CADEX, the premium bicycle components brand under Giant Group, has introduced the Max XC WheelSystem, its first mountain bike wheelset, developed for cross-country (XC) racing. The wheelset features an integrated carbon fiber hub-and-spoke construction, Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) technology and a 120-tooth rear hub ratchet mechanism, focusing on power transfer, pedaling response and durability.

Photo: CADEX

The Max XC uses a hookless carbon fiber rim with a 22mm rim depth and a 30mm internal width, compatible with tires measuring 2.2 to 2.6 inches. Its Wide Guard rim protection technology features reinforced 5mm sidewalls designed to improve impact resistance and tire stability at lower pressures while reducing the risk of pinch flats.

The wheelset uses high-tensile carbon fiber spokes integrated directly into the carbon hub flanges. Both the front and rear wheels feature 20 spokes and DBL technology. According to CADEX, this construction helps improve transmission stiffness under pedaling loads while retaining independent spoke tension adjustment for maintenance.

Photo: CADEX

The rear wheel is equipped with the CADEX M1-C120 hub, featuring a 120-tooth Helical-Bevel Ratchet Drive system, a Ratchet Wave Spring and CADEX ceramic bearings. According to the manufacturer, the mechanism provides smooth, rapid engagement with lower spring force.

Manufacturer testing shows that the Max XC delivers 5.3% greater lateral stiffness than the Roval Control World Cup and withstands 75.8% more compressive load before failure. These figures are based on CADEX's own testing.

The wheelset weighs 1,208g per pair without tubeless valves and tape, for both Shimano Micro Spline and SRAM XD freehub versions. With valves and tubeless tape installed, the total weight is 1,248g. The wheelset features 110 × 15mm front and 148 × 12mm rear thru-axle specifications, along with Center Lock disc brake mounts.

CADEX offers a lifetime warranty and a five-year crash replacement warranty service for registered original owners, subject to completion of the warranty registration process.

Photo: CADEX