The Onyx 6-bolt disc hub features DT Swiss proven technology, including the DT Swiss quad bearing system, high grade seals, optimized flange geometry and spoke hole chamfering, and utilizes a proprietary 2-pawl system with eighteen points of engagement. DT Swiss Onyx hubs are priced at the lower end of the DT Swiss lineup, yet offer better quality and performance than most OEM Hubs. Onyx hubs offer a great alternative as a hub upgrade.
The Onyx disc hub is maintenance friendly and easily serviceable through the DT Swiss worldwide dealer network, and is 100% produced and hand built in Switzerland.
Submitted by
byknuts
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anywhere is fine by me
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
seems to be good quality, used to have no prob with dt/hugi products, light
Weaknesses:
freehub wobble, shot pawls?
Similar Products Used:
chris king, shimano xt, woodman, older hugi stuff
Bike Setup:
heavy duty roadie w/ discs and built for hauling stuff.
Bottom Line:
I figured an light off-road worthy hub would've been strong enough for road and hauling and general riding for someone of my size. Not this one.
Pawls are shot, freehub body is wobbling bad enough to ghost shift my damn bike under pressure.
I can limp it around by soft pedalling but otherwise I'm screwed.
I'd say you could use it on a lighter guy's bike but ultimately, if it goes south under load on what's basically a ROAD bike, well... I figure offroad it's going to get killed.
Built this wheel to haul my kids in a trailer, but no way I would consider this a dependable hub so it's gotta go.
You know I've chopped and generally messed with an original hugi compact hub for years, it's still running fine.
Why's this onyx suck, though dt swiss had improved the hub designs?
Going to end up either swapping over to the woodman or the profile I guess.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Monisky
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Petersburg Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santos (Ocala,Fl)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very Strong, solid haven't found any flaws yet after 6 months.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hope pro disc
Bike Setup:
Titus X-Racer,PUSH/Fox rear Shock,Still testing different front shocks,currently using Marzocchi Bomber
Bottom Line:
I you want a good all a round hub, Go DT Swiss!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rojomas
a
from rancho cucamonga Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Smooth running bearings, easy maintainance.
Weaknesses:
Freehub body disinagrated after 6 years of abuse, I guess that's not too bad.
I've ridden these wheels for over seven years and the only problem I've had with them is about a year ago the freehub broke and the pawls and all the insides where destroyed. I would have to say that's not too bad considering all the many miles of abuse I've put them thru. (Moab, Downieville, Noble, Tunnel plus countless runs at Big Bear and Mammoth)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from PACIFIC NW Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Smooth, light, tuff, reliable... what more could you ask for...
Weaknesses:
Seem to attract quite a lot of whiney users.
Similar Products Used:
Every thing from KK to XTR as well as other Onyx, Hayes and DT hubs and wheesets.
Bottom Line:
I have used these exact hubs as pictured above on many bikes. The current set has been on 5 different bikes, has had both rims replaced and has been in use with only sealed bearing replacement (once in front and twice in back) for 6 years! I ride in wet, rooty, rocky, singletrack in the PNW, and don't baby anything. I weigh 185, but I do "ride lite". I could not possibly have asked for a better set of hubs with which to build a wheelset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: April 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
50 Year, Sweetwater, Reddington/Chiva Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
spins forever, instant engagement, constant engagement even through hits and ruts, relatively light
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
XT, DT Swiss for Specialized, WTB
Bike Setup:
02 Giant NRS w/ Race Face cockpit/drivetrain, Mavic/DT/No Tubes wheels
Bottom Line:
i got these laced to a Mavic X717 off eBay, then put on the Stan's NoTubes (which is awesome). compared to my 6 year old XT hubs, these hubs are a like heaven. lighter, stiffer, better engagement in the freehub, and they'll spin until the end of time. with them setup like i have them i shaved full 5lbs off my bike. these may be at the bottom of the DT lineup, but they are way better than any other hubs i've ridden on. i must qualify that statement with the fact that i've only had them for a few weeks, but i'll be damned if these things won't stand the test of time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Weight is OK and they roll pretty well.
