CADEX, Giant's premium brand for wheels and parts, is taking its first step into the mountain bike world. The new CADEX Max XC WheelSystem It is made for modern cross-country courses, which are becoming increasingly faster and more technical. The wheelset weighs 1,248 grams.
The wheels have been developed and tested with the world cup riders of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team. Two-time XCO world champion Alan Hatherly says that you especially notice the efficiency: every watt you pedal, according to him, goes directly forward.
Stiff from one piece carbon
The stiffness comes from the hubs and spokes. The carbon Super Aero spokes are directly attached to ultra-light carbon hub rings, so the entire system works as one unit and less deforms under load. With Dynamic Balanced Lacing, the spokes are at a wider angle and the spoke tension remains better balanced when you start pedaling.
Behind is the new one M1-C120 hub with 120 teeth and an angle of contact of 3 degrees. This means that the hub picks up almost immediately when you step on the pedal again. A special spring ensures uniform grip, and ceramic bearings reduce friction.
Wide tire for grip and protection
The carbon rims are 22 mm high and kept low so that they still provide some grip on rough terrain. With a inner width of 30 mm Suitable for tires from 2.2 to 2.6 inches. This allows you to drive with lower tire pressure for more grip. The hookless profile supports the tire in fast turns.
CADEX uses extra-strong carbon fibers only where necessary. The Wide Guard-rims are 5 mm wide and rounded, which should help prevent damage to the rim and flat tires caused by overrunning. According to CADEX, this means that you will need fewer heavy tire inserts.
It gives you a lot of confidence.
Dario Lillo, Giant Factory Off-Road Team
Prices and warranty
- CADEX Max XC WheelSystem (set): € 3.898
- Front wheel: € 1.699
- Rear wheel: € 2.199
The wheels are available with a Shimano Micro Spline or SRAM XD body. First owners who register their wheels receive a lifetime warranty and five years of replacement coverage for damage caused by an incident.
Our verdict
At 1,248 grams, the Max XC is among the lightest XC wheelsets on the market, and CADEX’s commitment to rim protection is smart: on a modern world cup course, a broken rim costs more time than a few grams extra. The 3 degrees of grip are fine on short, steep sections. The price of almost €3,900 makes it a wheelset for those who really want to compete.
More information: cadex-cycling.com