Stan’s NoTubes Redesigns & Lightens Arch Rims, Adds Road Hubs

Written by Tyler Benedict Sep 15, 2011 6:30 p.m. ET

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Stan’s NoTubes is redesigning their top of the line Arch rims to create the Arch EX. The main difference is the smaller bead hook, changing the effective inside width from 19mm to 21mm. Stan’s says this spreads the tire wider and helps flatten out the contact patch for improved traction. Weight weenies rejoice, it also saves about 20g, putting the rim weight at 400g (26″) and 450g (29er). MSRP is $88, same as before, and the ERD (inside diameter) is the same, too, so they can swap into an existing wheel if you’re really itchin’ to upgrade.

On the road wheels, they’re now using their own hubs, replacing the American Classic hubs on the originals. The weights go up by a few grams, but pricing on the Team model drops a decent bit. Comp and Pro stay aboutthe same price, and all other features (spoke count, Alpha 340 rim) remain the same.

Not shown, all of their mountain bike hubs are now compatible with any axle standard thru new conversion kits. Kits are $15 to $20 each

Tyler Benedict

11,198 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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craigsj

12 years ago

Looks like they’ve done away with the brake track, and since when is the “Arch top of the line”?

At least the black now goes all the way through. 😉

fleche1454

12 years ago

So does this mean that, shape wise, the arch and the flow are about the same now but one is lighter?
Also wouldnt you want the more bead hook up at those super low psi’s?

Doug

12 years ago

Exactly, won’t a smaller bead socket just mean the tires roll off or burp easier??

dgaddis

12 years ago

I think the smaller bead hook will let the tire move more freely before it comes loose. The sidewall can only deflect so much before the angle around the beadhook is too tight and the bead pops out; the smaller bead hook opens that angle up, allowing the sidewall to move further. It’s a theory anyhow.

As well as Stans rims have worked in the past I don’t see them doing something stupid to make them worse.

Jake

12 years ago

@flech1454: The Flow is still 1.6 mm wider on the inside (22.6 mm as opposed to 21 mm) and 3.6 mm wider on the outside (28 mm as opposed to 24.4 mm).

lars

12 years ago

big improvement for the Arch… Now bring on the Flow EX! 🙂

rom1red

12 years ago

Do you know if those arch EX will be produced in a 36 hole version ?

alloycowboy

12 years ago

Can we please get the Arch rims in Stan’s Signature Red Anodized please? Laser etched flames would be nice too thanks! 😉

Greg

12 years ago

yeah, I don’t know if its a price pint thing, but I’d like some better graphics too. (although I think some people dig the understated/stealthy look)

Vincent

12 years ago

I would also like to know if the arch EX 29″ will be available in 36 holes. That would make it very appealing to build a strong but light rear whell.

Bikerumor

12 years ago

Craig, that’s a typo about it being top of the line. They still have their Gold level rim.

Working on getting more answers to the rest.

Dave T

12 years ago

All of Stan’s rims are “top of the line”, they are optimized for the intended use and are as light and as strong as they can be. The wider internal dimension makes the tire have a stiffer lateral feel, and the very low sidewall lets the tire flex all the way down to the bead, giving the tire a more even feel over uneven rocky surfaces (flotation).