Stan’s NoTubes has announced new lighter, wider versions of its popular Crest, Arch and Flow rims and wheelsets. The new Mark 3 series rims feature a more durable 6069 aluminium alloy and a wider, lower profile design that maximizes tyre volume without distorting shape.
The Crest MK3, Arch MK3 and Flow MK3 wheelsets include Stan’s faster-engaging and more durable CNC machined Neo hubs. The MK3 series relies on Stan’s patented Bead Socket Technology (BST), the tubeless rim shape, billed as the ‘trusted by riders and racers around the world’.
Despite being wider than previous models, the Crest MK3 and Flow MK3 rims are now even lighter. Meanwhile, the Arch MK3, which sees the greatest increase in width, was kept at nearly the same weight as the previous Arch EX rim.
One of the earliest advocates for the stability of wider rims, Stan’s NoTubes believes the pendulum has officially swung too far. “The shape of the tyre on the rim is so important,” said company President and Chief Engineer, Mike Bush.
“And a lot of rims out there are too wide to work with the tyres we’re all using. Stretching a tyre beyond its intended shape causes problems when leaning into corners and forces you to run higher air pressures to keep impacts from damaging the rim or pinch flatting the tire.”
Stan’s WideRight concept was developed to find the optimal rim width for the most common tyre sizes. “It took a lot of testing,” added Bush, “but our new rims offer the best balance between stability and tire shape.”
Crest MK3
Even lower profile, the new Crest MK3 adds 2mm of internal width while dropping weight for faster acceleration and climbing, ‘making it an excellent choice for lightweight, tubeless cross country performance.’ The new Crest MK3’s constantly tapering rim shape is engineered to be stronger while increasing tyre volume for less rolling resistance and more stability.
Crest MK3 rims will be offered in 24-inch, 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch sizes and in both 28-hole and 32-hole drilling. MSRP of the rim is US$100. Wheelsets will be offered in a wide variety of axle configurations, including Boost and Cannondale Lefty, with an MSRP of US$679. A SRAM Predictive Steering option will also be available for US$825 MSRP.
Arch MK3
The new Arch MK3 has seen the most drastic evolution. ‘Mean, but still lean, the Arch MK3 is 24% wider, with virtually no weight increase from its predecessor.’ Based on input from Enduro World Series teams, Stan’s NoTubes pushed the Arch MK3’s internal rim width out to 26mm for maximum tyre stability and volume, while keeping the rim itself light (only 425g for the 27.5” rim).
With a lower rim profile and stronger 6069 alloy, the Arch MK3 also sees a 25% increase in lateral stiffness for improved tracking and cornering precision.
MSRP for the Arch MK3 rim is US$100, and rims will be offered in 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch sizes. Both 28-hole and 32-hole drilling options are available. Wheelsets will be offered in a wide variety of axle configurations, including Boost and Cannondale Lefty, with an MSRP of US$679. A SRAM Predictive Steering option will also be available for US$825 MSRP.
Flow MK3
With success on the Downhill World Cup circuit, the company adds that its Flow was one of the most capable trail and all-mountain rims ever made. ‘The new Flow MK3 goes bigger and better in every way.’
Nearly 4mm wider, the Flow MK3’s 29mm internal rim width offers a balance of yire sidewall stability and volume for tyres up to 2.8” wide. A more durable 6069-series alloy and lower profile rim also make this the toughest Flow ever made.
But stronger doesn’t mean heavier. Optimized rim shape and a stronger alloy also let the Flow MK3 weigh in 30g less than even the narrower Flow EX.
Born and bred for control at speed and on technical trails, the new Flow MK3 also features patented Bead Socket Technology, for easy tubeless setup and maximum reliability.
Flow MK3 rims will be offered in 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch sizes with 32-hole drilling and an MSRP of US$100. Wheelsets will be offered in a wide variety of axle configurations and an MSRP of US$679.
Stan’s NoTubes, founded and owned by Stan and Cindy Koziatek, forged a path for making mountain bikes tyres tubeless. Stan Koziatek devised the original NoTubes sealing system in 2001, the same system that today has become a preferred tubeless conversion system around the world.
Stan’s NoTubes currently designs, produces and sells innovative mountain bike, road and cyclocross wheels, rims and hubs as well as a range of products for tubeless conversion.
