STAN’S FLOW MK4 WHEEL REVIEW

Tech features:

Stan’s NoTubes has been producing Flow wheels since 2007 for use in the most aggressive styles of riding you can think of, like DH and enduro. Their BST-Asymmetric (Bead Socket Technology) design combines Stan’s tubeless-ready rim design with an asymmetrical shape that allows for a stronger wheel and more even spoke tension on both sides. At a 30mm internal width, the spoke holes are offset 3mm.

This rim is mated to their new M-Pulse hubs, which use six pawls developed by Project321 that are embedded with Neodymium (rare earth) magnets and a hardened steel ratchet ring instead of steel springs to reduce drag while freewheeling. The engagement angle is a mere 1.66 degrees and gives off a hum that is pleasant and not too loud.

Stan’s has chosen to go with a preload system to give the enduro bearings a longer life. This system requires you to adjust a preload ring when installing the wheels on your bike that they say will preload the bearings just right for optimal performance and won’t wear them out prematurely. This ring, once properly preloaded, is locked into place using a small pinch bolt. The wheels come with a QR code with an instructional video and the proper tool attached to be able to do it yourself.

These wheels are available in most 27.5- and 29-inch configurations with 12x142mm, 12x148mm and 12x157mm rear-wheel spacing options and 15x110mm front-wheel spacing. It comes with centerlock or six-bolt brake mounts and with the option for HG, XD or Microspline freehub bodies. Our 29-inch test set has a six-bolt brake mount, 12x157mm Super Boost spacing and an HG freehub body.

Field test results:

Setting up the MK4 wheels is relatively easy, though we did have a problem with a stuck preload ring on the front wheel that we had to get creative with to unstick. It had essentially unscrewed too far and was stuck on the outer part of the axle. Aside from that, the preloading process was simple and easy to complete with the help of the instructional video, and mounting the tires was a breeze; we didn’t even have to use compressed air.

We have one note about the preload system, however: after a month of heavy use, the preload on the rear wheel had to be reset, as it had loosened itself and developed play. We have not had a problem with it loosening since then.

Our first perception of these wheels on the trail was how smoothly and quickly they rolled. This observation persisted throughout the test period, though we hesitate to credit one feature over another as to why this is the case. There was no break-in period to speak of, and the wheels and spokes were silent from the first ride onward, with no settling spokes to be heard. After a few sideways landings, cases and heavy G-outs in corners, we decided to see how true the rear wheel remained and are happy to report it did its job quite well and remained as true as ever, also never burping the tire.

The trail feel these wheels offered was on par with many wheels in their category. They’re neither harsh nor too flexy, but comfortable to ride on the trail with just enough compliance to take the edge off heavy hits in the trail. The M-Pulse hub engaged well, and we never felt the engagement angle was more than we desired. On steep descents under heavy braking where high-engagement hubs can be a detriment, we never felt the hub pulling back on our cranks as the suspension compressed.

Overall, these hubs have done well under our constant abuse and we feel we can easily recommend them to anyone in the market. We feel that the complete set value of $995 is fairly reasonable for wheels of this performance level. Though the M-Pulse hubs are a little more complicated than other hubs, they are excellent in execution and work well on the trail. Just make sure you check for play after a few rides.

HITS:

• Easy tire mounting
• Good compliance on trail
• Fast rolling

MISSES:

• Preload ring can come loose

STAR RATING: ★★★★★

Weight: 1,953 grams
Price: $995
Contact: www.notubes.com