The Bulb Hubs are Hope Technology's answer to the battle between weight and strength. These hubs can be used for DH or dual slalom, but are also light enough for cross country. They can easily be changed from 20mm through-axle to QR in minutes. At only 170 measly grams, this hub is perfect for the finicky cyclist.
Submitted by
Ti
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder County CO Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
corona
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Monk a Moo
Strengths:
36 point engagement. Fit and Finish is perfect.
Weaknesses:
So far so good.
Similar Products Used:
TNT, Shim XT, Phil Wood
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS1 hardtail. Pitbike. Azonic frame small. Atomlab trailpimp 26 inch front, 24 inch rear. Hope Big 'Un front hub, Hope Bulb rear hub. Hope mono mini brake 140 mm disk F/R. Intense Zero tires 26"F/24"R. Ringle headset, ATC Z-6 Dual crown fork at 4 inch travel. Redline BMX handlebars. 9 spd shim XT,Azonic crank 32T chainring with bashguard.
Bottom Line:
Good hub. I would buy an NOS one if available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PJM
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City UT Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
mailorder
Strengths:
Looked good, and seemed a bit less pricey than hubs that cost as much as entire bikes!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
It kept breaking. Probably not meant for the harder-core rider who rides alot of miles, climbs alot, or who may be LARGER....
Similar Products Used:
Just about every hub I ride I seems to fail. (except Bullseys, or shim.xtr's) Have not ridden Kings because of the affordability.
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg frame built into an xc-oriented bike with a light build.
Bottom Line:
This hub I have reviewed below through the last 3 yrs. Check em out. I broke TWO of these rear hubs. The first within the 1st yr of riding, and this second one went out last month after 1.5 more yrs. I do carry 215lbs but almost never leave the ground. The ratchet ring teeth were the culprit BOTH times. Seems that in certain situations, (panic jamming on the pedals in weird trail transitions) one of the pawls catch just right on one of the teeth, and busts it off. Then the piece of tooth that busted off starts grinding all the other teeth down within minutes of pedaling, permanently wrecking the rest of the hub. Even if you notice it,and field-service the ratchet to remove it, you are still doomed...Believe me, I have done it. Unless you ride just a little bit, not really recommended. Lo siento mucho...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Les Takacs
a
from Anchorage, AK, USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Indestructible. Sexy.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
These things simply won't stop spinning. They've ridden through everything and I've neglect to follow the factory recommended service at the appropriate times. It doesn't matter - they're as smooth as they were on day one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from CO Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I've had a bulb front hub in use for over a year now. The hub continues to be issue free. I must admit I don't do anything to the hub (no grease no adjustments, etc). I believe I paid a little bit more than for a shimano, but less than the super high end (CK, Hadley) hubs. But I may have gotten it for sale. Bottom line is no issues on the front end. I may try a rear pro2 someday based on this hub's non issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Souixon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
www.oddsandendos.com
Strengths:
36 point engagement, easy maintainance, Ti freehub body, convertible from QR to 20mm
Weaknesses:
A bit expensive, although not King expensive.
IT BROKE!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, DT Swiss Onyx
Bike Setup:
Blur classic. - all around trail and XC riding.
Bottom Line:
I paid a little extra money and sacrificed some weight to get the Bulb because it was supposed to be 'Bomb Proof', and for the 36 point engagement. It worked flawlessly for 11 months, and then it started having trouble freewheeling. A week later it wouldn't freewheel at all. It turns out a tooth broke off of the ratchet ring, and this problem is not fixable, so I need to build a new wheel. The customer service at Hope is excellent, and they are sending me a new Pro II hub for a replacement (although I want more than 24 point engagement, so I may sell it). That service greatly increases the value rating in my book, so I'll give them 4 chilis there. However, I'd rather not NEED to deal with their customer service, and not have to deal with the downtime and expense of needing to build a new wheel around the replacement hub. This is advertised as a stout hub suitable for tandems and freeriders, and has had many years of production to sort out issues. I'm a 175 pound XC/Trail rider who never does drops over 1 or 2 feet, so this should've lasted me for years. Therefore, overall I'll give it 2 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Bath, PA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Single Track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cyclemania
Strengths:
Cost
Weaknesses:
Freehub
Similar Products Used:
Shimano hubs - I wouldn't say my latest King is similar
Bike Setup:
Stuff that finally doesn't break under my Clyde @ss
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to an older post. I broke the freehub mech. twice. Hope fixed it both times for free, but I had to remove the hub from my wheel and send it to California. I sold the hub to my much lighter brother who loves the hub. I bought a King HD a year ago and have had not one problem with the hub at all.