Weaknesses:
Durability. In 3 years of reasonably heavy use, I broke the freehub body 3 times.
Similar Products Used:
DT 340s
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur Classic, SPX kit. Bike came with DT Onyx/717 wheels. 195lb rider, mostly XC.
Bottom Line:
Decent hubs when they work. Not dependable enough over the long haul. Wouldn't recommend these to a heavy rider or anyone that does a lot of very steep climbing (puts a lot of stress on the freehub). In 3 years of XC use (no jumps/drops over 18") I basically destroyed the rear hub body 3 times. Front hub still going strong, but I'm much happier now with my new Hope hub in the rear. The DT340s on the newer Blur have been a little better, though I was able to break an engagement tooth in the freehub in about a year's time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Sturtz
a Cross Country Rider
from TN Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
These are great hubs. I also have a set of Chris Kings with UST rims, and they are about the same. For the money this is a GREAT hub. The perfomance and durability is well beyond the price point. I would recommend them for anybody.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bidwell Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Custom BLUR build up
Strengths:
The front hub rolls smooth and has replaceable bearings. Available in silver or black; these are fine for the price. The rear hub has cylindrical bearings (don't loose them during diassembly) and the ONYX website has overhaul instructions and diassembly pictures. They are user serviceable.
Weaknesses:
When overhauling the rear hub, you'll find it useful to select a grease that suits your maintenance habits. I use a HEFTY amount of synthetic grease to hold up in dusty heat conditions. The pawls engage very smoothly when everything is clean, greased and adjusted.
Similar Products Used:
Chris King - still the best but $$$. Shimano LX and XT
Bike Setup:
SCruz BLUR original, full XT, Fox fork and rear shock. Easton carbon bar, Thomson stem, post etc Mavic rims, Avid juicy 7's, Nokian tires.
Bottom Line:
These are perfectly good hubs, but not the best, but a superb value. Overhaul time is about 25 minutes. Fronts rarely will need service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Hart
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, B.C. Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Reasonable weight to price ratio. Highly reliable in all conditions:wet,dry,muddy.
Weaknesses:
None observed. There are lighter hubs out there but at a price.
Similar Products Used:
Deore XT hubs
Bike Setup:
S.C.Blur - SPX disc. Hubs came with the package.
Bottom Line:
In a little over 2 years of use in all kinds of weather these hubs have never been serviced. The bearings still feel smooth. I have had issues with other components on my bike but these hubs have never called attention to themselves.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tyrol, Austria, Europe Date Reviewed: March 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Probike Schwaz
Strengths:
Awesome bearings, stiff, strong, high endurance
Weaknesses:
After 2 years of excessive XC use, I did not find any weaknesses (front hub)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
2004 Gary Fisher Ziggurat, Onyx hubs, Mavic rims, Rock Shox psylo race, XT components
Bottom Line:
This review considers the FRONT hub only. After a lot of problems with the rear hubs (see my review posted in category "DT swiss onyx hub") I disassambled the front hub to look after its condition. I was amazed - the bearings were completely clean, which must go back to a high-quality sealing; they run very smooth and fine. The front hub is highly recommendably for weekend warriors and racers as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Waukesha, WI Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Look nice, good name, good price
Weaknesses:
Poor freehub
Similar Products Used:
XT
Bottom Line:
Crap. I used the rear disc hub twice - once to pre-ride the trail for a race two weeks ago and then on the very next day while doing the race. The bearing race in the freehub broke right in half... turning what may have been my best finish this season into my worst. Now the LBS has had the wheel, and parts on order, for almost two weeks and says they have no idea when the new race will come in. Do yourself a favor and do not buy these hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wietse Willemse
a Racer
from Tilburg, Netherlands Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Dorst
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cycles4U
Strengths:
Quality seals keep mud out, rolls goods, strong and stiff
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Formula disc, Shimano Deore, LX
Bike Setup:
Viper with LX/XT components and Skareb super fork
Bottom Line:
I've used these hubs really hard (mud, aggressive) for 3 months now and they still work like the day I got them without maintenance. Engagement could be a little better, but it's still ok. I think nothing beats these as far as value for money goes. Will never go back to Shimano hubs ever again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CArlos
a
from Somewhere Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It A DT swiss; I`ve no problems of any kind,
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, King (the best), bontrager,
Bottom Line:
I`ve been using this hubs heavily for the last 6 months, they came OEM with my SC Heckler, and I have NO problems of any kind, I weight 190 lbs and I ride around 100 miles a week... so I think they are reliable enought.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
orb
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Company has a reputation for quality products, but this hub has no strengths worth noting.
