Comete 45/55 or Comete 55/65: which pair should you choose?
The Mavic SpeedSimulator comparison tool helps you choose between the Comete 45/55 carbon wheels and Comete 55/65, based on your rider profile and the route you’re planning. Both pairs of Comete wheels share the same design and differ in their rim height: the Comete 45/55 is designed for steeper gradients, whilst the Comete 55/65 is suited to flat to undulating roads.
- Your route: Lake Geneva, the Ardéchoise or Alpe d’Huez, with the weather forecast at the start.
- Your profile: weight, power output and riding position.
- Your choice: the Comete 45/55 and the Comete 55/65 compared on the same route.
Hilly or mountainous routes: what rim height?
The rim height should be chosen primarily based on the route profile: Comete 45/55 for mountains and steep gradients, Comete 55/65 for undulating roads.
On a steep mountain pass, speed drops and the weight of the wheels matters more than their aerodynamics. The Comete 45/55, being lighter and more agile, keeps up with every acceleration. On a hilly route, the Comete 55/65 maintains momentum from one hill to the next thanks to its taller rims.
The route profile, its elevation gain and the pace you maintain will determine which of the two Comete pairs you choose.
| Route type | Total ascent per ride | Gradients | Speed | Recommended pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountainous, passes | over 1500m | steep gradients | low gradient on the climb | Comete 45/55 |
| Hilly | less than 1,500 m | bumps, sprints | steady | Comete 55/65 |
| Rolling, flat | gentle | slight incline | high, sustained | Comete 55/65 |
A mixed route, combining a mountain pass with long, rolling sections, cannot be analysed using a general rule. The SpeedSimulator comparison tool therefore compares the two wheel sets on the route, using the weather forecast for the day of your ride.
45mm or 65mm rims: weight, inertia and aerodynamics
The Comete 45/55 and Comete 55/65 wheels differ only in the height of their rims and their weight: the spokes, hubs, bearings and internal width are identical on both sets.
The product specifications for the two Comete pairs, what sets them apart and the intended use for each.
| Model | Front rim height (mm) | Rear rim height (mm) | Weight per pair (g) | Internal width (mm) | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comete 45/55 | 45 | 55 | 1350 | 25 | mountains, steep slopes |
| Comete 55/65 | 55 | 65 | 1390 | 25 | hilly roads |
A high-profile rim cuts through the air more effectively and gives the wheel greater inertia. On the Comete 55/65, the momentum gained on a descent or when accelerating is maintained for longer on the next incline.
A lower rim makes the wheel lighter and more agile. The Comete 45/55 accelerates more easily on steep gradients and handles technical descents with precision.
Comete 45/55 and 55/65 in action: endorsed by the pros
Two Mavic ambassadors with contrasting profiles competed in the Red Bull Cycling Survivor 2026 on 26 September on the Charade circuit: Heïdi Gaugain on Comete 45/55 wheels, and Robin Early on Comete 55/65 wheels. The race consists of three elimination laps on the roads of the Auvergne volcanoes, the longest of which is 50.3 km with 735 m of elevation gain, followed by a final 3.9 km chase on the circuit.
Heïdi Gaugain on the Comete 45/55: victory at Charade
Heïdi Gaugain won the 2026 Red Bull Cycling Survivor on her Comete 45/55 wheels, her second consecutive victory in the event. On the Auvergne circuits, the Comete 45/55’s lower front profile reduces sensitivity to crosswinds on technical descents, whilst the 55mm rear rim maintains pace on the fast sections. C5 time trial world champion in para-cycling and three-time Paralympic silver medallist, Heïdi Gaugain competes in para-cycling alongside able-bodied riders.
Robin Early on the Comete 55/65
Robin Early chose the Comete 55/65 wheels for his first appearance in the Red Bull Cycling Survivor, which he finished in 22nd place. The Comete 55/65’s high rims prioritise maintaining speed and stability on straights – two key requirements for the final circuit chase. A Scottish specialist in ultra-distance road and gravel racing, Robin Early discovered through this event a format where each lap is ridden at maximum intensity.
Comete wheel comparison: route, weather, kit
The wheel comparator Mavic SpeedSimulator simulates your ride with the Comete 45/55, then with the Comete 55/65, on a real route, using the forecast weather and your own cyclist profile.
The SpeedSimulator’s comparison graph shows, kilometre by kilometre, where each Comete pair performs best: on climbs, on the flat or on descents. You can receive your simulation to review it before making your choice.
