CADEXCADEX, the premium component brand under Giant Bicycles, has unveiled its inaugural mountain bike wheelset, the Max XC WheelSystem. Priced at $4,000 USD, this wheelset is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of elite cross-country (XC) racing. (bikerumor.com)
Design and Construction
The Max XC WheelSystem features a bonded, integrated carbon spoke-and-hub construction, a design previously utilized in CADEX’s road and gravel wheelsets. This innovative approach aims to enhance stiffness and minimize flex under load. The wheelset boasts a claimed weight of 1,248 grams, positioning it among the lighter options in the high-end XC wheel market. (pinkbike.com)
Rim Specifications
The wheelset is equipped with 22mm deep carbon rims, designed to provide compliance over rough terrain while maintaining a low profile to reduce weight. With a 30mm internal width, these rims support tire widths ranging from 2.2” to 2.6”, accommodating modern XC tire standards. The hookless bead design, coupled with 5mm Wide Guard rim sidewalls, aims to reduce the risk of pinch flats and eliminate the need for heavy tire inserts. (bikerumor.com)
Hub and Spoke Integration
Central to the Max XC WheelSystem is the integrated hub-and-spoke construction. The Super Aero carbon spokes are bonded directly to the carbon hub flanges, creating a unified structure intended to maximize stiffness and minimize flex under load. This design is complemented by CADEX’s Custom-tuned Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL), which utilizes a wide bracing angle and balances spoke tension under pedaling forces, enhancing transmission stiffness and converting pedaling efforts into forward momentum. (bikerumor.com)
Hub Mechanism
The rear hub, the M1-C120, incorporates a Helical-Bevel Ratchet Drive System with a 120-tooth ratchet ring, providing a quick 3-degree engagement. The 10-degree helical interface between the inner and outer ratchet rings, along with the proprietary Ratchet Wave Ring, ensures smooth and stable engagement. CADEX Ceramic Bearings are employed to reduce friction and enhance rolling efficiency. (bikerumor.com)
Performance and Testing
Developed and tested in collaboration with the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, the Max XC WheelSystem has been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure durability and performance. The six-tow, high-tensile carbon spokes provide both lateral stiffness and enhanced impact resistance. The 5mm-wide rim sidewalls help reduce the chances of tire damage while also bolstering resistance against impact damage to the rim itself. In comparative testing, the Max XC demonstrated a 5.3% greater lateral stiffness and a 75.8% increase in load before failure compared to the Roval World Cup WheelSystem. (bikerumor.com)
Pricing and Availability
The Max XC WheelSystem is priced at $4,000 USD, with the front wheel available for $1,650 and the rear for $2,350. While the wheelset is listed on the CADEX website, it currently appears to be out of stock. Prospective buyers can sign up for an in-stock notification on the brand’s website. (bikerumor.com)
In summary, CADEX’s Max XC WheelSystem represents a significant advancement in mountain bike wheel technology, combining innovative design with high-performance materials to meet the demands of modern XC racing.