Stans ZTR Bravo Review
For many years the Stans ZTR FLOW was the definitive all mountain rim, strong, resilient and light. Stans have taken all that experience and built a very interesting wheel with the ZTR BRAVO.
Test Period: 12 months – 1,700 km
When Stans produced the ZTR BRAVO they were a little late to the carbon wheel game, but it’s clear they wanted to do their research first. Amazingly, the BRAVO is offered in 29, 27.5 and even a 26” version, and all feature their RiACT system for extra vertical compliance for a smooth ride. The ZTR BRAVO is targeted at the all-mountain and enduro racer and the 26 mm internal width is (only) just enough to seat the latest 2.5 tires well. We were testing the PRO version with Neo Ultimate hubs and a 72 tooth, 5-degree engagement; not as fast as the fastest, but quick and powerful under the pedals. We like that standard J-bend Sapim Force spokes and nipples have been used, making sourcing replacements easy. Bearing life has been good, but after a full EWS season, they are now starting to feel like an overhaul is needed.
We put the Stans ZTR BRAVO through a hard EWS season and subjected them to some brutal abuse. Not only did they shrug of our repeated attempts to kill them, but they became a firm team favourite. The compliance from the RiACT can be clearly felt on the trail as the wheels actively damp the small trail imperfections and seem to have survived some huge cases well. In one EWS race our elite tester punctured near the top of a rocky stage and rode out on the rim, the damage was, of course, evident, but they did not crack or give up. This vertical compliance does not significantly impact lateral stiffness which is very impressive, line changes are instantaneous, even given the bigger 29-inch versions we were running. Bad lines and hard impacts are dealt with without fuss and grip in flat turns is impressive. We did find with the latest high volume tires, a few more mm’s in width would have allowed us to benefit from slightly lower pressures.
The Stans ZTR BRAVO is an exceptionally good wheelset, light, fast and very comfortable at high speed. They generate huge amounts of grip in broken terrain and accelerate like a firework. We hope Stans follow up with a slightly wider version for more aggressive tyre profiles and lower pressures.
Strengths
- RiACT really works
- Smooth and confident ride
Weaknesses
- A little too narrow
For more information head to notubes.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
