Bike tech is a fast-moving world the place the traces between efficiency, exclusivity, and pure extravagance blur extra every season. We’ve already normalized $18,000 race bikes, $4,600 groupsets, and energy meters that value as a lot as a complete entry-level construct. So when Cadex unveiled the Max 40—a $4,500 wheelset—was anybody actually that shocked?
That’s nonetheless a staggering worth for 2 hoops. However right here’s the factor: the Max 40s aren’t simply one other high-end possibility. They’re featherlight, brutally stiff, and designed to show heads as a lot as they end up watts. If you happen to’re buying by grams per greenback, look elsewhere. If you need cutting-edge design with race-proven velocity, exclusivity baked in, and a wheelset that feels unapologetically premium, the Max 40s ship. After months of hammering them in each situation I might discover, I’m caught in a bizarre spot: I like these wheels, however my pockets undoubtedly doesn’t.
The Tech – Breaking Down the CADEX Max 40
Cadex is Big’s premium element model, their equal to Specialised’s Roval. Since its relaunch in 2019, Cadex has targeted on producing stiff, aerodynamic, and impressively light-weight gear, usually examined below the Staff Jayco-Alula banner on the WorldTour. The Max 40 is their boldest play but.
Cadex calls the Max 40 their “final do-it-all wheelset,” putting a stability between aerodynamics, weight, and management. At 1,249 g claimed (1,318 g precise with tape/valves), they’re darn gentle for a mid-depth aero wheel. Add a 48-tooth ratchet hub with ceramic bearings, carbon spokes bonded immediately into the hub, and a 40 mm depth with 22.72 mm inner width, and also you’ve acquired the recipe for velocity.
Sure, these bonded spokes imply if one breaks, you’re taking a look at a manufacturing unit restore, however they appear unimaginable and contribute to the stiffness. That is Cadex’s moonshot wheelset, and it exhibits.
Cadex Max 40 Specs at a Look
Weight: 1,249 g claimed / 1,318 g precise (w/tape & valves)
Value: $4,500 ($2,000 entrance / $2,500 rear)
Hubs: 48t ratchet, ceramic bearings
Spokes: Cadex Tremendous Aero Carbon (16F / 24R)
Rim Depth: 40 mm
Inner Width: 22.72 mm
Exterior Rim Width: 28.26mm
Bead Width: 3.17mm
Max Stress: 72.5 PSI
Max Rider Weight: 285 lbs
Guarantee: Lifetime + 5-year incident substitute
Journey Impressions – The place They Shine
Let’s reduce to the chase, as I’ve had these wheels for some time, and have ridden them in practically each state of affairs. From the primary time you pedal the bike on a climb, the Max 40s really feel stiff as hell. Each watt goes straight into the bottom, with no hesitation and no sponginess. Like a superb set of deep rims looks like an additional gear in a crit, the Cadex Max 40 looks like that on a climb. Such as you instantly have extra within the tank. These wheels are designed for sprinting up hill, regular climbing, and mashing. They reply immediately. If you happen to like a wheelset with some flex or compliance, this isn’t it. These wheels are unapologetically constructed for all-out responsiveness.
How does that work? I’m guessing the distinctive and really eye-catching bonded hub and spoke design helps. I’ve ridden practically each wheel that Cadex makes, and the Cadex Max 40 is by far the stiffest and lightest – however thats what they’re for. The construct is gorgeous, and considerably fleeting, as you’ll be able to’t actually service the wheels for those who break a spoke (however you’ll be able to true them barely). However for those who do handle to interrupt them, I’m guessing it was an enormous crash, so that you may need extra to fret about.
Quick & Nimble
That 40 mm depth is the candy spot. Aero sufficient to chop by means of, shallow sufficient to keep away from crosswind sketchiness. To match them to one thing within the Cadex line, they aren’t as planted in gusts as the Cadex Max 50 (reviewed right here), however they’re predictable and straightforward to belief, even on high-speed descents. Cornering is sharp and managed; you’ll be able to dive into switchbacks with out worrying about washout.
For a wheel this stiff, surprisingly, they’re not punishing. The 22.72 mm inner width works effectively with 28mm hookless-compatible rubber (I examined Cadex Race GC tires), which takes some edge off. They’re not as plush as Enve’s SES 3.4s, however they’re comfy sufficient for giant days. Over damaged pavement, you’ll really feel extra buzz than with a standard spoked wheel, however that’s the tradeoff for stiffness and velocity.
Descending
On the best way down, the Max 40s maintain velocity frighteningly effectively. The ceramic bearings hold issues rolling easily, and the wheels observe the place you level them. In massive crosswinds, they’ll twitch, however they’re manageable. They’ve the stiffness that feels such as you really achieve velocity within the corners. There is no such thing as a flex once you push, the rim holds, and also you’re pumping out of a flip.
What Did You Say?
A minor concern value mentioning is the freehub; it’s fairly loud. I discovered this to be the identical on the Cadex Max 50s, but it surely could be even louder (in some way) on the Max 40s. No, it’s not the worst factor, but it surely reverberated by means of the rim sufficient to trigger some passing glances. The internals of the hubs are top-notch and have a mountain bike hub-like response. The 48t ratchet sings with a buzz that’s sharp and inconceivable to disregard. Personally, I liked it; it’s like a built-in warning system on crowded metropolis paths.
The Tradeoffs
No wheelset this daring is with out quirks:
Weight Discrepancy – My pair was 69g heavier than the claimed weight. Cadex permits a ±5% tolerance, however at this worth, I anticipated tighter tolerances.
Hookless Rim – Restricted tire compatibility. It’s essential to stick with the accepted listing, which eliminates many choices.
Non-Replaceable Spokes – Bonded carbon appears wild, however a single damaged spoke = manufacturing unit restore. Not best for heavy vacationers or big-milers.
Middle Lock Adapter – A hexagonal middle lock adapter piece is required to put in the rotor. It’s not a difficulty, only a carbon buffer, however for those who lose it, it could possibly be.
Crosswinds – Manageable, however not as assured as others in the marketplace.
Value – $4,500. You should buy nice, hand-built carbon merchandise for lower than half the worth. You’re paying for exclusivity as a lot as efficiency, and that Cadex carbon guarantee (it’s excellent)
Verdict – Who Are The Cadex Max 40s For?
The Cadex Max 40s will not be the wheels for everybody. They’re not value-driven, they’re not particularly forgiving, they usually demand a sure kind of rider—somebody who desires absolutely the leading edge, who likes the thought of driving what the professionals race, and who doesn’t flinch at a premium price ticket.
However for that rider? These wheels are a dream. Insanely stiff, impressively gentle, and loaded with design touches you received’t discover elsewhere. They make the bike really feel extra alive below you, like each enter is amplified. Are they sensible? No. Are they performance-per-dollar champions? Not even shut. However are they quick, unique, and flat-out enjoyable? YES – I’ve by no means climbed higher.
At $4,500, the Max 40s are an extravagance, however for those who’re the sort to chase that final ounce of velocity and don’t thoughts your pockets crying, they ship on their promise.
Try the total line at Cadex-cycling.com