Weaknesses:
-The two pawl engagement mechanism is a poor design. -Freehub drum cracks. -Pawls chip. -NO SPARE PARTS AVAILABLE AT ALL... ANYWHERE! (probably because they're all failing)
I got this hub when I bought the wheel-set from a new stock Heckler. The rims are awesome (although perhaps somewhat heavy), the White Bros. 20mm from hub is awesome, the Onyx rear disc hub is Crap. Do yourself a favor and don't even think about buying this hub. It's a genuine POS. It has failed on me twice.
First time took 2 weeks to get new pawls and a spring. The pawls had developed chips on the engagement edge. For three tiny parts it took DT Swiss too long to ship the parts, and the cost was too much.
Second time the free-hub drum cracked, and the pawls where ground up in the process. That was 3 weeks ago and my LBS says DT Swiss will take another month (or so) for the part. Not good enough.
I'd like to get a Chris King instead but I can't afford it. Guess I'll try a Shimano XT...
I would really rate this hub no chillies at all but that's not an option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heckler2005
a
from Nashville Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hamilton Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Cheap. Look cool and are relatively light.
Weaknesses:
Too much of a gap between pawls. The engagement is absolutely horrific, needless to say, not very encouraging in narly sections.
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek Zonos Disc, Shimano XT, Mavic Crossland.
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler, Fox Vanilla 125RLC, Fox Float R shock, Truvativ Stylo Team, SRAM Attack Triggers, Shimano XT derailleurs, and Avid BB7 Mech Disc Brakes.
Bottom Line:
Money would be better spent on a less expensive but better performing set of Shimano LX or XT. The engagement is very poor and the gap between pawls is inexcusable.
Now, I am coughing up the big money for a set of Chris King.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
geoffss
a Racer
from bay area NOR-CAL Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
devils gulch, wa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay new
Strengths:
dt swiss quality hub shell and bearings. this is a Hayes/Hugi disc FRONT hub only that I am reviewing!!!
Weaknesses:
unequal flange size makes for strong wheel and more even tension, but getting spokes into the non-disc side is difficult due to the fact that you need to bend the spoke a little to get it thru the hole. havent figured out how cartridge bearings come out, there appears to be a fixed washer on either side. wierd.
