The Mavic R-SYS SLR wheelset may be one of the sexiest set of wheels available. Instead of going into the details and specs, I just want to point out that I like aluminum rims. Carbon rims make me nervous. I know I should trust them, but while descending, I don’t want to have the slightest doubt that there will be any problems with braking. Carbon rims certainly look good because of their black sidewalls, and I have always yearned for that black sidewall on an aluminum rim. It would be the best of both worlds, the look of carbon with the reliability of aluminum. Mavic has fulfilled that want with Exalith, a hard coating that penetrates the alloy to give it extra durability. In addition to the durability, the Exalith coating is a wonderful matte black color, making the entire package black. The braking surfaces have a scalloped pattern that require a special pad, but in return give you superior braking. I will admit to also liking the strange noise they make under braking. Apparently the noise goes away after a time, but I kind of enjoy it. The wheels weigh in at 1370 grams, which most definitely puts them in the running for lightest aluminum clincher wheel set. I will write more once I’ve collected some miles on them, but in the meantime, Mavic’s site has lots of pertinent information worth looking at.