Prototype Spank Stem and New Wheels - Eurobike 2011

Sep 1, 2011 at 13:37

Spank had a some early prototype versions of their upcoming Spike stem at the show for people to see, with the fully CNC'd examples attracting a lot of attention. There are only a few of these in the world at this point, but production versions will be forged before CNC'ing takes them down to their final shape. It weighs in at just 135 grams for the stubby 35mm version, despite it being designed for gravity riding or any other abuse that you can dish out.

Spank Spike stem details:
• Full CNC'd and hand finished prototype show above (production will be forged and CNC'd)
• Intended for gravity use, but light enough to run on an all-mountain bike
• Lengths: 35mm, 50mm
• Weight: 135 grams (35mm), 150 grams (50mm)
• MSRP: $69 USD

The Spike stem is shaped to proved extra strength and stiffness when used with a wide modern handlebar - notice how it flares out at each corner of the body and face plate, but tapers in drastically at the stem's mid point (left). Spank stems also come with their own sealed topcap (right) to help keep the muck out, although they can be fitted with a regular headset cap as well.

Also available in black and red (shown above), the Spike stem features a trick raised logo in its faceplate.

Spank was proudly showing off their brand new Spike Race28 EVO rim. Weighing a scant 500 grams, an impressive number given its intentions as an out and out downhill race rim, it will likely also pop on a number of all-mountain and enduro machines as well, especially those who are looking for a lightweight rim that they can use with high volume rubber. It uses many of the same technologies that the recently reviewed Oozy rims employ, including the double concave Oohbah rim well profile and Double BeadNip sidewalls that prevents tires from unseating when using low pressures.

Spank Spike Race28 EVO rim details:
• Intended for gravity or all-mountain use
• 28mm outer, 23mm inner width
• 500 grams per rim
• Dynamal MGR Alloy construction
• Oohbah dual concave inner rim well
• Double BeadNip sidewalls
• 26" and 29" versions
• MSRP: $80 USD

Spank has also made the jump to building complete wheelsets for 2012, including a version built around the Race28 EVO rim shown above. The aptly named Spike Race28 EVO wheelset has been assembled with gravity racing in mind, but just like the rim on its own, the complete wheelset weight of 1960 grams makes them light enough to be used on a five or six inch travel bike as well.

They are hand built with Sandvik's triple butted spokes and anodized alloy nipples, helping to keep the weight at a low level. Compatibility is the name of the game, with Spank offering adapters to fit nearly every hub spacing out there, including 9mm QR, 15mm and 20mm front sizes, and 135mm, 142mm and 150mm rear options. They even do a kit that allows the rear hub to accept a 10mm thru-axle. In other words the Race28 EVO's should be compatible with not only your current bike, but your next few as well! Retail price is an impressive $499 USD.

The rear hub used on the Spike Race28 EVO wheelset features a trick steel shelled freehub body (top right) that has been stripped of any unnecessary material, including surplus splines. The steel freehub will stand up much better to cassettes that don't use a carrier, resisting the gouging that the separate cogs can sometimes cause. The Spike Race28 EVO (bottom right) are available in a new satin-peen finish that is claimed to be more durable over the long haul. While the new rims, wheels and stems are certainly eye catchers, Spank also had a roll of their new Fratelli tubeless rim tape on hand (left).

The 25mm wide tape can be used on any suitable width rim, but is designed to fit all of Spank's EVO series rims. Combine the Fratelli tape and Spank's 35mm tubeless valve onto an EVO series rim for a quick and easy tubeless conversion.

Check out the Spank website to see their entire lineup.

Stay tuned for more from Eurobike 2011

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76 Comments

Score Time

+ 17

brit-100 (Sep 2, 2011 at 2:04)

No eyelets AND alloy nipples? Wheel/rim building shortcuts. Dislike. Go ask the wheel builder in your local bike shop why eyeletted rims and brass nipples are worth the extra weight.

beckhead (Sep 2, 2011 at 2:24)

Have you ridden Spank rims? If you haven't I don't think you're one to pass judgement.
I know for a fact that other spank rims (Tweet Tweet, Subrosa) without the above hold up to serious abuse with no issues, namely a massive mat of mine that thrashes the crap out of them and they're still dead straight, no flat spots. More than I can say for any other rims that he or I have ridden.

+ 24

brit-100 (Sep 2, 2011 at 2:40)

Yes, actually, I have riden Spank rims, and I've built quite a few of them for other people too.
I'm not questioning their strength, or design or blah blah blah. It's more that (as a wheelbuilder) I'd always spend my cash on an eyeletted rim, and would always use brass nipples where possible, just for ease of use and longevity. I've seen way too many rims crack around the spoke holes, and countless rounded/siezed/snapped alloy nipples. Saving a few grams is all well and good, but you'll be regretting it in 18 months or so when you can't true or re-dish your wheel without a full rebuild.