My last review of this I gave 5 flames, so to make it average right I will give it ones this time.
I think the hub is decent, but not if you break freehubs.
Ken.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a
from Cairns Oz. Date Reviewed: February 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
.
Weaknesses:
Fails.
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Orange, King, Diabolus, 66,$$$
Bottom Line:
Just plain dropped it's guts at about 40km and ZERO WARRANTY.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek, ca Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
wall point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
super smooth, super strong and great color.
Weaknesses:
none!
Similar Products Used:
wtb laser v dh....................sucks ass!!
Bike Setup:
Weyless 67 with spv 4way coil shock, pike race, hope front and rear with singletrack rims, thomson front and rear, michelin all mtn ex tires, avid 8" mech discs, wtb saddle, sram drive train (x9) and other kit.
Bottom Line:
Greats hub's and they're so smooth. Thank you Hope!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PJM
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City,UT Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Great disc hub at a reasonable price. Strong, taller hub flanges for wheel-builder-types. Easy to maintain.
Weaknesses:
Some early ratchet ring failures...
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear
Bottom Line:
This is my final posting on the Hope Bulb Ti rear cassette DISC hub which I reviewed twice below. I will say some of the hate-reviews below are unfair and reactive at best. The 1st time around, I destroyed the ratchet ring within 5-7 hundred miles of riding. AGAIN, this was due to a bad batch of ratchets in a FEW hubs. HOPE quickly explained why my 1st hub failed, (see below explanation) and sent be a brand new one. My take on the 1st failure is as follows: If the axle ends do not pull off easily, allowing you to service and lube, the hub is suspect of having a bad ratchet ring. I thank HOPE for being honest about this, and were very helpful in getting me back on the trail. The new replaced hub worked flawlessly after 2+K of hard, rough singletrack riding under my big 210lb ass. Anyone who is an avid rider needs to ignore the hate-mail reviews and LISTEN TO ME.... This is a great disc hub at a great price-period. It is not the lightest, but if 3 more ounces of NON-ROTATING weight bugs you, that's just fine. Since you are so smart, then go ahead and pay another $200 bucks for some other over-hyped-out product. (re:King/Hugi) PJM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: December 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Engagement points, looks, ease of maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
DT, Hugi, Shimano (XTR/XT), Syncros, Ringle etc.
Bike Setup:
Heckler, Hope hubs, XTR/XT, Sherman Firefly, etc.
Bottom Line:
A great hub that works as advertised. As a previous reviewer mentioned I too have broken a Chris King rear hub but, not the Hope.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from C-Springs Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
RRR
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
36 hole for durability, light weight compared to XC hubs (let alone FR hubs), and that EASY conversion.
Weaknesses:
none, yet. But I haven't tried to perform any maintenance yet.
Similar Products Used:
Big S' Hubs
Bottom Line:
Front Hub only revieW: I bought this hub for my 29er thinking if I didn't like the big wheels I could get a burly hoop and put the wheel on my FR bike. Haven't done that yet but man is it a smooth roller. Lightweight. Relatively cheap for such durability and of course versatility.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Engagement is good enough. Light. Nice sound.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bike Setup:
STP with e13 DRS and X.0 twist grips. Ritchey Girder SC rear rim... 823 front rim on stout hub.
Bottom Line:
The sound seems to fit well with the e13 chain device and the twist grips.
Who should buy this hub? People who want decent engagement at a fair price and build their own wheels.
Who should not buy this hub? a)People that would not appreciate the light weight, strength and engagement can be served by a less expensive hub. b)XC pedalers who don't care about engagement should go with a low drag XTR or Cane Creek Wheelset. c)People who need better engagement for whatever reason.
