[joeadnan]

I'm building disc wheels for my wife. I'd like to get light hubs for her. She's not hard on components, and is not likely to be riding in the rain, through mud bogs etc., although she is more than capable of riding technical singletrack. No hucking or jumps.

What hubs would you recommend? I prefer hubs for j-bend spokes, as I will build the wheel myself and I prefer building with bent spokes. Preferably ISO-disc, which (correct me if I am wrong) will be lighter than centerlock.

I've used m750 XT, m900 and m960 XTR at various points on my bikes simply because they are durable and user-rebuildable. I've used a Chris King classic hub for my wife's hardtail, but their disc hubs seem very heavy. I've ordered Tune King and Kong for one of my daughters' bike (see here and here) but have not had first hand experience on how they hold up. I run a hope singlespeed hub with 6 cogs from a 9 speed cassette on my wife's Durance, but will be running a 1x10 here.

I'm looking for something light, which needn't be bomb proof. Price is always a factor, although I wouldn't mind spending a little more for quality components. Good weather sealing would be a bonus, for the conditions here in the tropics.

As no thread should rightfully be without a photo, here is one, completely unrelated to the subject at hand:

 

[burndtjamb]

I'm a fan of DT Swiss hubs - the 350 is a good value and the 240 is even lighter but pricey. Both are driven by the proven Star Ratchet design which is easy to maintain and replace if needed without the use of tools. Engagement isn't as fast as others but you can upgrade the stock 18T ratchets to 36T. I don't really ride too often in the elements but they should hold up fine with everyday use.

I believe centerlock hubs have a slight edge on weight compared to their ISO 6 bolt counterparts, or at least the DT Swiss ones do. I prefer centerlock anyway for their ease of mounting, cleaner look, and ability to run Shimano RT99 Freeza rotors.

 

[phlegm]

I had never thought about centrelock vs ISO, so that's a fair point - the hub might be lighter. However the rotors are heavier (and perhaps less choice) so that may be a wash.

 

[scant]

I'm going through the same hub decision process as well. I've been using an Absolute Black front hub since august & so far, so good. Its a little lighter than a Dt240 & a similiar price. Purely as they've been utterly reliable, I'm tempted to go DT240S rear & AB front again.

 

[joeadnan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I see that the AB is only available in QR15 or 142mm axles.

Should I go for a QR15 fork? I'm sure that 9mm QRs are more than adequate (perhaps even lighter?), but I am concerned about being pushed into a corner of obsolescence.


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[burndtjamb]

Thanks for the suggestions. I see that the AB is only available in QR15 or 142mm axles.

Should I go for a QR15 fork? I'm sure that 9mm QRs are more than adequate (perhaps even lighter?), but I am concerned about being pushed into a corner of obsolescence.

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Depending on what type of bike you're building, your fork/hub options are going to be really limited with 9mm QR. I would go with 15x100 thru axle, unless you're betting on the future and want to make the move to 15x110.

 

[lRaphl]

I've been running in circle for this same question for the past month...so far Tune King/Kong seems to be the best bang for buck in term of lightness.

 

[CuddlyToast]

American Classic makes some light hubs too. My personal go to for any trail bike has been an American Classic front, i9 rear.

 

[phlegm]

Thanks for the suggestions. I see that the AB is only available in QR15 or 142mm axles.

Should I go for a QR15 fork? I'm sure that 9mm QRs are more than adequate (perhaps even lighter?), but I am concerned about being pushed into a corner of obsolescence.

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Further to burndtjamb, there are many 15mm options out there, and they can get plenty light anyway. Given your expenditures on the kid's bike (that's a great thread BTW), I don't think you'll balk at the price:
http://forums.mtbr.com/weight-weeni...weight-weenies/new-build-2013-s-works-stumpjumper-ht-935429-2.html#post11529853

 

[joeadnan]

Anyone have any thoughts about using a Chris King R45 disc hub with a 135mm axle on a mountain bike?


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[(807) Recordings]

Anyone have any thoughts about using a Chris King R45 disc hub with a 135mm axle on a mountain bike?

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I was thinking similar for my wife bad boy. Love my king ISO though on mine. Lots of bad stories on the Tune rear hubs from riders over here. Rim is the more important part to loose the weight if possible

 

[xcbarny]

Would be good if King could make a 142 thru axle conversion for the R45 rear.

Based on how strong the ISO hubs are, I'm sure an R45 hub would be strong enough for XC.

 

[joeadnan]

Lots of bad stories on the Tune rear hubs from riders over here. Rim is the more important part to loose the weight if possible

I've seen those stories, and as far as I was able to ascertain:

1. They relate to pre-2010 hubs. I've not seen any recent hub failures. I am sure that if the hubs continued to break, we would be hearing about them here.

2. The failures related to the rear hub, specifically to the freehub body.

On the other hand, there have been reports from users like Acko and Tig who have been happy with their newer Kong/Prince hubs.

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[(807) Recordings]

According to someone I know and respect the free hub on the 2010 is not so much the issue anymore but more the carbon axle ones. I have a few Tune parts and they are good quality especially the stem out of 7075 alloy. Wanted to try the hubs also but am in no mood to test so I suspect Kings again for myself. But you never know.

 

[lRaphl]

Anyone ever tried the ASCE hubs?

ACSE : hubs and wheels made in France - MTB hubs and components - AcSe parts

 

[*OneSpeed*]

Made in France??? I'll pass

 

[phlegm]

Made in France??? I'll pass

You mean like Mavic?

 

[*OneSpeed*]

You mean like Mavic?

yup, won't buy anything made by them either. I try to buy American made products whenever possible! if it's not an option i look for Canadian, English made products (really any country that's not an A-hole). still not an option? Asian, last resort, but I will NEVER send my money to France.

 

[Le Duke]

Why wouldn't you buy something made in France?

Is there something they've done to personally offend you?

 

[(807) Recordings]

Why wouldn't you buy something made in France?

Is there something they've done to personally offend you?

Good food and good life I guess