Stans announce overhauled MK4 Crest, Arch and Flow rims

Stans have released their fourth generation Crest, Arch and Flow rims featuring updated internal dimensions, an asymmetric profile and a more generous warranty.

Read up on the specifications and local availability below.

Stans Crest MK4 – Fast and Made to Last

Crest rims are part of the history of mountain biking. Introduced in 2005, the Crest’s design evolved directly from Stan’s earliest ideas, including the legendary 355 rims. Stan wanted a simple and durable rim that would work well without a tube and weighed less than everybody else’s rims. The Crest achieved those goals. With a more durable and lighter 6069 alloy and an asymmetric rim shape that balances spoke tension, today’s Crest MK4 has technology that’s lightyears ahead of the early design, but the spirit of the original Crest lives on: make it light, make it serviceable, make it resist flats, and make it go as fast as possible.

The BST Asymmetric rim design of the Crest MK4 allows for a stronger wheel while offering the easy inflation and Stan’s trademark unmatched airtight seal. The Crest MK4 rim is optimized for 40mm Gravel tires and up to 2.3” mountain tires, making it a great, versatile choice for a wide range of bikes and riding styles.

The durable but forgiving ride of the Crest MK4’s 6069 alloy construction and lightweight, low-profile rim shape offer an unbeatable ride quality uniquely suited to Gravel and short-travel XC riding, and like all rims that bear the Crest name, it’s built for speed. The Crest MK4 combines the heritage of Stan’s legendary tubeless design with today’s best materials and a stronger asymmetric design. Roll faster with more comfort and more security on your next Gravel or XC ride with the Crest MK4 rim.

• 25mm rim width optimized for Gravel and XC tires up to 2.3”
• 
Light and durable 6069 aluminum with welded joint and reinforced spoke bed
• 
BST Asymmetric design combines Stan’s legendary easy tubeless inflation with a stronger, more balanced wheel build
• 
3-year rim warranty with 1-year crash replacement


Rim Internal Width: 25.0mm // Rim External Width: 28.4mm // Rim Depth: 18.0mm // Rim Weight: 323g (24”) / 357g (26″) / 374g (27.5″) / 399g (29″) // Hole Count: 24-hole (24”), 28-hole or 32-hole (26”, 27.5”, 29”)

Stans Arch MK4 – Ready for Every Trail

Mountain bikes have changed in the decade since the original Arch rim helped introduce the world to tubeless technology. With a 28mm wide asymmetric rim shape and ultra-strong 6069

alloy, today’s Arch MK4 rim has evolved to match these more capable bikes. Through all the years of testing and refinement of this rim, one thing has never changed: versatility. Now more than ever, when you want a reliable rim that can handle every trail, the Arch MK4 is for you.

The Arch MK4 rim is light enough to take XC racing but was born from research and testing on the Enduro World Series circuit, making it a great rim for anyone looking to improve both descending and climbing. Constructed of light and strong 6069 aluminum alloy, with a reinforced spoke bed and 28mm internal width ideal for 2.2-2.5″ tires, the Arch MK4 can get you up the climbs easier and make the descent even better.

The Arch MK4’s BST Asymmetric shape improves spoke angle, allowing for a stronger overall wheel build. Unlike most asymmetric rims that struggle with tubeless inflation and consistent airtight seal under hard cornering, the Arch MK4’s shape is designed to equalize pressure for easy inflation and incredibly strong tire retention on both sides of the rim.

Stan’s patented Bead Socket Technology, combined with a stronger asymmetric design, light and durable 6069 alloy, and the perfect rim width for balancing control and weight, make the Arch MK4 your best choice for all-around riding. Powering up rocky switchback climbs or slapping berms on every descent, the Arch MK4 is ready for whatever you can throw at it.

• Versatile 28mm internal rim width optimized for 2.2-2.5” tires
• Light and durable 6069 aluminum with welded joint and reinforced spoke bed
• BST Asymmetric design combines Stan’s legendary easy tubeless inflation with a stronger, more balanced wheel build
• 3-year rim warranty with 1-year crash replacement

Rim Internal Width: 28.0mm // Rim External Width: 31.4mm // Rim Depth: 18.9mm // Rim Weight: 451g (27.5″) / 481g (29″) // Hole Count: 28-hole or 32-hole

Stans Flow MK4 – Instant Confidence

Since 2007, the Flow rim has been helping riders progress, push boundaries, and do more on their bikes. The original Flow was light, wide, tubeless, and strong as hell. It redefined mountain bike rims and played a role in the evolution of riding. Today’s Flow MK4 continues the progression with a 30mm wide asymmetric rim designed to build an even stronger overall wheel.

Durability and an almost uncanny feeling of control on the trail have made Flow rims the preferred choice of multiple Red Bull Rampage riders, and today’s Flow goes even further. The Flow MK4’s reinforced spoke bed, combined with the offset drilling of the asym design, builds into an incredibly durable wheel that brings added confidence to every ride. Unlike many asymmetric rims, the Flow MK4’s BST Asymmetric shape is designed to equalize resistance to dents and tire bead retention on both sides of the rim under even the worst rock gardens and hardest cornering. Combined with Stan’s patented Bead Socket Technology, the Flow MK4 rim offers the easiest tubeless setup and most reliable airtight performance on the trail.

Ramp up your progression and make every ride even better with the confidence of Flow MK4 asymmetric rims.

• Low-profile 30mm internal width optimizes tire shape, traction, and control for 2.3-2.6” tires
• Durable 6069 aluminum with welded joint and reinforced spoke bed
• BST Asymmetric design combines Stan’s legendary easy tubeless inflation with a stronger, more balanced wheel build
• 3-year rim warranty with 1-year crash replacement

Rim Internal Width: 30.0mm // Rim External Width: 33.6mm // Rim Depth: 18.9mm // Rim Weight: 466g (26″) / 487g (27.5″) / 521g (29″) // Hole Count: 28-hole, 32-hole

Local availability
Selected 29″ MK4 Crest, Arch and Flow rims are expected to be available in South Africa in August 2021.
More wheel sizes will be available later in 2021.