We had the Stan’s Arch 650B rim earmarked for cross-country and all-mountain use, so Hope have laced them with Pro 2 Evo straight-pull hubs and Sapim Race spokes to produce a stiff, light, 650B wheelset. Our test pair weighed in at 1,900g.
We had a few issues getting the Arch rims set up tubeless, even with a compressor. We got it sorted eventually by layering the tubeless tape enough times to give the tyre’s bead a decent seal for initial inflation.
The stiffness of these wheels was a refreshing change from the baggy-feeling 650B wheels we’d been riding previously. They gave more accurate trail feedback and were more confidence in picking and railing faster off-camber lines. Their low weight means they’re keen to accelerate, and Hope’s 24-point engagement freehub is quick to put the power down and the loud clicking of the ratchet lets everyone know when you’re not.
As with everything Hope, the hubs can be adapted to suit every axle configuration out there, and after a couple of months of solid hammering and being ridden every day, they’re still true and the bearings are as smooth as the day they were fitted.