Stan's NoTubes

ZTR Crest 26in Wheelset

When Stan's product started showing up, they caused a stir on the XC race scene. This was due to Stan's fresh and effective approach to rim design. They've since expanded and offer a variety of complete wheelsets for specific riding styles. The ZTR Crest 26in Wheelset isn't Stan's lightest offering, but it's damn close.

The no-holds-barred ZTR Podium is just 175g lighter then the Crest Wheelset, yet it's near double the price and has a 170lb rider weight limit. If you want light, but want durability, the ZTR Crest is the XC wheel you're looking for. Using Stan's 3.30 hubs, double butted spokes, and Crest rims, this wheelset offers the low rotational weight, and tire-enhancing volume Stan's rims have become respected for.

Aside from Stan's award-winning sealant, what has put the little company from NY on the map is it's Bead Socket Technology. In a nut shell, BST rims have a larger inner diameter to seal against tire beads for simpler tubeless inflation, and a lower rim sidewall reduces stored energy, which allows for lower pressures, and a more natural, rounder shape, with increased volume.

In fact, Stan's BST rims allow riders to run approximately 30% less pressure than conventional rims. This directly translates into enhanced traction when climbing, descending, and turning -- along with a more supple ride and lower rolling resistance. With these virtues, it's clear to see why Stan's rims are almost omnipresent on race courses and trail heads alike.

The BST equipped ZTR Crest rim is laced to a Stan's 3.30 hubset. The hubs house smooth-spinning chromoly cartridge bearings that ride on a lightweight 7075 alloy axles. The rear hub body features large, 58mm flanges. The driveside houses a hardened 30-point engagement ring, while the non-driveside is machined to reduce weight. The front hub gets a 58mm disc-side hub, with a smaller, 45mm flange on the non-disc side to balance strength and weight.

The freehub is aluminum and it's compatible with Shimano and SRAM cassettes. The Stan's ZTR Crest 26in Wheelset is laced with 2.0/1.7/2.0 butted steel spokes and alloy nipples. It comes with Stan's rim tape and valve stems installed for instant use -- just add tires, sealant, and air. The front hub ships with a 9mm axle, but it can be converted with Stan's 15mm conversion kit. The ZTR Crest 26in Wheelset has a rider weight limit of 190lbs.