Similar Products Used:
phil wood, chris king, marzocchi qr20, hugi, hershey, ringle, white
this is a first impression review of the Hugi/Hayes front disc hub. It is an exact copy of the ONYX front hub, just different name. the cartridge bearings feel somewhat smooth, but theres a tick int he bearing that i would like to get rid of. the only problem is that when you take the hub endcaps off, there seems to be an aluminum spacer/washer stuck in the hub so that you cant get to the bearing. i need to get a manual to figure out how to get to the bearings to service them. the wheel i built came out very strong, but lacing the non-drive side was kinda dumb when putting the elbows-out spokes in the hub flange. the oversized disc flange requires you to slide the spoke in at a funky angle, so funky that you need to bend the spoke to get thethreads through. luckly i only have to do this once, so its not such a bad thing. everything else is manufactured like any other Hugi hub, super. great value at 20 bucks brand spanking new, but because of wacky spoke installation and not user friendly bearing accessability it gets 4 flaming dookies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CRAIG
a Downhiller
from AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
I have been really impressed with this hub. People have written some nasty things about it but it feels very smooth and after 3 months of abuse is still holding up really well attached to my mavic 321's. I'll update this if I come across any dramas but so far so good. Really nice looking hub guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I'm really suprised about the negative reviews on these hubs. After exploding my third shimano silentclutch riding trials I threw on a spare rear wheel I was not using. It was a onyx hub laced up to an azonic butcher. I've been riding all season on this hub and the freehub has been performing as it should be. Countless pedal kicks without flaw.
Weaknesses:
Not the ideal hub for trials because of the poor engagment mechanism. It will be replaced with a king.
Similar Products Used:
King, All shimano, 240's, Real, Hope
Bike Setup:
Brisa
Bottom Line:
Don't expect anything spectacular- just an affordable entry level hub.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jvd
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It worked well for 5 rides
Weaknesses:
It stopped working on the 6th ride
Similar Products Used:
I haven't owned any other disc hubs
Bike Setup:
Balfa Minuteman with DJ II
Bottom Line:
This hub blows. It came stock on my Balfa MM. I had heard bad things about these hubs, but was hoping that they wouldn'd happen to me.
I was at the skate park doing roll-backs (if that's their name) and trying to ride out of them, thus putting pressure on the free hub body. I would ride up a ramp, and then ride back down backwards, and then attempt to ride out of it.
Anyway, I broke the free hub body, and I've only had the bike for about a week. I found this out when I applied pressure to my cranks and almost went flying over the bar when the pawls didn't catch.
If I could afford it, I'd get an XT or something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vincenzo d'amato
a Cross Country Rider
from salerno(italy) Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
smooth,silent,nice look for that matters,precise freewheel engagement,no cassette whobbling unlike other hubs(specialized ,to say)
Weaknesses:
costly,but i bought it as a complete wheel from an italian specialist(it was a good deal)-the rear wheel slippage which seems a routinery issue on the fsr eventually got worse with this hub,so i recently installed a custom machined solid bolt -on axle to try to stop this
Similar Products Used:
stock specialized disc hub, very noisy,not that smooth and affected by rough and unprecise frewheel engagement
Bike Setup:
FSR xc 2000 comp disc,marzocchi mxr(great fork,period),mrp x-link(really god),ritchey riserbars,545 pedals,deore octalink cranks and other minor stuff
Bottom Line:
I have to admit i am a bit worried by all the negative reviews about this hub,telling about bearing shell failures and similar problems,but frankly so far i can't tell of a single problem at all,wheel slippage aside,but this should very likely be considered an Fsr issue.Sure the fact that i'm a light,not that powerful trail rider who doesn't jump his bike could be the reason behind that,nonetheless i use my bike for long road trips around the amalfi coast and on local rough trails as well,and so far this hub has worked flawlessy:smooth,silent(it got even better after i repacked the freewheel with skf grease),precise.So i'm giving it a high score,and i'll update this if unfortunately some problem will develope in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Webster, NY Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Customer Service, hub is very accessible for servicing
Weaknesses:
Does not hold up to non-XC use
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, LX, AtomLabs
Bike Setup:
Bullit for FR-ing
Bottom Line:
In the 6 months or so that I've had this rear hub, I've had to replace the spring because the freehub was skipping (pawls not catching), replace the freehub body because it broke, and replace the pawl spring again because of more skipping. It seems it cannot hold up to freeriding or anything where you have to apply some decent torque via the cranks (like pedal kicks, standing-and-stomping). XTs hold up longer than this hub, but for a lot cheaper. For the price I paid, I expected the Onyx to last for at least 2 seasons. I've replaced it a couple weeks ago with an AtomLabs hub. I have to give credit to DT's C.S. They sent me a replacement freehub body and spring, no questions asked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from El Paso, texas Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All El Paso's
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
Unknown
Weaknesses:
Unrelaible and fragile. Prone to break predictably.
