what rear hub to use?

When I upgrade my rear hub I'll be going with a Hope Pro 4. $225, 44 PoE

Side note, this would be a better question for the Wheels subforum (but don't bother reposting it there as I imagine this thread will be moved there soon). Wheels and Tires

DT Swiss 350 w/ 36 POE is a solid choice.


Also, I used to run Chris King, which is the cream of the crop. But CK is just too damn expensive and I personally am fine with 'only' 36 points of engagement. I'm a total DT Swiss fanboy now.

Also, I saved some $$$ by buying used on Pinkbike and my hub already had a 36T star ratchet installed. I used to get my CK hubs used as well. These brands make stout components so you can be confident that they will go the distance.

When I did my research for this price range I came up with DT Swiss 350 and Hope Pro 4. Ended up getting a deal on a Hope hub and I'm very happy with it (44 PoE). I could have gone either way though as 36 PoE is fine too.

Industry Nine 1/1 hub. 90 POE, around 300$.

I would second the I-9 1/1, and suggest my favorite, Hadley. Hadley hubs are pure art, even when just looking at its parts. Oh, and the ti drivers look new even after 8000 miles.

I paid $180 for a used DT Swiss 350 hub w/ 36t star ratchet on Pink Bike.

I also recommend lacing up your own wheels, its not that hard if you have patience and can follow a set of instructions. I can give more details if you want them. Knowing that you are riding on wheels that you built up yourself is extremely gratifying. yup.

OLDFATUGLY said:

I would second the I-9 1/1, and suggest my favorite, Hadley. Hadley hubs are pure art, even when just looking at its parts. Oh, and the ti drivers look new even after 8000 miles.

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White industries also have a ti frwehub body with 48 points of engagement for ~$320. Don’t see it mentioned much, but great hubs.

norcalbike said:

White industries also have a ti frwehub body with 48 points of engagement for ~$320. Don’t see it mentioned much, but great hubs.

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White has had very nice products as long as I can remember. Good on ya to mention them.

BansheeRune said:

White has had very nice products as long as I can remember. Good on ya to mention them.

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Next frame build I do will be top to bottom WI

Once you reach a certain number of POE it becomes less noticable. Like the 36t and 54t ratchet in the 350 (which I did) isn't as noticable as 18t to 36t ... I have the 350s. They're great. If you're looking for something that's bombproof and offers solid engagement with relative ease of maintenance and serviceability, I'd definitely recommend it.

One more vote for the DT Swiss 350 here. I've had I9, Onyx, Project 321, and DT Swiss hubs, and going forward I'll be using the 350 hubs. The manufacturing quality beats the others regardless of price, the design is absolutely bombproof, and the POE differences are basically unnoticeable when you're actually riding. In fact, I suspect that the ultra high POE is actually a disadvantage when you're hopping/rocking in technical situations.

mlloyd007 said:

One more vote for the DT Swiss 350 here. I've had I9, Onyx, Project 321, and DT Swiss hubs, and going forward I'll be using the 350 hubs. The manufacturing qualitiy beats the others, regardless of price, the design is absolutely bombproof, and the POE differences are basically unnoticeable when you're actually riding. In fact, I suspect that the ultra high POE is actually a disadvantage when you're hopping/rocking in technical situations.

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Most trials riders use 72 poe hubs. I think after that there’s obviously a major fall off in terms of marginal gains, maybe even at 48 poe, but I don’t think it makes tricky tech maneuvers more difficult.

DT Swiss are good but have to give my vote in favour of the Pro 4's.

cavi said:

so I just finished a build for myself, a 2018 Specialized CF coil, I love it but the rear wheel hub sucks, takes forever to engage. So I need a different hub. I would rather stay around 200-300 for one. I am considering the DT Swiss 350, from what I have read they now come with 36 points of engagement. Would this do the trick? Are there others in this range that would solve my problem?

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DT 350 + upgrade with 54T ratchet will solve your problem.

+1 Hope Pro 4.

If hub engagement is something you notice then the 36 POE on the probably won't do it for you. I have some DT 350 hubs that came stock on my bike and while they work and there is nothing wrong with them I did not like the downgrade in POE feel. I have since upgraded to i9 Hydras but understandably not cheap. The E13 hubs are $250ish if I remember correctly and are 60 POE. I may keep the wheelset with the DT350s around as a spare set but if I do i'm going to upgrade them to 54t ratchet as the 36t just doesn't do it for me personally.

Big Fil said:

If hub engagement is something you notice then the 36 POE on the probably won't do it for you. I have some DT 350 hubs that came stock on my bike and while they work and there is nothing wrong with them I did not like the downgrade in POE feel. I have since upgraded to i9 Hydras but understandably not cheap. The E13 hubs are $250ish if I remember correctly and are 60 POE. I may keep the wheelset with the DT350s around as a spare set but if I do i'm going to upgrade them to 54t ratchet as the 36t just doesn't do it for me personally.

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The 54t is a great upgrade, but when you factor in the extra $100, the price puts you up there with CK and i9. I think the rider will like either as far as POE though. I honestly can't tell much of a difference from my 350s (w 54t) and my friends Hydras. At that point, weight, reliability, serviceability, durability, aesthetics and even sound probably have more to do with the decision than POE ... Lotta different opinions though. I think a lot depends on type of and what you're riding.

Tough to make a bad choice with that lineup though. Haven't tried Hope, don't see much of em where I live but seems especially across the pond, people have nothing but good things to say.