The Unreleased Mavic Comete 50 Reveals a Surprise New Carbon Spoke Design

Mavic has unveiled an unreleased Comete 50 wheelset at Sea Otter, showcasing a significant departure in its spoke technology. The new design features a flat, wide carbon spoke that is bonded to the rim and hub, replacing the traditional steel spokes and lacing patterns previously associated with the French brand. This prototype, discovered by CyclingTips, signals a potential shift in Mavic's high-end wheel philosophy, moving towards integrated carbon construction.

This development is particularly noteworthy given Mavic's recent history, which includes financial restructuring and a perception of falling behind competitors in carbon wheel innovation. For decades, Mavic's Ksyrium and Cosmic lines, often featuring aluminum and steel spokes, were benchmarks. This new carbon spoke design, however, positions them squarely against modern aero wheelsets from brands like Zipp and Cadex, suggesting a renewed ambition to reclaim a top-tier performance niche.

Ultimately, Mavic's move to integrated carbon spokes on the Comete 50 is less about innovation and more about catching up. It’s a necessary step to remain relevant in the high-performance wheel market, rather than a groundbreaking leap.