NoTubes’ carbon Valor 29er/CX tubeless wheelset. © Cyclocross Magazine
Last season we saw some NoTubes-sponsored racers racing unlabeled carbon rims, running cyclocross tires tubeless and with sealant. Although rumors of a carbon rim called the Valor were flying about, NoTubes preferred we refer to the carbon rims we saw on Jake Wells’ bike at the 2014 National Championships as a carbon prototype rim.
The carbon rims are no longer prototypes, and the Valor name is official. The carbon rims are aimed squarely at the mountain bike market, but NoTubes plans to release a cyclocross version, and a production model of the Valor rim mated to NoTubes road disc hubs just arrived at our offices for testing.
We’re anxious to see how they set up and handle the challenges of narrow, low pressure cyclocross tires, and stay tuned for those results, but we have some early observations and measurements.
NoTubes’ carbon Valor rim is 19.3mm deep, 26.4mm wide external, 21.3mm internal. © Cyclocross Magazine
Anyone interested in carbon wheels retailing for nearly $2k would probably hope for some weight savings. Our test set, with 3.30 Ti disc brake hubs (11-speed rear) approach the weights of carbon tubulars, at 1345g including tape and valves:
- Front wheel, including yellow tape and red alloy valve stems (about 10g total): 615g
- Rear wheel, including tape and valve: 730g
At that weight, they should save over a pound off the typical alloy stock disc brake wheelset on disc brake cyclocross bikes, and about 100g over NoTubes’ own alloy Iron Cross Pro wheelset (see our upcoming long-term review in Issue 25).
While the weight savings is attractive, the NoTubes says the carbon rim promises better strength and rider comfort. Comparing to the Iron Cross wheelsets (Pro, Team, Comp) that have recommended maximum rider weights of 170, 185, and 195 pounds, respectively, the Valor builds should be better suited for larger riders, with a maximum rider weight of 230 pounds.
NoTubes’ carbon Valor uses Sapim Laser spokes and Double Square Locking alloy nipples, and has a maximum rider weight of 230 pounds. © Cyclocross Magazine
NoTubes claims that the rims is designed for compliance, maintaining that “the Valor’s carbon rim lay-up is engineered to absorb radial vibrations and impacts adding suspension to a bike…” When dressed with fat 29er tires on a suspended bike, we hopefully can be forgiven for being skeptical on how much a rider will notice improved rim compliance, but in the world of cyclocross and gravel racing, any extra compliance may be welcomed.
NoTubes’ carbon Valor 29er/CX tubeless wheelset is for low pressure only. Don’t try to use them with Road Tubeless tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
Another detail that’s immediately noticeable is the lack of a hook bead on the new Valor carbon rims. The bead height is extremely short, typical of NoTubes’ Bead Socket Technology design, but there isn’t a prominent hook on that rim bead. One might wonder if the tire will stay on the rm without the hook, but at low pressures, test racers haven’t had any issues (just heed the maximum 35psi label on the rim).
$1900 is a lot to spend on any wheelset, any tubular loyalists may scoff at the idea of spending that coin on a clincher-based wheelset. But the weight savings and ability to race and train on one wheelset with the pinch and puncture resistance of tubeless tires should be attractive to some.
Stay tuned for our full review in Issue 25, and see the full photo gallery below.
Stan’s NoTubes Valor, Cyclocross Build Specs:
Rim Depth: 19.3mm deep
Rim Width: 26.4mm (26.5mm measured) external, 21.3mm (21.35mm measured) internal
Front wheel weight: 615g (including tape, valve)
Rear wheel weight: 730g (including tape, valve)
Front Hub: 24h 3.30Ti QR Disc 6 bolt
Rear Hub: 28h 3.30RDTi QR Disc 6 bolt x 135mm 11 speed
Spokes: Front: 24 2X Sapim Laser Rear: 28 3X drive side, 2X non-drive side
Nipples: Sapim Double Square Alloy Locking Nipples
Maximum Recommended Rider Weight: 230 pounds
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