Eurobike 2016: Wider Rims & Budget Wheels From Stans No Tubes

Best known for its ubiquitous tubeless sealant, New York based company, Stans No Tubes, has been one of the pioneering names when it comes to popularising tubeless technology for mountain bikes. Along with producing tubeless goodies such as its yellow tape, valve stems and conversion kits, Stans No Tubes has also become a huge player in the tubeless rim and wheelset market, thanks to the success of its lightweight Crest, versatile Arch and bomber Flow rims.

For 2017, Stans No Tubes will be expanding upon its lineup of tubeless mountain bike wheels with a brand new range of budget-friendly wheels dubbed the “S1” line. Modelled on the existing Crest, Arch and Flow models, the S1 versions will offer a slightly heavier and less exotic construction, whilst bringing the price to an even more accessible level. The S1 range essentially replaces the existing Rapid rims from Stans No Tubes, though the S1 range will only be available in complete wheelsets.

Stans No Tubes expands its alloy wheelset offering for 2017. In addition to the existing Crest, Arch and Flow models, you’ll find S1 versions of each of those, as well as three brand new models that are Stan’s widest rims to date.

The S1 Crest, Arch and Flow models share the same physical dimensions as the more expensive MK3 rims, but are built with a cheaper 6061 alloy, rather than the 6069 alloy featured on the MK3 rims.

The S1 rims are also eyeleted, which does add some weight. However, this makes them quicker and easier to build at the factory, which helps to bring the price down. Also of note is that each S1 complete wheel will be built with 32 Sapim Race spokes along with brass nipples. Brass nipples also add weight, but they’re more durable than alloy nipples.

With a thicker rim profile, the addition of eyelets and the move to brass nipples, the Crest S1 wheelset’s claimed weight grows to 1813 grams for the 29in diameter. Compare that with the Crest MK3 wheelset, which is claimed to weigh 1592 grams. However, Stans No Tubes are keen to point out that the S1 wheels have been developed for maximum longevity and durability, and not necessarily for cutting edge race weight.

Also new to the S1 range are three new wider rim profiles. Joining the S1 Crest, Arch and Flow wheels will be the Sentry, Baron and Major wheels. These wider wheels have been developed to address the needs of the emerging plus market, and most likely from bike companies looking for OEM wheel options.

The wider Sentry, Baron & Major wheel models will take tyres up to 3.2in wide, filling the existing gap between the Flow and the Hugo.

With a 32mm internal rim width, the new Stans No Tubes Sentry wheelset is the next widest option after the Flow.

All of the new S1 wheels will come taped for tubeless setup, and they all feature the same BST rim profile as the more expensive MK3 rims. However, the complete wheels won’t come shipped with tubeless valves, so you’ll need to buy those separately.

The Crest is the skinniest and lightest of the Stans No Tubes range.

Crest S1 Wheelset

Use: Aggressive Cross Country and Trail
Internal Rim Width: 23mm
Optimal Tire Size: 2.0 to 2.25-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 26-inch (1,649g ), 27.5-inch (1,731g), and 29-inch (1,813g)
MSRP: $455 US

The Arch is the most popular rim option in the Stans No Tubes range, and offers a good solid construction that is ideally suited to plain ol’ trail riding.

Arch S1 Wheelset

Use: Trail and Enduro
Internal Rim Width: 26mm
Optimal Tire Size: 2.25 to 2.5-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 27.5-inch (1,882g) and 29-inch (1,974g)
MSRP: $455 US

A regular sight on the World Cup circuit, the Flow rim is downhill capable. The S1 version adds more meat as well as brass nipples, and should be an even more popular option for hard hitters and full face wearers.

Flow S1 Wheelset

Use: Aggressive Trail, All Mountain, Enduro, and Downhill
Internal Rim Width: 29mm
Optimal Tires Size: 2.35 to 2.8-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 27.5-inch (2,034g), and 29-inch (2,134g)
MSRP: $455 US

Available in 26in, 27.5in and 29in diameters, the Sentry offers a generous rim width for those running wider rubber.

Sentry S1 Wheelset

Use: Plus Tire Performance and Adventure
Internal Rim Width: 32mm
Optimal Tire Size: 2.5 to 3.0-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 26-inch (1,972g), 27.5-inch (2,034g), and 29-inch (2,134g)
MSRP: $455 US

The 35mm internal rim width on the new Stans No Tubes Baron wheel is ideally suited to plus hardtails and full suspension bikes.

Baron S1 Wheelset

Use: Plus Tire Performance, Adventure, and Trail
Internal Rim Width: 35mm
Optimal Tire Size: 2.8 to 3.2-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 26-inch (1,998g), 27.5-inch (2,060g), and 29-inch (2,162g)
MSRP: $455 US

Aside from the Hugo fat bike rim, the Major is the widest rim to come from Stans No Tubes, with a 38mm internal rim width that’ll take up to a 3.2in tyre according to Stans.

Major S1 Wheelset

Use: Plus Tire Adventure and Trail
Internal Rim Width: 38mm
Optimal Tire Size: 3.0 to 3.5-inch
Hubs: Stan’s Neo 32-hole Front, 32-hole Rear
Spokes/Nipples: Sapim Race Black 2.0/1.8/2.0mm, Secure Lock Brass Silver Nipples
Wheel Sizes and Weights: 26-inch (2,030g), 27.5-inch (2,094g), and 29-inch (2,198g).
MSRP: $455 US

Also new from Stans No Tubes is their custom wheelbuild configurator. Recently introduced on their MK3 alloy wheels, the custom configurator allows you to specify your rims and hubs, as well as adding coloured decals to match your bike.

Stans No Tubes carbon wheel range continues on for 2017, including the Bravo carbon trail wheel that we reviewed in Issue #107 of Singletrack Magazine.