For Technical XC and Freeride this is a good choice. Anyone who uses a chian device?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pjm
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City,UT Date Reviewed: June 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
This is a follow up on my recent posting. Hope was very good with fast turnaround in getting me quickly back on the trail by quietly taking care of my hub problems. Hope claims some ot the ratchet rings on certain hubs were not hardened properly and can fail, and that it was not a typical problem. After getting it back, I was actually able to take it apart by HAND! This is really important if you ride alot and do regular maintenance checks. The 1st hub which failed, I could not take apart, even with vice grips. With this replacement hub, I was able to pull off the axle cap ends by hand, then pull the cassette carrier/ratchet & pawl mechanism out of the hub shell! This is a completely different scenario than when I first purchased it. Perhaps they now have this mainenance issue solved along with the ratched hardening problem. Ride on!!
Weaknesses:
early hubs
Similar Products Used:
same
Bike Setup:
same
Bottom Line:
A good disc hub if the above problems are really solved. $350 is just too much money for DT's or King's. I will follow up in another yr... pjn
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
p
a Cross Country Rider
from ParkCity,UT Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
reasonable price
Weaknesses:
none at first
Similar Products Used:
Bullseye/White/XTR
Bike Setup:
4" fs air Kona Bear
Bottom Line:
Looked awhile for a disc hub to build a new wheel, thinking King/Hugi/DT, but their price too high. So, I chose a Hope based on their other products, as well as the reasonable price. After around 5-700 miles the ratchet in the hub shell lost a few teeth, and began to skip, then began to freeze up. I weigh 210lbs. After first getting them, I found that you could not take it apart, even with huge vice-grips on the end caps. BAD DESIGN. Not really servicable, and for me anyway, suprisingly short-lived. I am sure Hope will warranty, but I will not ride these again. They now scare me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neil beltz
a Weekend Warrior
from anchorage Date Reviewed: February 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
kincade
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
color(red), smoothness(bearings)
Weaknesses:
lacks side to side play found on generic brands, grease is not bleading out
Similar Products Used:
on mtb's-generic junk, compared to ol' bmx stuff-equivilant to bullseyes
cant go wrong-sure, theyre not made in the usa-but it sets the bike off! speed, precision and reliability are significantly enhanced with these hubs. sure, theres probably comparitive hubs out there, but the red makes envy aplenty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
timmy GoTard
a
from Taunton, M Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the hepstna
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Bought as part of a complete 2nd hand bike
Strengths:
Great hubs. I've had these for two years now and they've lasted two sets of rims.
Weaknesses:
As I write this review I remember that I've not serviced them since since buying them. (Although I sent them to a shop to be rebuilt and they might of!)
These hubs would appear to be excellent, I can't imagine needing another pair for my riding and its progression
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Quality, Made in UK, HOPE, Convertable 20mm and QR, Cartradge bearings, many colours. Altho stupid jenson should stock other colours than black(purely for bling purpose)
Weaknesses:
Price(maybe)
Similar Products Used:
Formula
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape 8.1 frame, hope hub on mavic d321disc rims, marz z1fr, cane creak ZS-2 headset, hayes discs
Bottom Line:
these are expensive but very good quality, why get a chris king when you can get a HOPE for less. British made. Cartrade bearings, converable. I only have the front one. A friend of mine had the rear one and it sounds very nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thebronze
a Weekend Warrior
from Dalls, TX, USA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
follow up
Bottom Line:
Follow up to below post, the maintenance on these is super easy. Pry the end caps off and slide the freehub body off the axle. Regrease and repack pawls and springs, compress them while pushing freehub back into hub shell. Takes about 10 minutes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thebronze
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
hope usa
Strengths:
craftsmanship, value, weight, looks, not made in japan, rebuildable
Weaknesses:
no documentation, no manual, no guides
Similar Products Used:
hope xc, shimano, hugi sports, bonty superstock
Bike Setup:
brodie catalyst, bulbs with dt rims, marz. mx comp, thompson...
Bottom Line:
good looking hubs from UK, well made and sound great, not loud but more precise sounding, nice bearings and seals, pretty good value compared to other high end parts. The only problem i've found is that hope doesnt give you much documentation- a manual or guide would be nice on how to service or rebuild them. if anyone knows a step by step please email me or post one here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dd
a Downhiller
from Uk Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong, Well made. Convertable from qr to 20mm. Massive axel. Easy to service.
Weaknesses:
cartridge bearings.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano xt.
Bottom Line:
A great hub as long as you clean and grease the free hub mechanism once a year.
