BIG FLATS, N.Y. (BRAIN) — The Stan's M-pulse hubs have been in development for the past two years to enhance engagement with less resistance than conventional pawl-and-ratchet hubs.
What makes the M-pulse hub stand out is a locking-engagement system with six pawls equipped with Neodymium rare earth magnets. With 216 points of engagement, the hub needs only 1.66 degrees of rotation to apply torque to the rear wheel, according to Stan's.
When engaged, according to Stan's, multiple teeth on each pawl lock into a hardened steel ratchet ring while each pawl's magnet ensures perfect alignment. The company said this not only lets M-pulse freehubs engage more reliably and consistently than traditional spring-based pawl designs, but it also produces less friction and rotational resistance when not engaged.
The M-pulse engagement system is based on the Project321 magnetic pawl design. All freehub body shells, magnetic pawls, ratchet rings, spacers, and axles are manufactured at Project321's small-batch CNC shop in Bend, Oregon. Each M-pulse hub is then assembled at Stan's headquarters in Big Flats. Machining the key M-pulse components in the U.S. and assembling the hubs in New York allows a higher degree of precision, attention to detail, and quality control, according to Stan's.
The hubs feature Enduro bearings with a custom grease fill optimized for low resistance, and every bearing is shielded, meaning no bearing seal is directly exposed.
They are available as complete wheelsets (MSRP starting at $965) laced to the MK4 asymmetric rims — including the 30mm wide Flow MK4, 28mm wide Arch MK4, and 25mm wide Crest MK4 that were all launched last summer. They are offered with Shimano Micro Spline, HG, or SRAM XDR freehubs, six-bolt or Centerlock brake style, and configurations to fit all popular through-axle widths.
Initially wheels with M-pulse hubs will be available through local and online bike shops. Eventually, consumers will also be able to purchase online from Stan's.
