Not many folks are running tubeless for ‘cross yet. Our recent poll indicated only 4% of our readers are racing with tubeless setups, with the majority (55%) of folks running clinchers. Stan over at NoTubes.com is hoping to convert more ‘cross racers to tubeless, and offers a 29er rim, conversion rim strips, rim tape, and valve stems to provide ‘cross racers multiple options to try tubeless, either through converting existing clincher wheelsets or using his rims or wheels. While our upcoming Issue 3 will look at these options in-depth, we’ve just received a new product that Stan will be adding to his product list: The Raven cyclocross tire.
We got our hands on a nearly-final prototype pictured above/left. The tire offers a downsized, modified version of their Crow 29er tire tread, with the same low-profile center knobs, but taller, squared off shoulder knobs sandwiching a file tread. When inflated on the Stan’s rim, which is a about 4mm wider than a typical road rim, the tire has a pretty square profile as pictured. The theory is with the lower pressures allowed by riding the tire tubeless and with sealant, more of the tire should make contact with the ground, allowing better traction without the need for tall, aggressive knobs.
We’re currently testing out the prototype along with a slew of other new ‘cross product. Stay tuned for our initial feedback. Should we publish our findings online or save it for the mag? Let us know through a comment below.
More info on Stans wheels and tubeless accessories: http://notubes.com (The Raven cyclocross tire is not yet available for purchase)
Note: This article was initially published labeling the tire as “The Crow.” The final production tire will be called “The Raven.”
IN THE COWBELL FORUMS:
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After several years riding road and xc I've decided to build up a cyclocross project bike with an eye on competing in the winter CX season. The one equipment choice I'm trying to finalize is the best wheel system (tire, rim, spokes, hub) for a performance oriented setup (race worthy + everyday practical). One point that comes up again and again on this topic is the benefit of running low psi to improve traction. And that leaves two primary options - tubulars or a Stan's clincher conversion.
I have first-hand experience running tubulars on the road and know that their flat resistance and road feel are unmatched relative to clinchers. I'm also comfortable with the practical realities of living with them and have spent my share of time stripping old glue and paying for the services of tirealert.com (I draw the line at re-stitching casings).
I've also put many miles on my xc rig throughout the Santa Monica mountains and I'm a firm believer in UST/tubeless technology on the trail. Running 28psi enables the combination of traction, momentum, and maneuverability I need to negotiate technical singletrack.
The Raven looks like an intriguing product and I'm very interested to learn how the tires perform in combination with a set of Stan's ZTR 355 29er rims (and maybe a set of DT Swiss 240 hubs? :). Stan's produces quality products, but I've come across a few isolated rider postings describing bead blow-outs with Stan's clincher conversions in CX applications. Look forward to reading your review online in the near future.
Cheers,
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