If you find shimano hubs arn't strong enough these are a viable alternative and cheaper than some of the highend hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy McKenna
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003
They work effortlessly - for hubs to work this well and put up with the crappy weather that Scotland dishes out, and with my lardy ass giving them a serious pounding - they excel!
Add to that the unbelievably high service standards provided by HOPE and you can't go wrong - I emailed them to say that the hub was beginning to show signs of wear and within 1 week they rebuilt and serviced the hub FREE OF CHARGE..VERY RARE NOWADAYS.AND EVEN RARER FOR ME TO SHOUT BUUY BRITISH........so BUY BRITISH!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Downhiller
from Lincolnshire Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
They r 'ARD Look COOL (different colours) Sound GREAT
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
Azonic EVOLUTION, d521cds fr + rh w/ hope bulbs
Bottom Line:
These hubs are great. I use to have a big 'un on the back but it broke within 1 month of 5ft drop-offs. Since, i've put a bulb on the back and now am doin 7 ft drop-offs and havn't had a problem. i screwed up the landing a couple of times but by wheel is not buckled at all. The weight aspect is excellent aswell. Almost half the weight of the big 'un, runs smother than the big'un and i believe (and many top riders have agreed) stronger than the big'un!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel G.-D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mirador +Silla del Diablo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
Simple Good Looking Design; Strong; They simply work; Made in the UK (Made in Europe).
Weaknesses:
none by now...
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT. XTR, WTB paradigm, Mavic.
Bike Setup:
The hubs are installed on mavic 219 disc rims laced with Dt straight-gauge spokes. The bike is a Turner XCE.
Bottom Line:
In my case, the bottom line for this product should be: "since I installed these hubs I have just forgotten about them; I just hear the smooth and clean sound of the drive teeth from the rear hub shell... In my case I do hard cross-country riding with some abusive downhilling. Buy this product if you plan to build a pair of strong wheels and don't want any compromises. Customer service at Hope is excellent. Jenson sent me the 20mm through-axle by mistake but HopeTech replaced me by the QR version in just a week. I didn't need to contact Jenson for that purpose. I was considering getting the kings but the price for the Hopes is very competitive. I moved for the last ones and I believe I made the right choice. I Hope this opinion lasts for the months and years to come...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig woodbridge
a Weekend Warrior
from maidenhead Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
not trail. Trials thats right
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop
Strengths:
good looking hub, nice loud ticks and it weigh's nothing
Weaknesses:
the freehub is weak, if u ride trials you will probably break it within a month or two. i did!!!!! but hope will replace it quickly. good service.
Similar Products Used:
chris king classic. shimano.
Bike Setup:
azonic ds1, magura's, d521's ceramic's, fatty forks and middleburn cranks.
Bottom Line:
in reality, if u are gonna ride trials then get the chris kings cos hope's ain't gonna last
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d d
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
paid £130 for rear
Strengths:
massive axel even in standard qr versions made in england light enough bearings look quite well protected from muck
Its a good hub, a tad expensive though. I got fed up of bending the shimano axels. They do however use cartridge bearings which you can't service, insted you have to replace them which costs more than a few ball bearings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Hellertown, PA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trails w/rocks, climbs *tech
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
cycle-mania.uk
Strengths:
Freehub body strenth, rapid engagement, looks
Weaknesses:
If it holds up the same. . . none
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really similar, only Shimano, and that doesn't compare.
Bike Setup:
XT/LX/HOPE/MAVIC
Bottom Line:
Blew out seven freehubs this season. I ended up with the bulb by reading reviews on this sight. Came down to the King or the Hope. I obviously chose the Hope. My Shimano hubs (XT-ACERA X) didn't last more than two weeks and bang, no more freewheel. It has been a month with no problems yet. I weigh in a 240 lbs. and I ride technical terrain aggressively, so I wanted something strong. I had a hard time finding a retailer selling the hopes, but finally Cycle-mania.uk hooked me up. I had a Mavic D521 CD laced to a Hope 36 spoke hope bulb for $220 shipped. It was a good price, but it took a while (6 weeks, I am in the USA). I guess it had to do with them all going on Holiday in August. Not that it is important, but I get a lot of compliments on the sound, and the engagement is nice and fast. I counted too, 16 for my Shimano and 36 clicks for the Bulb. I don't have much use for the through axle, but it does have the flexibility. What sold me is that they rec. this hub for tandems too, so I figured it would be nice and strong. So far so good.
