Stan’s view on the production of carbon wheels seems to ring true with discretion is the better part of valor. Before showing off their first ever carbon, tubeless wheel, Stan’s CTO and Co-owner STan Koziatek said, “The truth is we could have made a carbon fiber rim years ago, but it wouldn’t have been a genuine NoTubes rim. High Spots of extra resin, ragged seams and overlaps, and shape and width deviations have somehow become acceptable on wheelsets costing several thousand dollars, but we require much higher tolerance. It took us years to find a technology and manufacturer able to consistently produce this rim”
Apparently, the time is now for a carbon wheel that is up to Stan’s standards with the introduction of the all new ZTR Valor Carbon. The wheel claims a more precise and consistent manufacturing process that results in the highest quality rim that is to their specifications.
As the first carbon rim to include genuine NoTubes Bead Socket Technology for running tubeless tires, the Valor rim features reinforced spoke holes for strength and still uses Stan’s tape for the tubeless seal. The wheels will be offered in 26, 27.5, and 29″ sizes with a number of axle options and an 11 speed XD freehub available. Valor rims will be laced to 3.30 Disc Ti hubs with a 24/28 spoke patterns front and rear. In addition to the decreased weight and improved stiffness carbon typically offers, Stan’s claims the carbon layup is engineered to absorb radial vibrations from the wheel and will smooth out the ride.
No word on pricing, weight, or availability – hopefully by Interbike.
