Stan’s low-profile, lightweight rims have confirmed their strength in the years we’ve been using them and the Alpine cross-country rims are no exception. They'll flex and eventually fail if you hammer them, but don’t go mental and you’ll be fine.
The 21mm internal width gives enough support for larger tyres to add protection. They’re not the stiffest under power, but their low weight means they boost acceleration and agility.
We’ve not spent long enough on these particular wheels to really rate the bearings yet, but reports from elsewhere are good. They come with tubeless tape and valves installed, and there are end caps and conversion kits for all axle types.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
