107 - 25 Years of Stan's (NoTubes): President Mike Bush on Innovation & Sustainability
Description
Discover the engineering and chemistry behind tubeless technology and more with Stan's (NoTubes) President Mike Bush, whose industrial manufacturing background shaped ~25 years of cycling innovation. Bush explains the technical details of bead seat geometry, the science of sealant particulate systems, and how CT scans of mounted tires revealed the "bead float" phenomenon that caused early tubeless failures. Learn about the development of ExoCor valves designed to address sealant compatibility issues with traditional Presta valves, the chemical reaction that makes Dart puncture plugs work instantly with Stan's sealant, and the biodegradable formulation using natural latex that sets Stan's apart from petroleum-based competitors.
The technical discussion extends to the WPL product line, featuring USDA-certified bio-based lubricants derived from food science research, suspension oils meeting marine industry standards, and innovative dry chain lubes using ethanol solvents and specialized esters for clean operation. Bush shares insights into third-party testing protocols, manufacturing tolerances critical for tubeless success, and the engineering challenges of creating products that work reliably across diverse riding conditions. Whether you're a suspension technician, bike mechanic, or technically-minded cyclist, this episode delivers the deep technical knowledge behind the products that revolutionized mountain biking.
Link: https://stans.com/
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