With the new Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm, Mavic is continuing the legend of a versatile and high-performance wheel model that has been at the top of the French brand's range for almost 20 years. This 2025 version maintains an average rim height of 45 mm, but adopts an internal width of 23 mm, for greater stability and better compatibility with modern tires with a wider section. What are the Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm worth on the route ? Our opinion after a test extended over more than 2000 km.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr
A design thought for performance
In the Mavic carbon disc brake wheel catalog we find the Cosmic S 42 at the bottom price (€999), then the Cosmic SL available in 32, 45 and 65 mm rim height (€1499), and finally the Cosmic SLR with the same variations at €2249. At the top of the range, we also find the very exclusive Cosmic Ultimate, at the stratospheric price of €4449, the price of a completely handmade manufacture in France.
=> Buy the Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm wheels for €1648,99 instead of €2249
The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm immediately stands out with its UD carbon rim widened to 23 mm. (internal width), a choice that reflects a desire to optimize aerodynamics while offering compatibility with wider tires (minimum 28 mm, up to 64 mm). The versions 32 and 65 mm are respectively equipped with 21 and 19 mm wide rims. This tends to demonstrate Mavic's desire to establish a specific use for each model.
With a 45 mm profile, the Cosmic SLR 45 Disc strikes a good balance between lightness and aerodynamic efficiency., suitable for both flat and hilly terrain. The elliptical steel spokes, the result of the know-how of Mavic's aerodynamic experts, reduce drag and allow, according to the manufacturer, to " gain watts"
UD carbon finish
The UD carbon finish is not just aesthetic: it helps reduce the weight of the rim while increasing its rigidity. With a weight of 1492 g per pair, the Cosmic SLR 45 Disc are not among the lightest in their category. But they do not sacrifice the solidity necessary to face the constraints of intensive outings or competitions.
Tubeless system optimized with Fore Carbon
The montagTubeless is simplified thanks to Fore Carbon technology, already proven on other Mavic models. This type of manufacturing eliminates the traditional rim tape. The spokes are directly inserted into the rim via a specific drilling, making the wheel airtight without adding unnecessary material. This for a reduction in weight and better sealing for tubeless.
New rim width
The new Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 benefit from wider rims than the other models in the range, with 23 mm internally, and 32 mm maximum externally. This has the effect of optimizing the placement of the tire on the rim, and thus avoiding the balloon effect of a larger section tire on a thinner rim. Even with an adapted pressure of 5 bar for a 28 tire, the sidewalls do not sag when changing support. This width also allows the sidewalls of the tire to be aligned with those of the rim. Which provides an advantagetagand aerodynamics, in addition to better grip on wet ground.
Overall, this width also optimizes the shape of the rim, so as to make it less sensitive to gusts with crosswind.
Infinity Hubs and QRM Auto Bearings
Infinity hubs offer increased stiffness and optimized power transfer through precise spoke tension adjustment. Coupled with QRM Auto bearings (Mavic Self-Adjusting Bearings Quality), they promise good fluidity and prolonged durability, even under high stresses such as those encountered in descents or during sprints. Mavic also announces reduced maintenance.
The spokes are crossed in pairs, but the architecture of the hubs allows that none of them is in contact with another spoke.. This is to increase reliability and avoid any unwanted noise.
The Instant Drive 360 freewheel system is lightweight and provides ultra-fast recovery with an engagement point every 9°.
Disk compatibility only
True to the current trend, This model is exclusively designed for disc brakes, with a Center Lock attachmentThis orientation reflects the evolution of the market, where discs dominate for their braking power and reliability, particularly in the rain or on technical courses.
Versatility above all
On paper, it's The Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm seem to be made to do everything : ride fast on the flat thanks to their aerodynamics, climb without too much penalty thanks to their low weight, and remain stable on descents or in crosswinds thanks to their intermediate 45 mm profile.
In practice, The 45 mm profile is an ideal compromise for versatile cyclists. Compared to taller wheels (60mm or more), it offers less side wind resistance, which is an advantage on exposed courses. According to Mavic, the elliptical spokes and the widened rim offer a notable aerodynamic gain compared to the previous generation. While we are unable to concretely verify these claims, I can confirm that these mid-profile wheels are stable and reassuring, even in difficult conditions.
The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm remain lively and responsive, thanks to a well-balanced rigidity. I never felt glue at the bottom of a steep hill, switching to the small chainring due to excessive stiffness. And at the same time, I never felt the wheels weave in the middle of the fork or the seatstays when going uphill.
Whether riding at a sustained but steady pace or on a more uneven track with numerous accelerations, The Cosmic SLR 45 are smooth and efficientThey offer enough inertia to establish themselves as good wheels for rollers, while being sufficiently airy to adapt to the changes in pace that make the difference in competition.
Comfort as a strong point
If I didn't have the opportunity to tester the wheels in mytaghuh, They never seemed to me to be a handicap on the short, more or less smooth climbs of the Chevreuse Valley.. Thanks to the 28mm tires (measured at almost 30mm in reality) and the associated inflation pressure, I even found them quite accessible when climbing cobbled hills.
Because ultimately, what I mainly took away from this test spread over more than 2000 km, it is the overall comfort of these wheels and the feeling of smooth rolling, without compromising performance.
Some will find a form of lack of character in this. There are competing wheels that more radically transform the behavior of a bike, and not always in a good way.. My experience shows that on the contrary, for everyday use, wheels must also be comfortable and have predictable behavior in order to allow you to save energy.
Let us note in conclusion that over the entire duration of the test I did not encounter any rolling problems or parasitic noise.
Verdict: Who are these wheels for?
The Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23mm are for those looking for a high-performance, versatile and durable wheelset.. Responsiveness and general comfort are also among their main assets. Even if their price is relatively high (you can find them cheaper HERE), these high-end wheels can accompany you all year round, on all terrains, without requiring the maintenance or usage restrictions of more exclusive models.
In 2025, when the high-end carbon wheel market is more competitive than ever, The Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm demonstrate that the French brand still has some good cards to play.
=> Buy the Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc 23 mm wheels for €1648,99 instead of €2249
On MAVIC COSMIC SLR 45 DISC 23 in short… The pros: versatility, aerodynamics, comfort, finish Rims: 100% carbon tubeless clincher with UD outer layer – Rim size: 45mm high, 23mm internal width, 32mm external – Drilling: Fore Carbon tubeless rimless technology (front/rear 24 holes) – Rays: 24 steel ellipticals at the front and rear, crossed by 2 – Hubs: aluminum material – Freewheel system: Instant Drive 360 – Bearings: QRM automatic adjustment – waterproof cartridge – Cassette compatibility: HG, XDR and Campagnolo optional – Fixing the discs: Center lock - Weight : 1492 g the pair – Warranty: for life - Price: € 2249 - Contact : mavic.com |
