American Classic MTB Race 650B Tubeless

Thirty years of commitment to research and innovation yielded the world’s fastest, most advanced cross country race wheels in 26, 29 and new 650B sizes. Bill Shook designed this unique tubeless race wheel system emphasizing strength, durability and stiffness in a concept Bill calls, “multiplying lightness.” These rims are a whopping 28mm wide x 22mm deep. Ride a smaller, lighter tire because it spreads out across the rim without sacrificing traction and handling. Our wide Race rims offer improved ground control because the tire is not floating around. Bead barb technology hooks on the tire bead to secure the tires in place without burping. Lighter 14/16 AC Race Round spokes were specially designed for this hand built wheel system. Dominating at the races this season, our racers prized their speed, quick accelerations, decisive cornering, nimble climbing, speedy descents, and low maintenance. A solid choice for pure speed at full throttle power. When seconds count in the relentless pursuit to win, our MTB Race Tubeless wheels deliver the ultimate technological advantage.

WIDE RIMS IMPROVE CYCLING PERFORMANCE

Everybody is talking about wider rims for both road and mountain bike. What does it really mean for you, the rider? There are a few wide rim profiles on the market but they are either heavy, or too light and flexy. Bill Shook used his mathematical abilities to design our revolutionary wide rims, attaining the goal of being light, stiff, strong, aerodynamic and wide, all in one rim. To start, wide rims mean riding lighter, smaller performance tires with cushiony, high air volume and firm surface grip. Larger width tires offer more air volume but they are heavy with a sluggish ride quality. The desired combined wheel and tire qualities are achieved by stretching out the smaller tire casing on a wide rim and effectively making the tire bigger. Also, smaller tires on wide rims reduce tire roll on the rims. With a narrow rim and a wide tire, the rim floats from side to side on the tire. Using a wider rim with a smaller tire minimizes float for improved handling, confidence and control. The rim is lower weight at the extreme outer edge of the wheel decreasing rolling resistance and boosting speed. Our wider, lighter rims translate into crisp accelerations, firm ground control, faster rolling on the flats and decisive handling for the extra edge needed by competitive athletes.

WHY MTB TUBELESS?
THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO RUN TUBELESS WHEELS IS TO AVOID FLAT TIRES.

Our mountain bikers have been successfully riding and racing AC tubeless wheels for the last few years. Bill Shook is taking tubeless rim technology to the next level. Our tubeless wheels are set up with two AC honey colored tape layers to cover the spoke holes. Next, install tubeless ready clincher tires and pump liquid sealant into the system through our proven AC valves. The liquid sealant replaces the conventional tube. You may ask how our tubeless system works. Bill Shook designed the rim with a bead barb running along the edge of the bead shelf. When installed, the tire firmly pops into position over the bead barb. The tire bead centers and tightly grips the circumference of the rim creating a sealed environment to hold the liquid sealant without burping. The number one reason to run tubeless wheels is to avoid flat tires. The sealant quickly fills and closes small holes in the tire preventing flats caused by rocks, thorns and other trail debris. Pinch flats can not occur because a tube is not needed. Our tubeless system is about speed. It lowers wheel weight at the extreme outer edge of the rim resulting in lower rolling resistance. In a traditional clincher set up, the tire and tube interface moves as the wheel rolls, creating friction and energy loss. With the AC tubeless set up, there is no frictional energy loss between the tire and tube because the tube is gone. Liquid sealant is lighter than a tube. You can ride lighter weight tires with our tubeless system because you don’t have to use tires made with heavy, inflexible puncture layers. Overall, our tubeless system is lighter and the wheel will spin up faster with less rider energy output. And the best part is flat tires are past history.

THE 650B ADVANTAGE

Whether you call it 650B or 27.5, this mountain bike standard is here to stay. American Classic was a believer from the beginning, now introducing our second generation of 650B wheels and rims. Blending the best features of 26” and 29” mountain bikes, the advantages of 650B are legion. 650B riders tout the 29er big wheel advantages of lower rolling resistance and high speed, better traction, improved roll over characteristics and larger contact patch. Smaller like 26”, our 650B system is light weight offering quick maneuverability and acceleration, a lower center of gravity and reduced suspension travel limitations. AC new 650B line up is mid-sized excellence achieved.