Mavic Aksium Disc Centrelock vs Rim Brake: Which Training Wheelset Fits Your Bike?

Mavic’s Aksium range is a budget, durable training wheelset rather than a race-day upgrade — the question isn’t really which one is “better”, it’s which one matches your bike’s brake standard. Here’s what each offers.

Spec Comparison

  • UK price: Disc Centrelock — £255 (reduced from £305 RRP). Rim Brake — check current Tredz pricing (verified in stock).
  • Weight: Rim Brake — approximately 1,840g as a pair (845g front / 995g rear). Disc — not stated by Mavic, but generally close given the shared alloy construction.
  • Braking: Disc Centrelock — Centre Lock disc mounting, 12x100mm thru-axle front (quick-release convertible), rear compatible with 12x142mm or 12x135mm spacing. Rim Brake — 21mm-depth alloy rim, straight-pull 20-spoke build, quick-release hubs throughout.
  • Bearings: Both use Mavic’s QRM sealed, user-serviceable cartridge bearings.
  • Tyre clearance: Both rated to 32mm.
  • Weight limit: Rim Brake — 120kg combined rider and bike.

Disc Centrelock: Best For

If your bike has thru-axles and disc brake mounts — the standard on almost every new road and triathlon bike sold in the last few years — this is your only Aksium option, and a genuinely good one: a durable, serviceable winter or turbo-trainer wheelset that will outlast a season of grit and wet roads without touching your race wheels‘ mileage.

Check Mavic Aksium Disc Centrelock price on Tredz

Rim Brake: Best For

Still a sensible, affordable pick if your bike predates the disc-brake shift — most bikes bought before roughly 2018-2019, and plenty of TT/tri-specific frames since. Straight-pull spokes and sealed bearings mean it holds up well as a dedicated training or travel wheelset even on an older frame.

Check Mavic Aksium Rim Brake price on Tredz

Verdict

Check your frame and fork before you check your wallet — disc and rim brake wheels aren’t interchangeable. Beyond that, both Aksium wheelsets do the same job well: a tough, low-maintenance set to save your race wheels’ bearings and rim walls for race day.

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