Bike Hubs

Hub Types

Hubs are a crucial part of any bicycle, directly affecting the performance, reliability, and comfort of your ride. Understanding the different types of hubs available can help you choose the best option for your bike. Additionally, the axle standard of your bike determines how the hub connects to the frame and fork. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of hubs and axle standards:

Disc Brake Hubs

Disc brake hubs are designed specifically to work with disc brake systems, offering better braking performance in all weather conditions. These hubs come with a center lock or 6-bolt pattern for attaching the disc rotor, and they provide improved stopping power, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Disc brake hubs are ideal for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and other bikes that need high-performance braking on rough terrain. They also offer a smoother and more consistent braking experience compared to rim brakes.

Rim Brake Hubs

Rim brake hubs are compatible with traditional rim brake systems. These hubs provide reliable performance in dry conditions and are commonly used on road bikes, hybrid bikes, and many city bicycles. They are lighter and simpler in design compared to disc brake hubs and are typically more affordable. Rim brake hubs work by utilizing brake pads that grip the rim of the wheel, creating friction to slow the bike down. While they may not perform as well in wet conditions, they remain a popular choice for riders who don’t require the extreme stopping power of disc brakes.

Internal Gearing Hubs

Internal gearing hubs offer a convenient, low-maintenance option for shifting gears without the need for external derailleurs. These hubs house the gears inside the hub shell, providing smooth, efficient shifting in any weather. They are commonly found on city bikes, commuter bikes, and some touring bikes, making them ideal for urban cycling and long-distance rides. The ability to shift gears while stationary is a unique benefit of internal gearing hubs, providing ease of use in stop-and-go traffic or when riding in hilly terrain.

Dynamo Hubs

Dynamo hubs are equipped with a built-in generator that produces electrical power as you ride, allowing cyclists to power lights, GPS devices, and other electronics directly from the bike. These hubs are ideal for commuters, touring cyclists, and those who spend long hours on their bikes and rely on reliable lighting. Dynamo hubs are available in both rim and disc brake versions, and while they create a small amount of drag, the benefit of having consistent power without the need for batteries makes them an attractive option for many riders.

Axle Standards

The axle standard of a bicycle determines how the wheels are mounted to the frame and fork. It’s important to choose the right axle standard for your bike to ensure proper fit and performance. Here are the most common axle standards found in modern bicycles:

Quick Release (QR)

The Quick Release axle standard is one of the most common and was widely used before the advent of thru-axles. With a QR system, a lever is used to clamp the wheel securely to the frame or fork. It’s fast and easy to use, making it a popular choice for road bikes and older mountain bikes. However, quick release axles are less stiff than thru-axles and may not offer the same level of security.

Thru-Axle

Thru-axles are a more secure and rigid alternative to quick release axles. The "Thu-axle" axle passes through the frame or fork and screws into place, which helps eliminate any movement or flex. This type of axle standard is commonly found on modern mountain bikes, road bikes, and gravel bikes, providing improved strength and stability. Thru-axles also offer better alignment for disc brakes, which is crucial for performance. There are various sizes of thru-axles, including 12mm, 15mm, and 20mm, depending on the bike type and intended use.

Boost

Boost is a newer axle standard that increases the width of the hub flanges and the spacing between the dropouts. This results in a stronger wheel and more clearance for wider tires. Boost axles use a 12mm thru-axle and have a 110mm front spacing (compared to the traditional 100mm) and a 148mm rear spacing (compared to 142mm). This standard is commonly found on modern mountain bikes and offers increased strength and stiffness for tackling rough terrain.

Super Boost

Super Boost is an even wider version of the Boost standard. It increases rear hub spacing to 157mm, offering more spoke tension and greater stiffness, ideal for aggressive mountain biking. This standard is most commonly seen in high-end, long-travel mountain bikes.

Hub Components

Bicycle hubs comprise several essential components that ensure functionality and performance. Understanding these parts helps with maintenance, upgrades, and replacements.

• Bearings: Sealed cartridge bearings that require minimal maintenance and adjustable "cup-and-cone" systems.
• Axles: Axles provide structural support for the wheel and come in quick-release or thru-axle designs, tailored for specific bike types.
• End Caps: Caps allow hubs to adapt to various bike frame standards, enabling versatile configurations.
• Freehubs: Integrated into the rear hub, enabling the wheel to spin freely when coasting and engaging efficiently when pedaling. They are compatible with specific cassettes such as "Shimano HG," SRAM XD, or "MicroSpline." Freehubs are crafted from materials like aluminum for lightweight designs or steel for durability.

Recommended Brands

We offer hubs from the world's leading manufacturers, each providing unique technologies and benefits. These trusted brands are favored by cyclists across all disciplines for their reliability and innovation.

• Shimano: Known for precise engineering, Shimano hubs feature smooth "cup-and-cone" bearings, durable freehubs, and universal compatibility for road, MTB, and hybrid bikes.
• DT Swiss: Renowned for their "Ratchet System" hubs, combining lightweight construction with quick engagement and durability, ideal for high-performance bikes.
• Novatec: Offers budget-friendly yet high-quality hubs with features like sealed bearings and robust freehubs, suitable for various bike types and budgets.
• Zipp: Specializes in lightweight, aerodynamic hubs for road and MTB bikes, utilizing premium materials like carbon fiber and titanium for racing cyclists.
• Specialized: Offers hubs optimized for performance and durability, featuring innovative designs that enhance power transfer and withstand diverse terrains.