Similar Products Used:
Cheaper stuff that never broke. Shimano RSX, Deore, Acera,
Bike Setup:
TREK Fuel, Hayes disc, XTR rear, Sun Mammoth, ONYX junk
Bottom Line:
The free hub has consistently and predictably failed. Rear bearing outer race(hub body) breaks. Thought the pwals failed. The housing just can't take a load. I am 47 and not that strong or demnading a rider. Imagine someone who is younger and stronger. They would fell twice as ripped off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from MN Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Breaks easily
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Custom GT Zaskar
Bottom Line:
Within the last 1-1/2 riding seasons I've broken this darn hub three times. The first time was the freehub body, which was replaced. The second time was something else inside the hub, which was fixed. The third time, last week, were the teeth inside the hub that catch when you pedal forward. They broke right off! I've since replaced it with a MUCH less inexpensive XT Disc Hub with oversized flanges.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from College Park, MD, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Potapsco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice solid and responsive feel, durable, good tracking, nice price, sealed bearing, forged AL.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub is slightly heavy, but that goes along with durability.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing that great to compare it to, mostly LX grade stuff.
Bike Setup:
Enduro hardtail, Z3 100mm, 24"rear, 26"front, rhynolite rims, profile steel cranks, a tough bike.
Bottom Line:
The hubs held up to for the six months that I had them, they were great, and I have no complaints. Keeping in mind I have not tried Chris King, Hugi240, or other high buck hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
They were relatively light
Weaknesses:
The metal collar broke inside the free hub then the pawl broke causing me to lose any drive.
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback team
Bottom Line:
They gave me about 3000 miles with two failures. They would be ok for occasional rider but not worth the time or money if you ride alot. It is about 75 dollars in parts to repair the rear hub properly and about an hour of labor at $50. Not worth it for me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave T
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas ,Ca. Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of em'
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bobcat Bicycles
Strengths:
Cost vs. Weight, CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING & they work damn good...after the Rear hub is overhauled by DT USA.
Weaknesses:
Rear Hub has to be overhauled by DT USA after 6 Mo.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hugi Disc & Shimano XT Disc.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
My old Hayes Hugi hubs were great but a little heavy - NO complaints. My Shimano XT's were awesome, NEVER a problem except they are boat anchors...Can't wait for August and the 03' XTR Disc goodies!!! My DT Swiss Onyx's are now great, it just sucks that I missed a killer ride with my buds 3 miles into a ride. They hooked me up with the warranty so I wont ding em at all, they are fast, friendly & want to make things right for the customer. And I can honestly say (working part-time in a bike shop) I haven't seen many problems with other peoples wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karcsi Lehr
a Cross Country Rider
from Carborro, NC Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chapel Hill High Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$164.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
They are fairly cheap and reasonably light for their price, it has required no maintenance, cartridge bearings, black annodized finish.
Weaknesses:
For some reason the disc bolts are very hard to screw into the front hub, teeth on hubs are small and do not bite into the frame very well, cartridge bearing did feel a little gritty when I took hub apart and cleaned after about 6 months, but it is only slight and I use these year round and it still rolls smooth when on put together on the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR & XT non-disc hubs
Bike Setup:
'01 Large Aeon Joker, Marzocchi MCR, Shimano XT, Race Face cranks, Bontrager Mustang Rims, Azonic bars, Time pedals
Bottom Line:
I have put about 900+ miles on these hubs with no problems to report, I have had them on 3 different bikes(Joker,Ellsworth Truth,Specialized M4 FSR), two different forks and taken them of 4-5 ft drops with no failure. No freehub problem or axle failure to report so far, but if I do have one I will repost a review. The odd thing is I have cracked a fork and a frame while using these hubs, but no hub problem. I think they are a great deal at the price I paid for them, reasonably light and just a good value. I had trouble with them staying in the dropouts of the FSR frame, partly due to the design of the frame dropouts and the relatively small frame biting teeth of the hub, but that was my only complaint. As far as the cartridge bearings go, they are still working fine as far as I can tell and I have not changed them. They felt similar to my Chris King headset after a year, just a tiny bit gritty, but smooth when put together.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Heights, MN, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Runs smooth...your rear wheel will spin forever.
