If you are looking for an out-of-the-box XC-race ready wheelset you have certain requirements on your checklist. One, it needs to be tubeless. Two, it needs to be light, even in a 29er version. Three, it needs to be responsive, with excellent trail manners with tires up to 2.25" width. Four, it needs to have current hub standard axles and the ability to change them out if necessary. Five, you don't want to break the bank. The NoTubes ZTR Crest MK3 checks all the boxes and brings you fantastic performance, at under 1600 grams and $700. There are two top-notch features to this third generation ZTR Crest wheelset- the rims and the hubs.

The new 6069 aluminum alloy rim is wider, lighter, and stronger than its predecessor. At just 364 grams, the 23mm internal width design was been optimized via NoTubes industry-leading BST tubeless design and to apply the WideRight concept Stan's developed. The Crest MK3 is designed for tires from 2.0-2.25" and pressures up to 40psi max (2.0"). The 15.8mm shallow profile has been shape dto maximize the 26.3mm external width, creating a wider footprint for better traction and wheel stability in all conditions. At the same time, the design is stiffer and more durable than it's predecessor. And, we said lighter as well.

In 2015 NoTubes introduced the NEO hub design to replace it's 3.30 series. The NEO hub offers complete flexibility with thru-axles (up to15mm Front, 12mm rear) and quick releases at all available dropout widths (even Boost, and beyond). The freehub system is also interchangeable for Shimano, SRAM XD Driver and even a single-speed specific option. The chrome steel sealed cartridge bearings are set as widely as possible on the oversized alloy axle. The NEO is also offered in both 6-bolt and Center Lock disc brake rotor mount options. All that, with increased shell stiffness and light weight added in, misses perhaps the key development- the 36t inner shell that allows the 4-pawl hub 10° engagement that is both quick and positive under any load.

With the ZTR Crest MK3 Wheelset, NoTubes chose to lace with Sapim Force triple butted steel spokes, with Sapim's SecureLock alloy nipples. The end result is 1592 gram wheelset that is fast to accelerate, stable on all surfaces, stiff enough to perform, but resilient enough to give just enough at impact to preserve integrity. The design is completely serviceable from the hub out, and parts are always available. NoTubes supplies you with a fully taped wheelset with 35mm valves to be tubeless ready out of the box. The specified axle design includes the proper end caps, and the 15/100mm - 12/142mm option includes QR end caps and skewer as well.

Stan's NoTubes forced the mountain bike world to recognize the value and effectiveness of tubeless rims and tire set-ups. Gone are the pinch flats and punctures that stalled or ended rides. With the advanced BST rim bed design integrated into this new Crest MK3 rim design, XC tubeless performance has never been better. Now you can take full advantage with the ZTR Crest MK3 Wheelset, and apply it to maximal effect for riding to the lead on XC trail or the race course.