Hub is somewhat expensive, but if I don't have to worry about it anymore, it is cheap.
Nice hub!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a
from london Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$210.00
Strengths:
the freehub, the axle, the whole body (laser etched logo)
Weaknesses:
cant find any
Similar Products Used:
LX, diatec
Bike Setup:
dmr sidekick, maggies , bulb on 521cd rear and xt 521cd front double walls , roox danny stem , progidy seatpost middleburn rs7 pro trials , tiagra/105 drivechain
Bottom Line:
fattest freehub in the world, its solid and loud, one of the best hubs for trials , but it is very pricy but it should last for ever and has unlimitted applications for jumping trials , XC and downhill buy it and see it as an investment
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Bit#$
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
-Sweet looks!! -STRONG!Really stiff hub body -Pretty light--only hubs that come close are Chris Kings(massive chi-chi factor,but aren't strong enough for freeride use and are SERIOUSLY pricey) -20-mm axle compatible -An absolute breeze to work on -Will last a while.. -Makes the sweetest freewheel click known to man
Weaknesses:
-DAMN EXPENSIVE($150 for front,$230 for rear,and that's discount!) -Not quite as sweet as Phils
Similar Products Used:
Phil Wood Kiss-Off rear hub,LX hubs,XT hubs,Specialized Stout
Bike Setup:
These are actually my friend's wheels.I built it up for him.He rides a seriously modified KONA STINKY(it is BITC#IN'!!)with Hope O2 discs
Bottom Line:
These are SWEET hubs.Yes they are pricey,but no other hub built this lightweight can take so much frickin' abuse and not crap out!!Only Phil Woods are better.
I laced up the 32-hole Bulbs to Sun Rhyno(no Lite)rims using a 4x pattern.Even with the added stress of discs and serious freerding torture by myself and my ex-Sport level DH buddy,NOT ONCE HAVE THE WHEELS COME OUT OF TRUE!!These hubs are great.
After 5 months of constant flogging my buddy took in the hubs to be looked at(he's a little paranoid,but I checked 'em anyway to be safe).I took them apart in a matter of minutes(these things are SO EASY to work on compared to Shimano or other standard hubs--once again only Phil Woods compare),checked everything,and they were absolutely mint!Kudos to Hope!They make GOOD SH$T!!
5 CHILIES!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from LONDON Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
trilas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
A SHOP!!!!
Strengths:
They are invincible and although seem expensive you will never need to touch them. for strength they are the lightest hub on the market
Weaknesses:
a poor man from washington (i think?) busted his doing cross country somehow? And hope have cocked him up. I feel sorry for him but i think it is an isolated case. I have found no weakness in these hubs!
Similar Products Used:
CK, XTR, HOPE SPORT, HOPE TI GLIDE
Bike Setup:
You know what it is!
Bottom Line:
I have busted a pair of chris king rear hubs doing cross country, so they are iffy if you ride hard. But these are the ultimate all round hub, But come into their own in the hardcore riding section, do not worry about sealing cause that is perfect, and the option to have eithe 20 mm or standard is good but i dont use it.
If you ride cross country these are fine but buy the Sport Or Ti Glide. if you jump,DH,Trial,Or slalom etc buy these. for trials they are a godsend because of the lack of weight for the strength.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
wheelpro
Strengths:
Just that
Weaknesses:
Cost
Similar Products Used:
XT XTR
Bike Setup:
heckler all the bits
Bottom Line:
I'm 17 stone and these haven't squeaked since I got them despite massive abuse and a massive rider. The donkeys danglies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Bolt
a Downhiller
from Inverness UK Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Graet looks and strength all in one! What more could you ask for???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Foster
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellensburg, WA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
fishook
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
color selection, sizing options, smooth bearings(when working properly)
Weaknesses:
Durability of bearings, customer service problems,
Similar Products Used:
Spins, Shimano line, WTB, Pulstar, ect..
Bike Setup:
Mrazek with hope discs and bulb wheelset and plenty of other pleasant goodies.
