CADEXCADEX Enters the MTB Arena with the Max XC WheelSystem
In a strategic move to expand its presence in the mountain biking sector, CADEX has unveiled the Max XC WheelSystem, a high-performance wheelset engineered for elite cross-country (XC) racing. This launch signifies CADEX’s inaugural venture into the MTB market, aiming to deliver a blend of lightweight design, rapid responsiveness, and enhanced durability.
Collaborative Development with Elite Athletes
The Max XC WheelSystem was developed in close collaboration with riders from the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, ensuring that the wheelset meets the rigorous demands of professional XC racing. The primary objective was to create a wheelset that not only boasts a minimal weight but also offers exceptional efficiency during high-intensity accelerations. Two-time XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly emphasized the wheelset’s remarkable acceleration capabilities, noting that the power applied to the pedals is directly translated into forward speed.
Innovative Carbon Spoke Construction
A standout feature of the Max XC WheelSystem is its innovative spoke design. CADEX employs Super Aero carbon spokes that are directly bonded to ultra-lightweight carbon hub flanges. This design results in a highly integrated structure that minimizes deformation under load, enhancing the wheel’s responsiveness and stiffness. The spoke configuration utilizes CADEX’s Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL), which incorporates a wider spoke angle and optimizes spoke tension during pedaling. This approach aims to increase both lateral and torsional stiffness, ensuring that energy loss due to wheel deformation is kept to a minimum during powerful accelerations.
High-Engagement Hub for Immediate Power Transfer
The rear hub of the Max XC WheelSystem is engineered for rapid engagement, featuring a 120-tooth Helical-Bevel Ratchet Drive System that achieves a mere 3-degree engagement angle. This design ensures that the force applied to the pedals is promptly transmitted to the rear wheel, providing immediate power transfer. The spiral connection between the inner and outer ratchet rings, combined with an exclusive CADEX Ratchet Wave Spring, maintains consistent system preload, while ceramic CADEX bearings reduce internal friction, further enhancing performance.
Optimized Rim Design for Modern XC Tires
The wheelset features rims with a 22-millimeter height and a generous internal width of 30 millimeters, accommodating modern XC tire sizes ranging from 2.2 to 2.6 inches. This wide rim profile supports the tire sidewalls more effectively, contributing to a larger and more stable contact patch with the ground. This design choice enhances traction and control, particularly during technical sections of the course. The hookless rim profile further supports the tire, reducing the risk of pinch flats and improving overall ride quality.
Lightweight Yet Robust Construction
Weighing in at 1,248 grams, the Max XC WheelSystem is positioned in the ultralight category, making it an attractive option for XC racers seeking to minimize rotational mass. Despite its light weight, CADEX has ensured that the wheelset does not compromise on impact resistance. Strategically placed high-strength carbon fibers and the use of six-tow carbon spokes, along with CADEX’s proprietary Wide Guard rim protection, enhance the wheel’s durability. The 5-millimeter-wide rim edges reduce the likelihood of rim damage during hard impacts and decrease the risk of pinch flats. The rounded outer rim design also helps prevent the tire sidewall from being pinched against sharp rim edges when compressed against obstacles.
Designed with World Cup Performance in Mind
The Max XC WheelSystem embodies CADEX’s commitment to high-performance XC racing. The combination of a low weight, wide rim profile, impact protection, and stiff carbon spoke construction ensures that the wheelset delivers both speed and reliability. Dario Lillo, a member of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team and an XCO World Cup winner, highlighted the confidence the wheelset provides at high speeds, stating that it offers the necessary trust to tackle technical courses without hesitation.
Availability and Pricing
The CADEX Max XC WheelSystem is available with Shimano Micro Spline or SRAM XD freehubs. For registered first owners, CADEX offers a lifetime warranty and a five-year incident replacement program. The complete wheelset is priced at $4,000 USD, with the front wheel available for $1,699 USD and the rear wheel for $2,199 USD. This pricing reflects the wheelset’s high-end specifications and performance capabilities.
With the introduction of the Max XC WheelSystem, CADEX has firmly positioned itself at the pinnacle of the XC segment, focusing on lightweight design, minimal power loss, and a direct response to rider input. This wheelset is tailored for racers who demand the highest level of performance and reliability in their equipment.
Highlights:
- Jenny Rissveds and Luca Martin secure 2026 Mountain Bike World Series overall cross-country titles, Published on Saturday, October 03
- Giant overhauls gravel range with two new bikes and a suite of gravel components, Published on Tuesday, June 30
- All-new Giant Revolt and Liv Devote gravel bikes get increased tyre clearance, and stiffer, lighter frames to deliver ‘unconditional race speed’, Published on Tuesday, June 30