Weaknesses:
Broke the freehub body casing in about three months.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT Disc
Bike Setup:
2000 GT Zaskar w/ full XTR, 'Zoke Z.2 X-fly QR-20, and Formula hydros.
Bottom Line:
I really liked this hub. That is, until it broke. I don't do any freeriding, only XC. I heard the rear hub snap while climbing a short hill. My rear wheel started to wobble and rub up against my bike's seatstays. My LBS couldn't figure out how it broke because apparently, there is not much torque applied to the part that broke.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Whats Goin On?
a Downhiller
from How Goes it? Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Urban Assualt Guy Myself
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$148.00
Purchased At:
Where I Work
Strengths:
Smooth, Beefy Except the common freehub Bearing Casing Breaking Problem, Disc Brake hubs, Sealed Cartridge.
Weaknesses:
Come with Cheap Chinese Bearings, Replaced them with european High Tech Ones
Bike Setup:
Azonic Frame, Sun Mammoth-Hayes Hubs-Dt Swiss spokes, XTR, Hayes disc, Sealed Everything.
Bottom Line:
I like them, Except for that Bearing Casing holder ma-jig Breaking after doing a 180 (Made me fall), Dt Swiss guys are friendly, curtious and new exactly what broke, Must be common ah? Well they are smoother than ever with my new European Bearings (Some guys think I'm full of crap replacing them but after feeling how smoother and faster than they were before they shut up) Anyways I'd recommend them to any freerider like myself, I give 'em 5&5 Dt swiss is a nice company and the hubs are working better than ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Sagamihara, Japan Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hinode
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Mud, Sweat & Gears
Strengths:
Follow-up to earlier post
Weaknesses:
See earlier post
Similar Products Used:
ProStop, Shimano XT, etc.....
Bike Setup:
http://hecklersc.homestead.com/Heckler.html
Bottom Line:
Well, here's chapter 2 of my saga. I contacted DT USA and was given several options to chose from on how to make the hub right. I could send the whole wheel to Colorado to be repaired, they would send me the parts to fix it myself or they would send me a brand new hub. I opted to ship them the wheel and have it fixed. They repaired the wheel and got it back out on it's way to me in less than a week. Then the Post Office lost it for a MONTH (not DT's fault). I now have the wheel back and the hub is better than when it was new (absolutely no play whatsoever in the rotor). I'll check back in a few months with chapter 3!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh PA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Universal cycle
Strengths:
Looked beefy and cool at the same time. The bearing are very smooth
Weaknesses:
The free wheel broke (like for the other guys), and well the rear hub is quite heavy.
Similar Products Used:
XT, Lx hubs, GT cnc
Bike Setup:
Storm Thunder (freeride bike), hubs are mounted on Mamouth rims
Bottom Line:
These hubs do what they are supposed to do. However a problem happened on the rear hub while i was riding in the Alpes. I suddenly realized that i had a lot of play in the rear wheel. Well everybody seemed to have the same problem... Although my hubs are presented as Hayes hubs, i figured out they were made by DT-swiss. Fortunately being in the Alpes, i had a chance to ship my wheel to DT-swiss (Switzerland). Those guys were fast, and efficient. One week after i went to the post office, my wheel was returned and fixed at no cost. Thank you very much guys for this very impressive customer service. Since that problem, everything looks fine. Hope this won't happen again...4 chilis because of the customer service.These hubs will satisfy the average freerider. But they are too heavy to my opinion, for XC riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Sagamihara, Japan Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Mud, Sweat & Gears
Strengths:
Worked great until it failed!
