Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Current state of Novatec hubs?

1 reading
Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 160 Posts
T

TimoA

· Registered
Joined
·
246 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi,

Thinking about getting an affordable upgrade wheelset. I'm seeing some very compelling setups using Novatec (or obviously rebranded Novatec) hubs, especially the 711/712 Boost hubs. Novatecs have obviously been very popular hubs and correspondingly Google comes up with all kinds of horror stories with them - but how do they stack up now, ca. 2017?

I am perfectly aware that shelling out for DT 240, i9 and whatnot will get me better hubs but that is not the price point I'm after. The more relevant alternatives would be Shimano XT, DT 370 and maybe Bitex. Oh, and the wheels will be for not too aggressive XC/Trail riding and I am not particularly heavy or a strong rider.
 
#6 ·
Steel Calf said:
reliable, cheap, high engagement - pick two!
Click to expand...
I was able to get all three with Bitex/BHS hubs. I am a clydesdale with a history of hub failures (mostly Shimano). These have been holding up quite well now for about a year now. 54 point engagement and a very reasonable price make these a winner.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Bitex looks good but the problem is to find a reputable vendor to offer a set I like with them within Euroland. Sourcing them on my own and having them built locally is very likely to blow the budget.
 
#8 ·
BikeHubStore ships to Finland. Now would be a good time to learn how to build the wheels yourself. There are plenty of resources on here to learn how to do it. There is something very satisfying about riding on wheels that you have taken the time to learn how to carefully build yourself.
 
#9 ·
Hope Pro 4 has 44 poe which is plenty...more than that is hitting a point of diminishing return IMO. Paying a lot more for not much more in performance. And yeah...I've had Chris Kings so I can attest to the difference in 44 and 72 poe and there's not enough difference to justify the cost difference. Again, IMO. And you can get a Hope Pro 4 rear hub for $170. So more than a Novatec but WAY better quality but not breaking the bank either.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Well, given that there is very little input on my actual question and the hubs are widely offered and used I'm inclined to conclude that they are okay if somewhat uninspiring. Which is fine by me.
 
#13 ·
TimoA said:
Well, given that there is very little input on my actual question and the hubs are widely offered and used I'm inclined to conclude that they are okay if somewhat uninspiring. Which is fine by me.
Click to expand...
Novatec hubs are **** as you correctly indicated by your original post. I wonder how you expect customers who just bought the hub in 2017 to give you long term reliability feedback by now?

However if you're poor and cannot afford a real hub like DT Swiss you don't have any other choice than to bite the bullet on this one
 
#15 ·
TimoA said:
upgrade wheelset.
Click to expand...
If you're replacing hubs that are working fine then you should get something really good or don't bother. The better novatecs are worth considering if you're building up a new bike, or you need to replace a damaged wheel, but not as part of an 'upgrade wheelset.'
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#17 ·
Santa Cruz spec em on some of their bikes.

If SC thinks they're good ^^ I'll have to agree.

PS - I am running a steel freehub version D882SB on my AM HT 29er.

Only a couple of rides in... Works fine at the mo. Time will tell if it stays that way.

I paid $120 NZD for rear 142x12. Approx. $85 USD.

Sent from my kltedv using Tapatalk
 
1 - 20 of 160 Posts
About this Discussion
159 Replies
66 Participants
Last post:
Doublebase
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion