Every other rim in the world has a bead hook. This rim does not.
This new rim design will eliminate the bead hook and move the sidewall of the rim down by 2-3mm.
By eliminating the bead hook and lowering the sidewall by 2-3mm we reduce the weight of the rim. Some if this material can be used in the center part of the rim making it stronger and stiffer.
The curve of the rim sidewall is the same shape as the bead of the tire so they fit together like a ball and socket joint. This design will help reduce the strain on the tire bead while creating a tighter seal.
By lowering the sidewall of the rim we also reduce the mechanical leverage the tire has on the rim. This will make the rim stiffer and last longer by eliminating flexing that can cause cracking.
With these short sidewalls the tire should not hit the rim and pinch flat as often as standard rims, either with or without tubes. This design will allow you to run lower pressures and use 4mm more of the tire than ever before. The tire will have larger air volume giving you better traction than any rim in the world.
I ordered these rims to replace the stock crap that came on my Rush. These rims blew my mind; they weighed in at 332g and 333g. I built my wheels with a Lefty front hub and a Ringle Dirty-Flea rear, laced with DT Revolutions 1.8/2.0's, and aluminum nipples. The final weight is 1390g with the yellow tape installed. I have been riding these wheels since July and have not had to true them yet. I am a 155lb racer, so these wheels have seen some miles. They have held up surpassing my expectation.
I have run three different tire set ups on this wheel and have had no problem airing them up with a floor pump. I currently run Specialized S-Works The Captain 2.0, and I have previously run 2.0 Larsen TT's and 2.1 CrossMark's. Running a little under the recommended sealant, all three only lost about 3-5psi a week, which is really impressive.
To address my only beef with Notubes product, the stickers: They do chip and come off easily, but they can be ordered through the LBS, and are cheap. It's not a big deal, but it's the only weakness that I could find with these rims.
Buy the Olympic rims if:
~You are interested in a light rim
~You are interested in reducing the rolling resistance of your current set up
~You want to make the switch to tubeless easy
~You Like low maintenance
Don’t Buy the Olympic Rims if:
~You are over 200lbs
~You run a high spoke tension, like with Ti Spokes
I don’t ever see myself owning another race wheel not made my Stan’s NoTubes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Miami, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Stans Direct
Strengths:
Lightweight, tubeless works as advertised with standard tires. Held up to this 185lb rider.
Weaknesses:
Tricky learning curve depending on tires used.
Similar Products Used:
No other tubeless wheelset
Bike Setup:
Fuel EX7 with ZTR Olympics on Hope Pro 2s
Bottom Line:
Excellent setup. I'm running with the rim strips. I've used 3 different standard, non-tubless Kenda tire models with ZERO problems. Blue Groove, Nevegal and SB8 and they've all mounted well. I've found once you mount a tire for the first time, it's much easier to remount it when switching tires. I recently put back my Nev/BG setup and they grabbed the bead after 2 pumps. I did it different and had the valve at the bottom and it was great. One thing I did learn early was to make sure you let the crystals settle to the spout before filling the pouring cup. Then make sure to get the liquid swirling in the cup before pouring it in the tire. It helps keep the crystals suspended in the liquid instead of settling at the bottom. When I did this, it sealed up the non-tubeless sidewalls MUCH better/sooner.
I'm more of a finesse rider so I don't jump much, but I do like to have a little fun with smaller drops and they've held up. Miami trails are mostly roots and rocks to they get a constant pounding and have held true. Have burped air a bit but never anything that stopped my ride.
As for customer service they've been great. I only bought the Rims from them. I got the Hubs and Spokes from my LBS and Stans told me what size spokes to get so I could just tell the shop instead of having to figure it out. I even got the nipples from Stans because they had them in Gold to match the hub. This weekend my friend slammed into my front wheel at full speed and pretty much ruined the rim. Stans was nice enough to give me a crash replacement price. Would definitely purchase again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Dallas, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Richards Bikes or www.RBikes.com
Strengths:
ZTR Arch rims (as there is not a category yet): Competitive weight, stiff, easy to inflate, more air volume, flatter profile (more tread on trail due to BSD - Bead Socket Design).
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 717's, 819's and ZTR Flow's
Bike Setup:
Turner-'01 O2, SRAM XO Rear derailleur, shifters and comparable chain and rear cassette, Crank Brothers Cobalt crank set, XTR front derailleur, Thompson Stem and Seat Post, WTB saddle, Ergon grips, Larson 2.35 Highroller non-UST tires, and Avid Juicy 7 160 and 160mm brakes.
Bottom Line:
Had the wheels built by Rbikes.com . I am very pleased with rims and overall wheel build. There is nothing more disappointing than having a new set that goes out of true after a few rides or is visited by the wheel fairies every time I brake hard and the spokes sound like a harp...
This is my wife's bike, she rides more trail than XC. She noticed the stiffness right away (rims + DT Swiss 9mm hubs). This is a wheel set that inspires confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Eden / Delvera Blk Route
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Factory Store
Strengths:
Tough, light.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
XT's, DT Swiss
Bike Setup:
Titus Moto Lite II
Bottom Line:
I actually ordered a set of 355's, but agent did not have any stock and it was either these or Mavic's. So I went the Olympics based on my LBS' recommendation and I haven't looked back since. These are light and sooooper fast rolling. Front and rear wheel weighs in at 1470g and I haven't had ANY issues. And I definately push them further and harder than what's intended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Racer
from Monterey, California Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Howell Mountain, Napa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Joselyn's Bicycles
Strengths:
Lightweight, tubeless, price,
Weaknesses:
Rear rim needs truing about every 75-100 miles
Similar Products Used:
Mavic 717, WTB,
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur XC, XTR cranks, XTR derailluer, Fox fork
Bottom Line:
Used for its intended purpose (XC Racing) these rims are great. Excellent rotating weight and I have not had any problems airing up Kenda Karma tires on the rims. Of the 5 tires that I've installed on the rims, 3 were seated with a hand floor pump.
The wheelset as held up fine after a full year of racing on them on various courses, including some technical trails with drops and log crossings.
These rims are best used on a full suspension bike that helps absorb the impact on a rough trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giora Heymann
a Cross Country Rider
from Tel Aviv Israel Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
stan's dealer in Israel- Shop Harim
Strengths:
light weigth, holds the air as promised,runs with regular tires as tubeless and runs them at low pressure. I realy want to love them, but....
Weaknesses:
In one rim of the pair I have purchased there is a width difference of 0.4mm between the area of the welding point and the rest of the rim. This causes the bike to "drop" at this welded point every time I use the brakes! I use V-brake, and according to Stan these rims are to be used with v-brake. Needless to say that Stan stated that he never heard of it and he sent me to his dealer. It took 8 weeks for the shipment to get here I examined 8 more rimes in a search of a straight one but no such luck. It seems as if the whole batch was made in some far place in the east were the QC is not enforced as it should. So here I am stuck with a defected rim and no one to take responsibility to this problem. The point is that the rims are probably great, light weight and such but when it comes to "standing behind your product" Stan is a total disappointment.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic tubeless.
Bike Setup:
salsa caballero, xtr, michelin, kcnc, king chris ect.
Bottom Line:
The point is that the rims are probably great, light weight and such but when it comes to "standing behind your product" Stan is a total disappointment Basically I am still waiting...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Bridgewater, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Efinger Sporting Goods
Strengths:
light and tubeless
Weaknesses:
this isn't an everyday riding wheel
Similar Products Used:
mavic xc 717, xm 819
Bike Setup:
scott scale, xo, juicy carbons, easton bars, noir cranks
Bottom Line:
Remember everyone, this is a RACING rim used for a LIGHTWEIGHT, RACING TIRE. I have this wheelset laced up with DT super comp spokes and hope hubs... its 1440gram, which is CRAZY light. I used kenda karma tires, which are only 2.0 in width.
This wheelset I only race on, I don't dare take this wheel set on long, rock rides. Yes, this isn't the strongest rim out there, however it sure is the lightest and is a great race-day rim.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris r
a Racer
from tulsa Date Reviewed: October 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
mavic, shimano
Bike Setup:
truth, sram, magura, fox
Bottom Line:
Stan's olympic rim laced to DT hubs with revolution spokes. I use the olympic rim strip and am currently running Maxxis Crossmark tubeless tires. 2 cups of Stan's sealant. Inflated effortlessly with a floor pump. I am an expert racer and weigh 155lb. Usual pressure, 28psi. I have 4 races and lots of training rides on these wheels and other than touching them up after the intial build there have been no problems. I am so confident in this setup I don't carry a tube, just a bigair cartridge.
Maxxis tires are the way to go. They have a tread for every condition. Again, they inflate very easy. And if you want a bomber setup use the tubeless versions. Flats suck! Is it worth chancing a flat for 60 grams?!?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Light weight for > 150lb riders
Weaknesses:
Stated durable up to 170lb riders, but not. Tires blow off rims. Poor customer service coupled with a God complex. Employees who lie.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic,etc
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 for cross country
Bottom Line:
Been using Continental Verticals and explorers which were properly installed via Stan's instructions. One blew off and wrapped around the cassette ruining the rims now traveling on rocks. Send back to NoTubes stated probably a no charge, but charged my card $100.00 anyway. Next Season 3 ties blow off as calls to Stan brings tips that do not work and a response that they never heard of the problem with these Conti tires they sell. @ more wreck rims, $250.00 later and Stan states that he had Vertical pro's blow off in his shop. Still sells them and still charges his clients when rims are ruined. Unsafe and inmoral. Not a everday riding rim for anyone over 150, does not stay true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don C.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mission Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Through notubes.com
Strengths:
Light weight.
Weaknesses:
None noted.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic tubeless.
Bike Setup:
Blur XC - Super light-weight with Stan's Olympic hoops with DT Swiss 240's.
Bottom Line:
These rims, while somewhat fragile are exactly as I expected. They work well with the tires that I use, which are Kenda Karmas, and I mounted them using the yellow tape. I ride XC and these wheels fit my purpose perfectly. I don't huck and weigh 150 lbs... so I haven't had a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk S
a
from US Date Reviewed: June 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Dave's Wheels-Speed Dream
Strengths:
Light, strong, runs light regular tires as tubeless and runs them at low pressure which gives great stick and low rolling resistance. When it is working (which is most of the time), it is like magic.
Weaknesses:
I have only tried tires recommended by Stan and 3 of 6 have failed in the first mile by suddenly blowing off the rim with an explosion(even while others of the same make and model work wonderfully). Stan says I'm doing everything right but some tires may have a weak bead. Less of a problem is that some tires are hard to seal and take MUCH longer of an effort than Stan claims.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur LT, 2005 Minute-3 fork, etc... 26.5 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I had mine built by Dave (Speed Dream Wheels) based on reviews here. No matter what I do with this bike, and I ride hard and often, these rims stay true. However, all in all they make for a love hate relationship. I blame Stan. He may be a genius that has created the lightest and strongest wheel that can also run with light and strong regular tires at tubeless, BUT, it only works well when it works and fails big when it fails. All in all, I love them but must admit I dread running out of tread and changing a tire because there is no telling how many tires I will have to buy and install to get the magic rolling. I give a low value score for the high cost of the build, sealant, and especially tires that end up not working.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CURTIS MCKEE
a Weekend Warrior
from CINCINNATI Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
EI
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
RESER
Strengths:
LIGHT
Weaknesses:
THEY ROLL SO WELL I GET LAZY
Similar Products Used:
MAVIC CROSSRIDE
Bike Setup:
06' YETI CARBON REAR 575
Bottom Line:
LIGHT WITH THE AMERICAN CLASSIC DISC 32 HUB. I KNOW THIS IS CRAZY BUT I AM AFRAID TO JUMP THEM. I HAVE BACKED OFF THE DROPS BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THEY WILL GIVE. I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T BE DOING THEM ANYWAY BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH SMART DECISIONS ANYWAY.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob bowers
a Cross Country Rider
from Mount Tamo Qld Australia Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nerang
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
light especially if used without rubber strip, good alternative with diff method of holding tyre on rim
Weaknesses:
Yellow tape no so good as it does not conform well to rim profile. Some tyres won't stay on and can pop off
Serious cross country riding hasn't killed these rims in a year or weekend riding and semi-regular racing. These are not for heavy guys or abusive riders. They have stayed true and not needed any attention. I built them up myself and to the correct kg of force with a tensiometer and they came up nicely no-hassles. As a system I am committed to tubeless and with Conti Supersonics run between 30 and 35psi. They are a bit expensive, especially after having to bring them into the country myself. Sometimes Notubes can be helpful, but they get impatient if you ask to many questions (hey guys your comunication was ambiguous). So the rim itself has been a no-brainer. If you destroy light weight components often it'd be silly to think these are your choice, if a hard but controled rider that's not to heavy and you are at least a bit graceful in the way you ride over or into stuff then go ahead. On the notubes type tubless systems, they are not for the impatient or for people who do maintenance on the trail 'cause if you let the goo dry out you'll have hassles. Happy ridin'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kosmo
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
oddsandendos.com
Strengths:
Light and so far very durable. Holds tire bead well.
Weaknesses:
Some may not like the dull appearance.
Similar Products Used:
Mavic Crossroc, Xmax XC and SL.
Bike Setup:
Stan's rims laced w/ DT supercomps on DT 240s hubs on a Turner Flux.
Bottom Line:
Single best upgrade you can make to your bike is a light set of wheels(1450g). Ran a Kenda BG in front and Nevegal in back with Stan's goop. Not one flat all year until I put a tube in for my studded tires.
A shout out to Mike Garcia for building a great wheelset at a good price. No factory builds for me ever again. Many probs with the SL's previously. Do yourself a favor and get a handbuilt wheelset CHEAPER than one thats mass produced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARK
a Cross Country Rider
from NEVADA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
90.00
Strengths:
Light & good looking.
Weaknesses:
I am reviewing the 29er version of the ZTR Olympic rim. The rim does not work as intended with any current folding bead tire as a tubeless rim. I had a very good wheel builder lace these up with CK hubs 3X with DT Swiss 14/15. They, by all means should be stiff and strong but they are not. They flex badly under normal loads. I have check the spoke tension and it is spot on.
Do not invest in these rims if you are building up a 29er. They flex badly even when built properly 3X with 14/15 DT Swiss spokes. They will not hold a bead when running them tubeless unless you use a wire bead which defeats the purpose. They are way too expensive and dangerous if you are attempting a tubeless application with any current folding bead tire.
Stan's NoTubes will not stand behind these rims. I bought them with the recommendation of Stan's sales rep who gave me his "verbal guarantee" that they would work tubeless with a folding 29er tire and "guaranteed" they would be stiff and strong. I called and got the run around when I complained that I have had two bead failures using these rims with different folding bead tires. They now only recommend wire bead tires. Both bead failures were instantaneous and while rolling straight sections of singletrack. The first was a rear tire on a Bontrager AC and the second failure was a front Maxxis Ignitor which ended in bad crash.
I am rating these rims with the lowest possible rating since they are extremely expensive and cannot be used for the intended tubeless application with folding bead tires greatly limiting the tire selection to wire bead tires. They are dangerously flexy even when built to Notube specs 3X by a very good wheel builder. Notubes gave me the run around ever time I called them to report the problem with these rims in the 29er version. Save your money and buy some Velocity Dyads or Bontrager Mustangs at less than half the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Sale Victoria Australia Date Reviewed: October 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything rocky
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
solosaul
Strengths:
These things are light, no problems with the tubeless system. Did i mention these are light
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
mavic 517, lots of warped road rims
Bike Setup:
ellsworth truth, xo, hugi 240 disc with revolution spokes
Bottom Line:
i have raced solo 12 races in some muddy rocky hell fest rides no probs. I have managed to warp my rear rim, however i am 220 pounds and i was going a little to fast on a nasty drop when i rolled my tire off the rim and dinged the rim into a rock however i have it straight again maybe i will use these just for racing. If u have a style that is lighter than mine and u want a light rim, u will not be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dean sprague
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
RBikes.com and ebay
Strengths:
Stans no-tubes ZTR Olympic disc wheels with American classic hubs.
light weight.
Weaknesses:
no-tubes part does not work with my choice of tires. Maxxis Minotaur 380
Bike Setup:
la pierre X-control, rotor cranks, stans no tubes rims/american classic hubs, Avid disc, Kooka Racha levers, Paul Thumbie shifters with Dura-ace. Total weight: sub 23 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Richards Bicycles did great build up on supplied hubs. Great pricing on rims and spokes. Excellent customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from michigan Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Poto/PLRA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Speeddreams
Strengths:
Stupid-light. Durable. Anything built by Dave Thomas is smokin' durbale!!
Weaknesses:
I was removing my air pump head last night (which admittedly fits valves too tight)and it yanked the 5 gm valve stem thru the first rim wall, damaging the little rubber flange on the stem (from stans) I called Stans today and they were very nice and quick to mail a replacement. They also advised they have redesigned this stem, with a bigger flange to prevent this.
Due for a true after 200 miles of rough riding - but can hardly say thats a true weakness.
Great rim - innovative design. Sealed perfectly to new Specialized Fastrak tires.
Stans and Speedreams are the best!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Toads
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$775.00
Purchased At:
NO TUBES . COM
Strengths:
Superlight and responsive . These built with King disc hubs , Revolution 14/17 spokes 3x and alloy nipples make some of the lightest disc wheels you can buy and make a huge improvement in climbing and tight switchbacks .
Weaknesses:
Will not air up with Michlens - ended up using tubes but going back to the tubeless goop and Roll X tires as soon as the rains stop .
Similar Products Used:
217 ,517 , 317 , and Crossmax
Bike Setup:
Santa Clank Blur , XTR discs and drivetrain , Fox Talas , and of course these fine wheels .
Bottom Line:
The boys at Stans build some very nice wheels - expensive but very nice . Am going to try there trick new aluminum rotors to really get the rolling weight down - MBA recently rated them 5 stars so they have to be good . Did I mention these wheels where light ? - more than half a pound lighter than the Crossmax disc wheels .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Plews
a Racer
from Dallas, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Waldo Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super light and strong. Very easy to seat tubeless or non tires.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Just about everything.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Super Grizzily with Spinner fork; Sunrace/XTR drivetrain; Magura brakes; SDG I-beam seat/post, Syntace bar/stem; Kenda tires; Crank Bros pedals.
Bottom Line:
Great rims are unreal combination of light weight and durability; yellow tape seals the deal. Expensive but worth so much better, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
RedBarnBicycles.com
Strengths:
extremely light, good design, durable
Weaknesses:
rim width a little narrow
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade Talas... wheelset components are King ISO hubs, Sapim CX-Ray Spokes, Stans Olympic rims
Bottom Line:
I've put close to 175 miles on these and they are still performing great!! The extra rotational weight shaved off makes a huge difference coming out of corners and climbing steady upgrades. I've been riding them hard from the get go jumping small things here and there every chance I get..... They are still true as the day I got them and have no doubt they will hold up for many miles to come.
As far as value, they are a little expensive but they do come with a lighter 38 gram tubeless rim strip AND an ultra light 5 gram valve stem to be used with the yellow rim tape.
NOTE: I'm using the Olympic rims with the 5 gram valve stem, yellow rim tape, and Schwalbe Racing Ralph non-ust tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bogus
a Racer
from Houston, TX USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Straight, light, seem stronger than the ZTR 355's
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
XTR355
Bike Setup:
Intense Spider
Bottom Line:
These rims seem great. They perform as advertised. I had a set of the ZTR's and liked them a lot but have had to true them more then I like. Tires aired up quite easily and the rims seem stronger than the ZTR's although granted, I've only had them a little over a month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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