Enter the thru-axle. It’s a system that is already used extensively on mountain bikes, where the risk and the result of a wheel coming off is potentially even more dangerous than on a road bike. The tyres themselves are also decent performers. Early versions of the Yksion weren't very well received, at least by me... they felt quite dead, offered unexceptional grip, and weren't the best when it came to puncture protection.

If the items we have sent you are faulty, damaged or not as we described, we will cover the cost of collection and the delivery of the correct item. If you want durability and a quality ride feel, the Mavic Cosmic Elite USTs are a good choice. They stand up to plenty of abuse and can be used for a range of disciplines. If weight is a major consideration though, there are much lighter hoops out there that still deliver on the reliability front. VerdictFreewheel: Freewheel: Shimano / Sram, convertible to Campagnolo and XD-R with optional freehub bodies So far, so good. But as with mountain bikes there are a few variants. Boost wheels and axles are now found on many mountain bikes and this standard is also found in a smattering of gravel bikes and ebikes. Ksyrium has always represented the best of aluminum wheel technology. Following in the footsteps of the venerable Ksyrium Elite and Ksyrium Pro, the all-new Ksyrium SL Disc lives up to that standard. If you're looking for one aluminum wheelset for weekend races and training mileage, wherever the road takes you, this is your best choice. I found riding the Mavic Allroad SLs a pleasurable experience. The ride quality is very good, and they stand up to a lot of abuse without issue. The build quality is impressive – the Mavics are a great all-rounder at a strong price. Verdict This Aksium Disc model includes special features aimed at the unique demands of disc brake road bikes. It uses straight-pull spokes for added stiffness and strength, and we also increased the spoke count to 24 on both front and rear wheels.

That’s mainly down to the threads used to screw the axle into the frame, where there are different pitches used by different brands. In a thru-axle system, the dropouts have closed-off circular openings, rather than an open end. That means there’s no risk of the wheel falling out as you ride. The thru-axle passes through the dropout on one side of the wheel and screws into threads in the dropout on the other side. Reduce your tire pressure to gain comfort and control on rough roads with UST Road Tubeless technology Our QRM Auto self-adjusting bearing freehub body requires no adjustment and guarantees high durability

Boost thru-axles are found on other Focus bikes too, such as the Focus Atlas gravel bike. Thru-axle complications Sram Apex 11 speed:Reliable, with a wide range of gears for all-terrain – even the biggest of hills.

Today's Yksion's are better by a large margin. Grip is good in both the wet and dry, and while they still aren't the most supple tyres out there, they roll well. I didn't have any aggro from the puncture fairy during testing, either. Who says no inner tube means less friction, more efficiency and grip, and better protection against pinch puncturesOther Specialized-branded products are covered by a two-year warranty• Paint and graphics on frames and frame set Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. As well as being more secure, you can exert more clamping force on a thru-axle for a more rigid interface between the wheel and the frame. Hydraulic Disc Brakes:Accurate and powerful braking capacity to keep you in control in all weather conditions.

Thru-axles often have a lever built into them, which gives you tool-free removal if you need to fix a flat or swap a wheel. In some cases, the lever may be removable so you only need one for the pair of wheels – DT Swiss uses this system. In other cases, you need to use an Allen key or multi-tool to remove the wheel because there’s no lever on the axle. It leads to a cleaner look and less wind resistance, but does mean you need to carry a tool with you on a ride. Road Boost

Lifetime warranty* to the original owner against structural defects in material or workmanship on ALL models of Specialized-branded frames and forks• Includes seatstays and chainstays on full-suspension bikes With a 17mm internal width, these rims are compatible with tires up to 32mm, making them versatile, comfortable and ideal for challenging road conditions. The disc-specific hubs feature super strong QRM bearings that provide low friction and long-term durability. . For a longer longevity of the wheel, Mavic recommends that the total weight supported by the wheels don't exceed 120kg, bike included