Weaknesses:
It failed
Similar Products Used:
ProStop, XT, etc.....
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
The hub that I have is the made by DT for Hayes Elite Hub. I ran it for about 5 months and during my last ride, I noticed that my shifting was gettting very sketchy. Took a look at things when i got home and noticed that the freehub assembly was wicked loose! I tried to disassemble the hub, but discovered that the problem is not that something's loose......something inside the hub exploded! I can't even remove the rotor as it is all hung up on the pawl assembly. I just contacted DT-USA..... we'll see! I'm just glad that I caught this before it ate my cassette and chain up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Dye
a
from Sheffield, UK Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
Wheelpro (nice chaps) fixed me up with a new bearing collar thingy. Now everything works like a greased monkey. Assuming you don't get one with the dodgy part... the hub is a good 'un.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gill Kenneweg
a Weekend Warrior
from Herndon, VA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whichever one I'm currently building.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
As I mentioned in my earlier review, I'm updating everyone as to how great the folks at DTSwiss are. I sent them my rear wheel, and they rebuilt the hub and returned it to me in record time.
So far, the newly rebuilt hub has taken a great deal of abuse with nary a squeak or wobble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gill Kenneweg
a
from Herndon, Virginia Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whichever one I'm currently riding.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Wheelworld.com
Strengths:
Smooth and very quick engagement. Excellent resistence to contaminants.
Weaknesses:
Broke (and I mean shattered) the bearing shell.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stout hubs.
Bike Setup:
'99 FSR Elite (Big Hit). Marzocchi Jr T, full XT, Hayes, yadda, yadda, yadda...
Bottom Line:
Great hub! I was a little dissapointed that the bearing collar broke so quickly, but I've put in a call to their customer service dept and we'll see what they can to for me.
Thanks to the folks in the previous reviews that mentioned they broke their bearing collars. I would not have realized it was a widespread issue, if not for these reviews!
I'll give the hubs 4 flaming chilis for now. Depending on how DT's Customer Service Department handles my issue, this rating could go up of down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott S.
a Downhiller
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sticks and Stones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Excellent price (see below). Good documentation on DTSwiss's web. Easy access to bearings for servicing. Nicely machined.
I got these as Hayes Elite hubs, came as complete built wheels with Ritchey OCR disk rims for $240. They're made by Hugi, and are really the Onyx Disk hubs. After only about 4 months I just had a part fail inside the rear freehub (called the "Bearing Shell" for the "6900 Bearing). The person at Hayes told me that they've seen this before, and it's due to a batch of those shells not getting heat-treated during manufacturing at Hugi, and to contact DTSwiss/Hugi. Would have given it 5 Chiles if not for this problem - caused the freehub to drag, and the chain to wrap in the middle of a race. Heard good things about DTSwiss/Hugi's USA Tech support - hopefully they will live up to their rep. Regardless, I have to give the product only 3 Chiles due to this premature failure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Dye
a
from Sheffield, UK Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Blacka moor
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
wheelpro
Strengths:
not shimano, works well (when it works). you can service/replace the bearings (which is nice).
Weaknesses:
it broke. needs regular fertling.
Similar Products Used:
shimano gubbins, Hope sport.
Bike Setup:
'99 Marin B17 with Z1's, hope C2's, raceface cranks and a '92 DX thumbshifter.
Bottom Line:
The bearing collar shattered... which was an arse. Maybe i'm too fat. Wheelpro are supposedly fixing it for me for free. we shall see. Freehub needs greasing regularly (unlike filthy shimano items) but you only have to undo 1 nut and pump her full of gloop... so you can't complain. Buy one if you fancy something a bit different and made by germans.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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