Mavic Exalith 1 or 2 brake shoes

Exalith brake pads: high-performance braking for Mavic road wheels

Experienced cyclists know that reliable braking is just as important as a smooth crankset or a precise drivetrain. With its road wheels featuring the Exalith surface treatment, Mavic developed a unique technology that requires specific Exalith brake pads. Let’s take a closer look at their features and why they are essential to get the most out of your carbon-aluminum rims.

What are Exalith brake pads ?

Exalith brake pads are specially designed by Mavic to work with rims equipped with the Exalith 2 treatment. Unlike standard pads, they are formulated to resist rapid wear and provide powerful, progressive braking, even in wet conditions.

They are not just a simple spare part, but a technical component designed to extend the lifespan of your road wheels while ensuring maximum safety.

Key features of Exalith pads

• Compatibility: exclusively for Mavic Exalith rims (aluminum/carbon with specific surface treatment).

• Optimized compound: made with advanced rubber compounds to reduce heat build-up and rim wear.

• Braking power: significantly improved stopping distance on dry and wet roads, with more bite than traditional pads.

• Durability: engineered to withstand demanding conditions without wearing out quickly.

• Fit: compatible with standard road caliper brakes (Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM depending on the version).

Technical specifics

The Exalith treatment gives rims their dark finish and a micro-textured braking surface. This technology increases pad-to-rim grip and requires a dedicated rubber compound to avoid excessive noise or premature wear.

Mavic Exalith pads are therefore developed alongside the wheels themselves, ensuring perfect synergy between the rim, tire, and brake caliper.

Why choose Exalith pads over standard brake pads ?

1. Enhanced safety: shorter braking distances, especially on descents and in wet conditions.

2. Noise reduction: minimizes the squealing often associated with treated rims.

3. Rim protection: reduces wear on the Exalith surface, extending the lifespan of your road bike wheels.

4. Consistent performance: reliable braking power even after many rides on hilly terrain.

Conclusion

If you ride with Mavic Exalith wheels, using Exalith brake pads is not optional—it’s essential. Their unique formulation ensures precise, powerful, and consistent braking while preserving your rims. A must-have investment to get the most out of Exalith technology and ride with confidence, whether in training or competition.