Specialized OEM alloy nipples have kept many a shop mechanic busy!

+ 11

dannythekiwi (Sep 2, 2011 at 3:32)

+ 1! Brass nipples are the best!

beckhead (Sep 2, 2011 at 3:35)

I'll definitely agree with the brass/alloy nips, but if the rim is actually well designed there isn't always a benefit to the eyelets. For example the NS rims with the nips pulling through, eyelets would almost certainly benefit it. These rims actually appear to be a design more suitable for no eyelets though, being there isn't a lot of flat area around the spoke hole for it to pull at.
Thanks for the intelligent reply though, unlike what we usually get on here, and sorry (in hindsight Wink

) if I came across angry in my first comment.

+ 12

brit-100 (Sep 2, 2011 at 3:45)

I know, isn't it weird to have a sensible, coherant conversation in Pinkbike comments?!?

I think there is a tendancy for wheelbuilders, definately including myself, to get a bit narrow minded and evangelical about little things like spoke nipples and eyelets.

VTwintips (Sep 2, 2011 at 4:44)

Ya I agree with brit-100. I was building my first wheelset and the head mech refused to let me use alloy nipples. Theres got to be a good reason.

sam264 (Sep 2, 2011 at 5:21)

mainly because alloy nipples oxidise a lot more easily than brass, so they're prone to snapping, seizing and rounding, as brit-100 said. they do look pretty bling though

scbullit36 (Sep 2, 2011 at 5:22)

I've been using Atomlab rims now for almost 2 full seasons on my DJ bike without eyelets. I haven't seen any cracks yet. I agree with stpguy69...if the rim is well designed there isn't always a benefit to eyelets.

aliclarkson (Sep 2, 2011 at 5:43)

I have to disagree with Brit-100. I build up to 10 wheels a day for a bike brand with un-eyeletted rims and I really don't see it as a problem. I am a street trials rider and I swear by Spank rims, they are the stiffest strongest rims for their weight I have ever used and I would say the type of riding I do is pretty harsh on rims. There are pretty much no Trials specific rims that use eyelets, they just are not that important and you can still get very tight spokes.

I also swear by alloy nipples, they are a no brainer for me, any wheel I build if I have the option I'll always use alloy nipples. If you are stripping them then get a better spoke key, lube them and they won't corrode and I find you can actually get a higher spoke tension using them as the alloy has a little "give" when twisting around a harder (and rougher) steel spoke. A brass nipple is like rubbing two hard objects together, at higher tension, they get harder to turn because neither give way to each other.

That is my experience anyway.

Kitejumping (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:44)

Ali, which ones are you running in the rear? I have been thinking subrosas could be a good rear rim for trials to drop some weight from my 823s, and they look awesome.

aliclarkson (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:48)

I am using Subrosas on my 24" and Spikes on my 26", the Spikes are a little wider so can handle off camber pretty well, but if you run hard enough pressure then Subrosas are fine (I had a pair all of last year).

derekr (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:08)

Just to add my 2 cents there is a reason rims without eyelets are more prone to cracking. Ask an engineer and they'll tell you every material has a crack in it. It is crack propogation that leads to problems. So in this case it is much better to have a larger smooth round hole with a brass eyelet rather than a smaller rough threaded hole. You can try to use a different material to increase resistance to cracking but this would likely make the material more ductile and easier to bend.

ryann (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:57)

I've been rocking Spike and Subrosa rims for a couple years with great success. Even after racing and serious abuse, they stayed true and no serious flat spots save the expected small dents. Haven't noticed any said nipple issues. Spanks' on a roll...

mtbtyrrell (Sep 2, 2011 at 15:33)

i was told my spank subrosa rim would be weak as f*ck, but it's 32h on a 24 inch bike and honestly it's alot stronger than my 48h halo sas, although the nipples have rounded from the no eyelets. in other news that stem is delicious

suicidedownhiller (Sep 2, 2011 at 17:03)

hehe, he said nipples.

aliclarkson (Sep 2, 2011 at 18:19)

the lack of eyeletts doesn't round nipples, bad spoke keys and user error does.

conv3rt (Sep 2, 2011 at 18:41)

nipples nipples nipples nipples - I like this topic

BLIPDH (Sep 2, 2011 at 21:03)

seriously...i had all alloy nipples on my rear wheel and one by one they all snapped....all 32 of them....now ive got brass and a single one hasnt broken

aliclarkson (Sep 3, 2011 at 4:37)

first think that makes me think is that the spokes were slightly too short.

