UK Rider Olly Wilkins Gets on with S2 and MK4 Wheels
If you've ever seen Olly Wilkins ride a bike, you can tell he knows how to have a whole lot of fun on two wheels: scrubbing jumps, ripping turns, throwing the bike into corners, and even throwing the occasional backflip at the dirt jumps. Between his dirt jumper, trail bike, and e-bike, Olly rolls on both our S2 and MK4 series wheels. We sent Olly out with videographer Jacob Gibbins to capture some trail footy of him riding the high-engagement, magnetic pawl Flow MK4's on the trail bike and Flow S2 on the ebike. Scroll through to check out both videos and for a little Q&A with the man himself.
Stan's NoTubes: What's it been like riding on the S2 and MK4 wheels?
Olly Wilkins: It’s been great riding both sets of wheels back to back. The flow wheel is really a product which suits me perfectly. Over my years riding flow wheels they’ve become a ‘fit and forget’ product. Performance wise they’re spot on and they’re durable enough to never think about!
SNT: What do you think of the M-Pulse hub's magnets?
OW: When I was told about the magnets I felt as though they would probably be another bike industry marketing USP. I’ve been blown away by them since. The lack of drag, the positive engagement got me at first. I then became interested in the design theory behind them and it seems to me that squashing a spring to engage pawls is an inferior solution now!! Maybe I’m drinking the coolade but certainly these hubs work! Zero drag makes sense to me!
Flow MK4 Features:
- Low-drag, magnetic pawl M-Pulse hubs with instant 1.66º drive engagement
- Adjustable hub preload allows longer bearing life and lower friction to roll smoother
- MK4 rims featuring light and durable 6069 aluminum with welded joints & reinforced spoke bed
- Low-profile 30mm internal width optimizes tire shape, traction, and control for 2.3-2.6” tires
- BST-Asymmetric design combines Stan’s legendary easy tubeless inflation with a stronger, more balanced wheel build
Flow S2 Features:
- Fast E-Sync 8.18° engagement hubs with reinforced high-torque capable pawls
- Light and durable 6069 aluminum with welded joints & reinforced spoke bed
- S2 rims made from 6061 aluminum with sleeved joint and stainless steel rim eyelets
- Low-profile 30mm internal width optimizes tire shape, traction, and control for 2.3-2.6” tires
- Patented BST low-profile rim shape for easy tubeless inflation and the most reliable seal
Available exclusively through your local bike shop
Stan's NoTubes: What's it like switching between an e-bike and "acoustic" on a regular basis?
Olly Wilkins: I switch a LOT on an average week. Honestly the jump bike creates the biggest change in how you ride. My EMTB simply requires slightly longer braking distances. I don’t really think about it otherwise
SNT: What should new riders work on: technique or tricks?
OW: I’m always going to answer this as technique. Maybe it’s because I’m not a trick guy but all my favourite riders are really broadly talented and stylish. I like to watch m an all rounder on a bike. They always have great technique and I think that’s at the heart of unlocking how fun bike riding can be!
SNT: Got any big, new tricks on the dream board?
OW: I am forever searching for a better whip, a better scrub and I’d love to flatspin. I’ve spun 360’s the same for 20 something years now so it’s a tough thing to change! Generally my goals aim towards places, trails and experiences these days. I’m still amazed that I can enjoy tiny improvements in how I ride but they’re too small to aim for now! Haha
SNT: Pick one: dirt jumps or bike park?
OW: I would have to say it’s easy for me to choose dirt jumps over bike park. My perfect day involves a big enduro ride followed by a ride at the dirt jumps so bike park probably comes last believe it or not!
