Available in 26, 27.5 and 29″ in Team and Pro variants the ZTR Bravo is their new all mountain/trail/enduro wheelset with 28 spokes, low profile hookless sidewalls and an internal width of 26mm. By the sounds of it, they’ve applied the mantra – wider and stiffer isn’t always better.
Stan’s motivation behind the BST (Bead Socket Technology) low profile rim sidewalls with no bead hook is to help prevent pinch flats, as the tyre won’t fold inward as far when compared to a traditional hooked bead rim. There’s also the benefit of increased air volume which is a no-brainer.
Opting for a 26mm internal (32mm external) width for greater tyre support than a narrower rim, these aren’t wide as some of the new breed of ‘wide rims’ (Ibis 35mm, Specialized 30mm etc) claiming that there’s a point where wide becomes too wide.
The Bravo wheels also come with Stan’s new NEO hubs, a completely new hub for them, available in Shimano and SRAM freehubs.
Another interesting feature is what Stan’s calls ‘RiACT’ a certain compliance is built into the rims via a dedicated carbon layup, said to help absorb impacts on the trail for faster rolling. More on that in the video below.
Pro – $2990 – Neo Ultimate hubs with 5° engagement and Sapim Custom Force triple-butted spokes.
Team – $2528 – Neo hubs with 10° engagement and Sapim Race double-butted spokes.
We’ll be fitting these to our Trek Remedy long term test bike for a thrashing, currently the Remedy is running on Shimano XTR Trail wheels, this should be a good comparison for sure. Stay tuned.
Flow's First Bite: Stan's No Tubes ZTR Bravo Wheels
The not-so-minor details
Positives
Good width.
Well thought out design.
Negatives
Pricey.