Mavic links with UK firm for high-end surface treatment for wheels

French manufacturer Mavic has employed the help of Cambridge firm Keronite in a move to provide a more advanced surface treatment on four of the firm’s 2011 road wheels.

The treatment, branded ‘Exalith’, which is supplied to Mavic exclusively, boosts wear resistance and braking performance. Utilising a electrochemical surface conversion treatment, the process penetrates the rim to about ten microns and creates such a hard, long-lasting finish that even under long-term braking the surface will never show tradtional signs of wear.

Sean Sullivan, Mavic’s UK marketing manager told BikeBiz: "The Exalith treatment process creates a highly wear-resistant, corrosion-proof finish."

Further to the longevity boost, the process can shave 10 grams off the same wheels treated using conventional means. The treatment can be applied to aluminium, magnesium and titanium.

The Garmin Transitions team had been testing the wheels through 2010 and feedback has been strong. Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Garmin-Transitions said: "Mavic is commited to providng our riders with the best technology possible. This partnership has revolved heavily around feedback from our riders, mechanics and staff allowing us to develop the best wheel systems."

David Lewis, Keronite’s director of sales added: This is an exciting project for Keronite and the culmination of a number of years intense work, development and testing. We’ve now developed a high-performance black surface that not only looks good, but outperforms regular rims."