Bottom Line:
I am riding a short axle bulb hub in the rear for a modified disc setup. The bearings have worn out in four months. I called about warranty replacement and they said the bearings would be replaced under warranty. Ok I said and waited patiently for the new parts to arrive. The package came with the wrong bearings and a charge on my card for the bearings. I called them up and complained and they assured me that I would have my card credited and I could keep the bearings and a proper set would be sent under the warranty coverage. Turns out they sent the bearings but charged me again. They assure me once again that my card will be credited but am frustrated and disapointed at this point. Now I have to find a way to get the new bearings properly inserted. All this could have been avoided if they would have given me some proper bearing maintance guildlines with the hub. When I asked about maintaining the hub at a NCS event this summer, Hope reps told me to spray water in the hub to clean them out. I didn't of course but I'm wondering what they are smoking out of England. The rear hub has made a whine after about a month of riding and now the bearings are blown. At this point I have complete faith in the front hub and really like it but the rear is under heavy scrutiny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Montoya
a Downhiller
from Mariposa, Ca Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Terra Firma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Team Hope
Strengths:
BURLY. Can not be overstated.
Weaknesses:
I have a very non-typical version....more later.
Similar Products Used:
Big s Stout disc, Kona Java the hub, others...
Bike Setup:
Hope DH-4 discs, Special issue 7 inch Hanebrink forks, prototype wtb DH wheels, etc
Bottom Line:
I have a special issue hanebrink fork set that uses a 25 mm axle with a cool-ass custom QR setup, and to my knowledge, Hope is the only company that would make Hanebrink some 25 mm hubs. Bomber so far.... BTW, I called Hope to get a manual for bleeding my brakes, and I'd have to say that they are about the happiest, biker-oriented, efficient customer support company I've ever dealt with...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iain
a Downhiller
from manchester Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
sligachan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
this like all hope hubs are amazing - super smooth siff light etc basically everything is good about these hubs except
Weaknesses:
the price
Similar Products Used:
other hopes fatso, xt/lx, goldtec
Bike Setup:
azonic rc37s hopes d521s etc
Bottom Line:
These hubs are gorgeous and are really all you need. Don't bother with biguns unless you are really fat or do huge drop offs but even then don't. You can run them with a through axle and they take hope disc brakes!!!!!!
they are also very light and smooth so they last for ages.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Al
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
These hubs are real smooth. They build stong wheels. It is nice how you can switch from QR to 20mm thru axle.
Weaknesses:
There is very little you can say bad about these hubs.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX/XT;nuke proof superfly; i have tried chris king,hope big un', XTR,
Bike Setup:
Spooky Metalhead; marzocchi Z2; 32h front, 36h rear built to d521 mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
I honestly feel that hope does a really good job with there hubs. I wish i could have gotten the big un' hubs, just for the extra strength. Though these hubs are the best strength to weight hubs i have ever ridden. They are stronger than i need, and completely rebuildable. To top off this quality product, they aren't terribly expensive (chris king) I don't know how i got this deal, but i payed $190 for the set. oh,and I haven't had to true my wheels yet. Whether that is the hubs, rims or my friend who built them, that is a strong wheel set
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Birkenhead, UK Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lovely.... stiff, strong and light. The option to switch the internals between 20mm bolt through and standard quick release on the front hub is a godsend.
Weaknesses:
I had some problems with the cartridge bearings in my front hub, first noticing that they were a little "lumpy" after just a couple of weeks - and finally just about seizing up completely after a couple of months (approx 400 miles use). But Hope were great and sorted out the problem without any fuss.
My other Hope hubs (suspension which is 4 years old now, and the bulb rear) have stayed silky smooth so I guess it was just a one off.
The guys at Hope were thoroughly professional and sorted out the problem with the minimum of fuss. If only all bike parts companies had the same approach...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Rixon
a Downhiller
from Oxford, UK Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aston Hill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Really ace hubs. They look ace, build REALLY strong wheels and run smoothly for ages. Also, the rear has the sweetest click of anything.
Weaknesses:
eerrr.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes/Hugis, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Straight 8 with 2000 Boxxers, RaceFace etc
Bottom Line:
These are really good hubs. They can be changed from qr to 20mm (front) or 12mm (rear). They come in splined and 6 hole so any disc brake can be fitted.
They kick @rse, and they're BRITISH!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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