Multiple disc-compatible tubeless cyclocross wheel options, (relatively) affordable carbon clinchers, and a deep dish hoop that's on par with aero disc options. It's all here in our final Best of Bike PressCamp dispatch.

 

Stan's NoTubes Iron Cross

The new disc-compatible Iron Cross could provide racers a reasonable alternative to tubulars.


For the disc-brake adopting crosser crowd who've tired of gluing tubulars, Stan's NoTubes Iron Cross hoops could be a solid alternative solution. And now the disc-compatible wheels come in three options.

Tubeless functionality means you can still run the lower tire pressure that makes tubulars so enticing due to enhanced traction and rolling resistance. But instead of dealing with gluing tires - and being all but locked into a single tire per wheel - various tires can be swapped on and off with relative ease. The one significant downfall is that tubeless wheels run at low pressure tend to be more susceptible to dings and dents caused by rough contact with trail and course obstacles.

The new Iron Cross line, which will be available starting in August, are all built up using the same lightweight, 20mm wide alloy extrusion (claimed weight 375 grams). It's also worth noting that all front hubs can be converted to 15mm thru axle, meaning they can be run on the 2014 Giant cyclocross bikes that are being spec'd with thru-axle forks.

The $595 Iron Cross Comp is the most affordable (and beefiest) of the three models, utilizing 32 spokes front and rear mated with a Stan's 330RD rear hub that's now 11-speed compatible. DT Swiss Super Comp spokes and alloy nipples provide further durability. Claimed weight is 1,590 grams.

One step up is the Iron Cross Team ($675, claimed weight 1,510 grams), which are based on last year's model. Highlights include stainless steel bearings and 11-speed compatibility. Spoke counts are 24 front, 28 rear. A 330RD hub, DT Swiss Super comp spokes, and alloy nipples round out the package.

The top end Iron Cross Pro ($875, claimed weight 1,400 grams) are also 24/28 spoke count, but upgrade to a 3.30RDTi hubset built up with DT Swiss Revolution butted stainless steel spokes. They also get a subtle touch of bling courtesy of red alloy nipples and red alloy valve stems. A titanium ratchet ring, stainless steel bearings, carbon fiber QR levers and a double padded wheel bag complete the package. More info at NoTubes.com.

ENVE Composites



The ENVE 8.9 now comes as a clincher.

Utah's ENVE showed up at PressCamp crowing about its (relatively) affordable, made-in-the-USA 350 Classic Series of carbon wheels. The news here is that via a partnership with DT Swiss, ENVE is now offering the 25mm, 45mm and 65mm Classics built up with more affordable DT350 hubs, which allows for an MSRP that's $1,850 for a tubular or $2,050 for clincher. That might not sound cheap, but it's less than many of the competitors offerings, and in-line with the cost of high-end alloy wheels.

Of course if you prefer to stick with a lighter (and more expensive hub) the Classics also come spec'd with DT180 or DT240s mated with DT Aerolite spokes versus the Mach Prime that comes on the DT350 models. Claimed weight for the 25mm clincher with DT350 hub 1,427 grams compared to 1,297 for the DT180 version. All ENVE wheels come with a 5-year warranty and lifetime crash replacement.

ENVE also rounded out its SES (Smart ENVE System) line with the new 8.9 clincher. The bold claim here is that this deep dish (85mm front, 95mm rear) wheel offers all the aero advantages of a full disc without the fall off in handling. ENVE says that in wind tunnel testing the wheel was the "fastest in class when installed on a bike with a mannequin" and that proprietary "molded spoke hole technology allows for higher spoke tensions and more durable wheel builds." Claimed weight with DT240 hubs is 1,739 grams. MSRP: $3,300. Learn more at ENVE.com.

Reynolds SLG Wheelsets



The New Reynolds Strike SLG is a 1,635-gram, 62mm wind cheater with a $1,900 price tag.

Not to be outdone in the "affordable" carbon wheel race, Reynolds (also based in Utah) has revamped its Performance line for 2014 with three new offerings: the 29mm Attack SLG (1,365 grams; MSRP: $1,600), the 41mm Assault SLG (1,540; $1,800), and the 62mm Strike SLG (1,635; $1,900).

All three wheelsets utilize a wide 25mm oval-shaped profile. This more rounded shape is claimed to provide better road feel, increased aerodynamics, and allows for easier nipple servicing. Reynolds' proprietary Swirl Lip Generator technology (SLG) is purported to smooth turbulence around the wheel. All three wheels come as clinchers, with a tubular option only available for the Assault. The Assault also has a disc-specific build with a claimed weight of 1,540 grams. More info at ReynoldsCycling.com.

Deer Valley Resort



Another fine day at Deer Valley Resort.

Last but not least, we'd be remiss if we didn't give a quick shout out to Deer Valley, host of the annual Bike PressCamp trade show. Though it will always be better known for its wintertime pursuits, the sun-splashed resort is an ideal launching pad for all types of cycling adventures. There's a litany of nearby roads that offer everything from menacing climbs, to tranquil valley spinning.

And of course there's plenty of mountain biking options, too. The resort is littered with lift-serviced trails that accommodate a range of abilities. And many of them can be connected with Park City's labyrinth network of singletrack, providing access to about 400 miles of fat tire bliss. No wonder the area was recently designated as the world's first Gold-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

How did Park City become a gold-level Ride Center? "It all stems from a commitment to master planning," explains IMBA Regional Director Ryan Schutz on IMBA.com. "The sheer miles of trails are fantastic, but what's really important is that they function as a cohesive network, with signage and trail connections that create a model riding area."

We couldn't agree more. To learn more about cycling at Deer Valley, go to DeerValley.com.