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Stans NoTubes has introduced the new Flow EX3, a new line of rims and wheelsets designed for downhill, enduro and ‘demanding’ trails.
Based on the Flow EX, the new Flow EX3 rim features Tiebeam, an internal reinforcement that offers “unmatched impact resistance and the best air retention of any tubeless rim”. It combines the durable Tiebeam design of the Flow EX with the 29mm internal width and 6069 aluminium construction of the Flow MK3 to create an “entirely new rim built to handle today’s faster, heavier and more capable enduro, downhill and e-bikes”.
“The Flow EX3 rim is designed to prevent air loss. Even when used with a tyre insert, huge impacts can cause the sidewall of most rims to fold, causing air loss and eventual failure, but the Tiebeam internal brace and patented low-profile sidewalls of the Flow EX3 resist this folding, maintaining air pressure and structural integrity better than any other rim, even under the most severe impacts,” said a statement. “The Tiebeam design also allow tremendous strength increases with only minimal weight increases.” The 27.5in Flow EX3 rim weighs 580g, while the 29in version weighs 618g.
Building the Flow EX3 wheelset starts with Stan’s Neo OS front and rear hubs. The Neo OS front hub features larger bearings than conventional Neo hubs, while still being compatible with both 20mm and 15mm forks. The Neo OS rear hub rolls on a steel axle for increased durability and includes a Durasync freehub with simultaneous six-pawl engagement.
“The Flow EX3 wheelset continues Stan’s tradition of using readily available, non-custom j-bend spokes in lengths that are commonly in stock in bike shops around the world,” the statement continued. “The Flow EX3’s Sapim D-Light spokes keep rotating mass to a minimum and offer exceptional strength, while Sapim’s Secure Lock alloy nipples provide a mechanical lock to resist loosening.”
Flow EX3 wheelsets are available for Shimano or SRAM XD cassettes and all current axle systems, including 110mm front and Boost 148mm, 150mm, and Super Boost Plus 157mm rear spacing. New for 2019, a Neo OS front hub with wider flanges is also an option to fit forks that require the wider “20×110 Boost” disc brake spacing.
Complete Flow EX3 wheelsets come ready to set up and ride with pre-installed rim tape for tubeless use and presta valves. 15x110mm OS front wheels also come with an additional set of 20mm OS Boost end caps. Flow EX3 rims come with a two-year warranty and one year of no-fault crash replacement.