mp11 (Sep 3, 2011 at 5:40)

my mate has some spank rims and they are pretty dinged and a number of flat spots too . . .on the second ride . ..

mtbtyrrell (Sep 3, 2011 at 9:05)

no eyelets does round nipples easier, cause you can't do up the spokes as tight.

aliclarkson (Sep 3, 2011 at 16:02)

that doesn't actually make any sense

mtbtyrrell (Sep 4, 2011 at 16:01)

having no eyelets makes it easier to round your spokes. because the spokes won't go as tight because it just digs into the wall of the rim and stops turning

aliclarkson (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:16)

That still doesn't make sense. For reference, I built up two wheels, one had alloy nipples one had brass. I like really tight spokes and the most I could get on the brass nipples was 23 on the Park tension meter. I then built the alloy nippled wheel and got it up to 27 on the meter. Both wheels are still going strong, neither had eyelets.

Eyelets in theory should give you the ability to get higher tension, but in reality it's not always true (the design of the rim does play a part for sure though). I couldn't have gotten the spokes any tighter on the alloy nippled wheel even if it had eyelets. I would never base my purchase of a rim on weather it had eyelets or not.

[Reply]

+ 11

DRASTIC (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:11)

rims/wheels look awesome. any idea on price range for the wheelset?

mikelevy Mod Plus (Sep 2, 2011 at 3:31)

Just added to the article - $499 USD for the Spike Race28 EVO wheelset.

ryfri66 (Sep 2, 2011 at 8:52)

that is such a good price and they look sick too!

DRASTIC (Sep 2, 2011 at 20:07)

awesome price. thanks mike.

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tom-cuthbert (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:19)

YUS!

Now something other than DT Cheese to rival ZTR Flows in the Sub 500 rim category tup

Look kick ass too!

WAKIdesigns (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:56)

too bad both these and flows have no eyelets so it's abit of a weight cheating

spaced (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:09)

Flows still hold up to abuse great so who cares?

kanter (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:27)

My rear Flow is cracked at every spoke hole... every one.

WAKIdesigns (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:01)

Well I think Flow is an awesome rim for XC, for those who want to run high volume, super light, flexy tyres like Supersonic versions of Contis or Evo Schwalbies like Rocket Rons. If you put a 2,4" Rocket Ron Evo on a narrow rim like XM719, and you wanna do some pumptracking or simply corner a bit harder, then heh - happy boinks!

Though as far as gravity riding goes, 470g for an alu rim seems suspiciously light, especially that due to lack of eyelets, you can't tension them as well as any eyeleted rims. Haven't tried so I stop here...

Willie1 (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:30)

I have three sets of Spank rims, and all are impressively strong for their weight. I haven't built any stan's wheels, but these DO NOT need the eyelets. I use alloy nipples in my wheels, and with monthly maintenance, they do not seize. On friend's bikes, I have gone back to brass nipples because they don't take the time to do a drop of lube on the nipples once a month. I have recommended spank rims to many people looking for a light strongh wheel that isn't a pre built such as the easton's or crank brother's. Pilar tripple butted spokes in a 32 hole rim 3x lacing and they are a dream to ride. I have a set on CK hubs, a set on Hope hubs, and a set on Burgtec hubs.

spaced (Sep 2, 2011 at 8:26)

Waki I have none of the mentioned problems. Been using my flow since april and it holds to abuse great. 1 week in Maribor, 2 weeks in Morzine plus ~2 weeks of riding in Ruzomberok bikepark and a few days in the local spots. I tend to be very heavy on the wheels and the flow holds up great. No traction on maxxis 2.5 either.

kanter (Sep 2, 2011 at 12:14)

Go check your rims. Im super light on my gear and my rear Flow only lasted about 15-20 days at Whistler. They are still true and round with no dents, but like I said the rear is cracked at every hole.

spaced (Sep 3, 2011 at 3:08)

Oh Hi Kanter. Its Norbar from RM Wink

As for flows - that is why I dont put them in the rear. I know they wouldnt last there but for the front they are quite fine. That an an expect wheelbuilding friend.

WAKIdesigns (Sep 3, 2011 at 13:36)

Hehe it changes the discussion a bit when you say they hold up great as front rims Smile

many people I know doing DH/bikeparking have trouble with keeping ex721s in a good shape (or any shape) and that's like 80g more material, almost 20%. They say assumption's the mother of all fk ups but... I'll use Flows for aggro XC to support thin walled high volume tyres, but nowhere further

spaced (Sep 3, 2011 at 14:07)

On the rear I understand that but if you kill the 721s on the front you need to ride less like a bag of potatos. I may not be fast but im a hack and I ride front heavy so Id be suprised if someone can kill a flow 1 season on the front.

