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As most people know, Stan’s NoTubes made its name by being the first brand to market tyre sealant technology – it is the OG of tyre sealant if you will. 

In 2001, Stan’s developed a method to replace inner tubes with a liquid sealant to repair punctures instantly and, with this technical innovation, the tubeless revolution was born. The removal of the inner tubes ensured riders – both that’s off road or on road – gained increased traction, control, comfort and, of course, fewer punctures.  

But that experience of sealing conventional wheel rims for tubeless tyres led to the next step of Stan’s developing its own line of rims and wheels, explicitly designed for tubeless use. For more than two decades, Stan’s says, its products “have set entirely new performance standards while creating new product categories, redefining what others thought was possible”.

In this article, we’ll look at those wheels and with the help of Stan’s UK brand manager, James Trigg, we’ll explain how Stan’s can help you find the perfect new hoops. 

Reliably innovative

When it comes to Stan’s wheels, there are essentially two families: the S2 family, which is technically the entry-level range; and the MK4 range, which is more sophisticated. 

One of Stan’s unique and most vital selling points throughout the ranges is inter-compatibility.  

“Stan's wheels will work with any tyre of an appropriate size and can be run tubeless with any tubeless-ready tyre with the right size range. However, Stan’s works closely with tyre brands to ensure the best possible compatibility, meaning tubeless set-ups are as effortless as possible,” James said.

“Innovation is incredible too. The profiles of Stan’s Bead Seat Technology (BST) rims is quite different from anything else out there; these rims use very small hooks. So, as a wheel manufacturer, it is always innovating.” 

Stans Flow MK4 lifestyle2.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

When Stan’s talks about wheels, it talks around its own different proprietary technologies. One such innovation is WideRight, which is a system that ensures a tyre has the ultimate profile and contact patch for a specific wheel rim width. 

“WideRight then works hand-in-hand with Stan’s wheel rim naming conventions: Flow is the downhill-cum-enduro option; Arch is for all-mountain and trail; and Crest is perfect for XC into trail as well. Crest is also the naming convention for the new 700C gravel wheel that Stan’s has just launched,” James said. 

“So Stan’s is always looking at optimising the wheel-tyre-terrain relationship. And, for riders, the first step in that goal is choosing the right wheel…”

The S2 range

The S2 range might nominally be Stan’s entry-level option but it is still fantastically sophisticated and would be a superb upgrade for anybody looking to improve upon the wheels that came with their bike, especially if that bike fits certain criteria. 

“The S2 range features a really high-quality alloy rim and it is well-constructed wheel, but it’s essentially Stan’s core offering that is focused toward e-bikes and their high-torque applications,” James said.

Stan's E-sync hub.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

At the heart of the S2 is the E-Sync hub.

“Strength and durability were the main priority when Stan’s designed the E-sync hub, and it’s been built for more aggressive riders, wet environments, and the added torque and weight stresses of e-Bikes,” James said.

The chromoly axle and Enduro sealed bearings of the E-sync can handle high loads and harsh conditions, and the double row Enduro bearing at the heart of the E-sync's freehub lasts longer than simply pairing two standard cartridge bearings side-by-side. The 6066 alloy shell and heat-treated steel ratchet ring add further durability, allowing the E-sync to boast a 47% higher max torque capacity than previous Neo hubs.

Add in clever details like a pawl design that channels stresses away from the bearings and into the strongest, most reinforced areas, and flange spacing that balances spoke tension between each side of the rim better, and it results in a hub that is as fast as it is strong.

S2 Wheelsets

• Flow S2
• S2 Alloy (RRP £200)

Stan's Flow S2.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

The MK4 range

“Compared to the S2, the MK4 range features an even more sophisticated wheel allied to an asymmetric rim. There are some similar technology aspects from S2 to the Mk4 , but the Mk4 range is lighter weight with a nicer rim and M-pulse hub,” James said.

That M-pulse hub is a real innovation, though. 

“The M-pulse hub is a new freehub body design that features six pawls that are all equipped with Neodymium magnets that pull them into the ratchet ring, so there is no need for a spring behind the six pawls to send them back up every time. That makes the M-pulse lower maintenance, lower friction, and typically has a better service life as you can use thinner oils.”

Stan's M-Pulse hub.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

In fact, as well as outright better performance and reduced momentum-robbing drag, that statement about improved service life has proven to be true.

“The M-pulse hubs are proving incredibly reliable. Around the world, Stan’s has had the lowest return rate of any of its wheels under warranty since launching the MK4, more than a year ago. That is incredible when you think this is an innovative design and an all-new use of technology,” James said. 

On top of the standard MK4 wheelsets, there is also the CB7 option, which introduces carbon rims to the M-pulse hubs. 

MK4 and CB7 wheelsets

• Flow MK4
• MK4 Premium Alloy
• Flow CB7
• CB7 Carbon

Stan's Flow CB7 detail 3.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

Crest

Finally, let’s look at Stan’s Crest classification of wheels, which includes the all-new 700C Crest MK4 gravel wheel that has just been launched.

“The product line-up on Crest is really concise – just a 700C rim with 12mm axle and 25mm wide rim designed to handle both the higher pressures of 40mm gravel tires, as well as the lower pressures of 2.3in mountain bike tyres,” James said. 

“Allied with the MK4 hub, it really is the quintessential gravel wheel. At the rear there is an option for a Shimano or a SRAM freehub body. We’re very pleased to see Stan’s release that into the range and we should have stock of that coming into the UK this summer.”

Stans Crest MK4.jpg, by Stan's NoTubes

For more information and to see all of Stan’s wheel options, visit https://www.notubes.com/shop/wheels-rims/wheels