[Closed] Stans Flow EX or Mavic EN521?

Can't comment on the mavic's mate , but the flows are great. I've smashed mine down some really rocky trails in the lakes and they stand up well.

Have got some 521s on 20 mm XT from 2011 they're still straight and true. Sometimes think about changing them but I know I won't

My 521's have been spot on too.

Hmmmm, might give them a go!

I can't compare with 521s but with pretty similiar capability 721s (the posher and theoretically stronger model). Broken 'em both for a fair comparison 🙂

They're pretty similiar tbh. But the Mavics are harder- harder to dent etc. Stans rims tend to be a little soft, which means they pick up dings more easily (and straighten more easily, to balance it out a bit). I've put a big dent right into the bed of my rear flow ex, I'd be fairly confident that the 721s wouldn't have been as bad.

But, hardness doesn't equal strength- ie durability. Both cracked after a decent lifespan, both did time in a trailbike and a downhill bike. None got ridden especially [i]well[/i]but then clumsy riding is probably a good test too 😆 The Mavics cracked in a number of places at the spoke eyelets, which was a wee bit irritating since everyone says the eyelets should make them stronger- in practice it seems to create a stress point.

One of the Flows cracked at the valve hole, the other is still in use but is no longer very round so I think it'd be fair to call it dead- it's just dented to the point it doesn't really qualify as a functioning wheel. I don't object, but I reckon the Mavics would have stood up better to that.

So 3 out of the 4 knackered wheels it just came about through use and long term wear and tear. The 4th was a single blunt instrument caused by riding like a cock at fort william. I think on balance the Mavics are slightly more survivable... But then they're also heavier, and not tubeless ready. (but more expensive)

Both good really and I'd buy either again but I preferred the Flows. I think if you often ding rims (ie you like low pressures) then maybe the 521s come into their own.

I'd echo what NW said.

My experience is that the 721 is a very tough rim which doesn't ding easily at all. For a tough, albeit not particularly light, rim it is my first suggestion. If you want something lighter though, then the FlowEX is more suitable. For these reasons, on the hardtail, I run a Flow EX on the front but a 721 on the rear.

Cheers NW, I appreciate that.

I've had no issues with my current wheels, other than the standard hub service and tweak with a spoke key here or there.

One of my mates runs the standard flows and he's had no issues, plus he weighs more than me too!!

I like to think I'm not too heavy on wheels so by the sounds of it I should be ok with the Flows.

The 721 is actually 50g heavier than the 521 - it's an "EX" rathrn than a "EN" too - Extreme? Enduro? - intended for harder use, I think.

And s different alloy to the 521 - Maxtal versus the 521's 6106.

That new 821 is probably a closer comparison to the Flow - still narrow though

Have you considered the new Hope Tech Enduro hoops?

I'm a 521 fanboi having used them for years, but recently stuck a full Hope on the front and all seems good so far

I did consider Hope rims but read mixed reviews, how long have you had yours?

Not sure what the USP of the Hope rims is - you can have a Hope Hoop with a Flow rim, or have one for the same price with a heavier Hope one.

Flow EX

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Hope Enduro

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Mavic 521

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I'd say the Hope looks like the sturdier build

I've just ordered Flow EX so they better be as good as the EN521's they're replacing (now for sale on here ) 😆