[Reply]

leef (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:32)

oh wtf... the silver spike stem is just sooo.... sex. its one of those components that you swear you will someday get, somehow. for me at least

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Eyon (Sep 2, 2011 at 1:15)

I think I'll be ordering one of those stems, look sick!

As for their new rim tape, it just looks like Kapton tape, nothing special, its just fire proof tape used in the electronics world.

kanioni (Sep 2, 2011 at 4:05)

Yea the stem looks great, but I'm not really sure about the necessity of that sealed cap. I'd rather buy the stem for less money and use a normal top cap instead. Nonetheless, look's nice & bling!

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dazem (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:55)

stem looks sick, would look even better if they counter sunk the back side of the threads on the steerer clamp bolts...Also Please start posting engagement details on Hub/wheels, IMO its THE most important detail....

alexrieger94 (Nov 28, 2011 at 17:18)

27t engagement system with 3 pawls

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shishka (Sep 2, 2011 at 9:20)

Good stuff from Spank. Everything looking dialed and light and not too pricey. They have graduated from young upstart company to real contenders.

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Kamba6 (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:36)

That is a sexy looking stem and for under €50. Mewants.

[Reply]

bart-666 (Sep 17, 2011 at 14:56)

when is that stem on sale really impressed with the old 1 but deff want the new 1

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jaseridesbikes (Jan 24, 2012 at 23:17)

So are the complete wheelsets 26" only? Kind of made it sound like they were releasing 29" wheels too?

[Reply]

DownhillisChill (Sep 3, 2011 at 11:38)

Spank sucks. I had a stem of them which i stripped the screws just after getting it

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MBUKrules (Sep 2, 2011 at 14:35)

If you want to hear how good spike rims are just ask ken from campofchampions, he used them on the dh bikes there

[Reply]

Keiron (Sep 2, 2011 at 12:24)

I'm tempted to get a pair of Spike Evo Rims. Is it really that difficult to take tyres off their rims?

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bendy (Sep 2, 2011 at 14:06)

that is, without any hesitation, the sexyest stem in manafacturing (thats not direct mount Razz

)

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carmarvalde (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:51)

I like better the first version of the spike stem with the BMX stile! but well it looks the new one is 20g lighter.

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DH-DANIMAL (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:31)

Looking spanky

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mountguitars (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:59)

im impressed with the weight and the option to use different sized axles on the wheelsets. any price estimates?

mikelevy Mod Plus (Sep 2, 2011 at 3:31)

Just added to the article - $499 USD for the Spike Race28 EVO wheelset.

mountguitars (Sep 2, 2011 at 14:36)

thanks mike! the price seems reasonable if not hard to beat. i hope you guys can a do a review on it. looks promising. cheers!

[Reply]

krackerjack (Sep 3, 2011 at 8:23)

deff gonna put that stem on my scracth 8

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sortafast (Sep 2, 2011 at 16:18)

I need that stem! Need it now.

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ConorWG (Sep 5, 2011 at 5:31)

Man if that Stem was in Orange!!! So Slick!

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connor-rix (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:22)

Oh my god. They are so sexy!

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razorbiker18 (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:19)

This products are sick! Anyone know the prices? Hope its not that bad....

MmmBones (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:48)

The prices are listed in the those crazy things between the shiny shine.

razorbiker18 (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:54)

Oh thanks I found it, and prices are not bad.

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b-rad99 (Sep 2, 2011 at 16:15)

Spank is making suck sick stuff Big Grin

i love it

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Fletch54321 (Sep 2, 2011 at 0:54)

This stem is so sick!!! I want one!!

[Reply]

brett7 (Sep 2, 2011 at 1:33)

Those wheels look awesome!!!!!

[Reply]

lely-pie (Sep 2, 2011 at 12:53)

i personally think that stem is ugly

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qman11 (Sep 2, 2011 at 6:33)

they should totally make a direct mount.

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connen31 (Sep 2, 2011 at 1:00)

Am I the only one to spot the atomlab aircorp hub?

OTehNoes (Sep 2, 2011 at 2:48)

Where..?

Willie1 (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:39)

The factory that makes formula hubs makes the atomlab, novatec, NS Bikes, Octane One, SRAM, superstar hubs etc. The axles and freehubs are interchangeable between the different brands as long as it is the same line of hub. They are all just etched with different brand names.

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dhnewbie (Sep 2, 2011 at 2:17)

I love the sexy stem!!

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focofox37 (Sep 2, 2011 at 7:31)

I need a kleen-ex

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rider243 (Sep 2, 2011 at 8:47)

stem is NOICE Smile

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