Mavic delights rim brake lovers and magpies with beautifully shiny Ksyrium Heritage wheels

Mavic has officially launched the Ksyrium Heritage SL RB, a modern tubeless rim brake aluminium wheelset inspired by the brand’s racing past – and a model that was never meant to see a wider release.

Originally developed as a market-specific model for Japan, the Ksyrium Heritage SL RB impressed Mavic’s team so much during prototyping that the brand opted for a full global launch.

"Basically, it was just a product for Japan," explains Cyrille Kurtz, Mavic’s sports marketing and PR manager. "But when we saw the first prototype, it looked so good – and back in the day, for Mavic, aluminium was everything.”

The rim brake wheelset is based on Mavic's existing Open Pro rims. It features modern performance tech, including ISM rim machining for weight savings and Mavic’s proven ID360 ratchet system, adding up to a 1,480g (claimed) weight and a price of €699.

"We know it’s a niche market," Kurtz admits, "but sometimes a product like this is more of a marketing choice. We wanted to do something that connects with the DNA of Mavic – from the racing scene, from a time when everything was aluminium, and Mavic was the expert in aluminium everything."

In keeping with the heritage theme, the wheels are decorated with a retro Mavic logo on the hubs and rims. However, Kurtz is keen to stress this isn’t a limited-edition release.

"It’s not a limited edition," he says. "It’s a cool, small capsule project – kind of made to order, but we want to make it visible. Maybe it’ll show up at some races this season."

A disc-brake version, the Ksyrium SL Heritage Disc, is also available. It uses the same construction and technology but weighs slightly more at 1,575g and is priced at €729.

Kurtz also hinted at more capsule-style projects to come: "Between this one and the Ksyrium UST SL, we’re trying to create something fun. We’re also talking about new projects – small capsules that are cool to see, maybe around a few races. So keep your eyes open."