and a new marking. Is it a real breakthrough or a marketing adjustment?

New: Finally ceramic bearings!

The Cosmic SLR 45 Disc is part of the continuity of the range, with a profile of 45 mm and an internal width of 23 mm (32 mm external), already present on the previous models. These dimensions, aligned with modern standards, ensure compatibility with tires from 28 to 64 mm, ideal for road and gravel versatility. Weighing at 1,480 g (675 g front, 805 g rear), they remain light for various routes, from flat roads to valleys. Unlike the Cosmic SLR 32 mm and 65 mm, still limited to 19-21 mm internal, the SLR 45s continue to use their wide rim and Fore technology for simplified tubeless mounting.

Highlights include:

• Ceramic Bearings (MAVIC Ceramic) : Mavic, long reluctant to this technology for its low cost gain, now incorporates ceramic bearings, claiming -28% friction. A shift that seems to meet market demand more than a technical need.
• Rethought marking : Exits fragile laser gravage; reflective stickers « Mavic » adopt a premium style, with Enve or Corima, with a potential for customization.
• And... then that's it!

These developments, although less revolutionary than expected, refine an already solid formula. The price of 1,999 € enhance their competitiveness in the face of competition.

Technical specifications

• Wheels :
  • Material: 3K T700/T800 UD carbon for rigidity/weight balance.
  • Dimensions: Height 45 mm, internal width 23 mm, external 32 mm
  • U-shaped (NACA) for 5 watts aero gain (according to Mavic) and lateral wind stability.
  • Fore, without internal perforations, for waterproof tubeless mounting without tape. Safety hooked wheels.
• Rays and Moyeux :
  • Rayons: 20 front, 20 rear, aerodynamic stainless steel (elliptic, anti-rotation). No contact to avoid noises.
  • Moths: Infinity with Instant Drive 360 freewheel (light, low friction via rubber seal). QRM automatic adjustment for waterproof cartridge bearings.
  • Centerlock discs
  • Bearings: MAVIC Ceramics Ceramics with premium grease and low friction joints.
• Further information :
  • Weight : 1,480 g the pair
  • Max. pressure: 5.5 bar (28 mm); Supports 120 kg (velo included).
  • Compatibility: Shimano HG 10/11V, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo N3W.
  • Guarantee: For life (recording required within 2 months).

My opinion: Marketing has won

Mavic offers us with the Cosmic SLR 45 Disc more a marketing evolution than a technical revolution. Ceramic bearings, long criticized by the brand itself for their low added value, are now integrated – a quasi-imperative criterion to seduce lovers of beautiful material, always in search of this small « plus » premium that makes the eyes shine. But let us be lucid: for the vast majority of cyclists, the gain in fluidity or durability is negligible in the face of well-maintained standard bearings. This addition seems mainly to meet a market expectation, where the absence of ceramics at 2,000 € Could stop the buyers.

The real strength of the Cosmic SLR 45 remains their proven basis: Fore technology, which is always as efficient for a tubeless without hassle, and the 23 mm rim width, which does not evolve but remains perfectly in the game for comfort and compatibility with wide tires. On the aesthetic side, reflective stickers replace laser gravations, often criticized for their rapid wear. They give a premium look and pave the way for customization like Enve or Corima – a real plus for personalization enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm remain a safe value for multipurpose cyclists, combining performance, comfort and maintenance simplicity. Attractive price of 1,999 €their universal compatibility and modern aesthetics make it a credible option in the face of competition. Ceramic bearings, although overvalued, do not spoil anything, and stickers, bring a premium touch. For enthusiasts seeking a balance between quality and budget, these wheels deserve consideration. With a lifetime warranty, they are intended for cyclists who want reliable French equipment without paying too much. No revolution here, but a malignant update that keeps the Cosmic SLR 45 in the race.