Top 30 Bike Hub Brands in 2024

Introduction: A bike hub is a critical component of a bicycle’s wheel. It contains the bearings and axle that allow the wheel to rotate smoothly. The hub’s quality and features greatly affect a bike’s performance in terms of speed, reliability, and durability. With a vast array of hubs available in the market today, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. This buying guide will provide an overview of the factors you need to consider when selecting a bike hub for your bicycle. Type of Hub: Bike hubs come in several types based on their mechanism and attachment to the wheel. The following are the four main types of bike hubs: 1. Front Hub: As its name suggests, the front hub sits in the center of a bike’s front wheel. It enables the wheel to rotate around a fixed axle, and connects it to the fork. Front hubs are usually simpler in design than rear hubs, as they don’t require as many gears or freewheels. Front hubs can be further classified based on their attachment method, which is either bolt-on or quick-release. 2. Rear Hub: The rear hub sits on the bike frame’s rear dropouts and connects the rear wheel to the bike using an axle. The rear hub differs from the front hub in that it usually has a freehub or cassette body, which enables the wheel to rotate independently of the pedals. You can also find rear hubs with disc brake mounting points, which provide better stopping power than rim brakes. Rear hubs can be classified based on their drivetrain system, which can either be single speed, internal gear, or multi-speed. 3. Internal Gear Hub: Internal gear hubs have become increasingly popular among bike commuters and city riders. They feature a complex internal gear mechanism that eliminates the need for an external derailleur. An internal gear hub provides a smooth and consistent shifting experience, with less maintenance required than traditional derailleur systems. They also offer a greater range of gears than single-speed hubs, but not as much as multi-speed systems. 4. Fixed Gear Hub: Fixed gear hubs, also known as track hubs, are common among track racers and urban riders who prefer the simplicity and direct connection to the bike that fixed gear riding offers. Unlike conventional rear hubs, fixed gear hubs do not allow the wheel to rotate independently of the pedals. This means that when the pedals are turning, the wheel is turning as well. This provides a direct connection between the rider and the bike, but it also requires a high level of skill and control on the rider’s part. Spoke Count: The number of spokes in a bike wheel affects its overall strength, weight, and rigidity. Too few spokes can lead to a weaker wheel that is prone to bending or breaking under heavy loads. Too many spokes can result in a heavier wheel that is less aerodynamic and has increased rolling resistance. Typically, bike hubs come in spoke counts anywhere from 16 to 36. The higher the spoke count, the stronger the wheel will be. On the other hand, a low spoke count will result in a lighter wheel that can be more responsive and nimble. Axle Size and Type: The axle size and type that your bike hub requires depends on your bike frame and fork’s dropouts. Most bike frames use a 100mm wide front axle and a 135mm wide rear axle, but there are variations depending on bike type and model. Additionally, the axle type can be a quick-release or a bolt-on. Quick-release axles work with a lever that can be flipped open to release the wheel from the frame, while bolt-on axles require a wrench to remove the wheel from the frame. Generally, bolt-on axles provide a more secure and stable connection, but they require more time and tools to remove the wheel. Material: Bike hubs can be made from various materials, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of strength, weight, and cost. The two primary materials used for bike hubs are aluminum and carbon fiber. 1. Aluminum Hubs: Aluminum hubs are the most common material used for bike hubs due to their durability, strength, and relatively low cost. They can withstand high loads and impacts without deforming or breaking. However, aluminum hubs can be heavy compared to other materials and have less vibration damping compared to carbon fiber hubs. 2. Carbon Fiber Hubs: Carbon fiber hubs are the lightest and most expensive type of bike hub. They offer excellent vibration damping and can provide a smoother ride than aluminum hubs. Carbon fiber hubs are less common than aluminum hubs, as they are more expensive to produce. Compatibility: The hub you choose for your bike must be compatible with your bike’s components, such as its frame, fork, brakes, and tires. You should also ensure that the hub is compatible with the type of riding you intend to do, such as road, gravel, or mountain bike trails. For example, if you have rim brakes on your bike, you must select a hub with a rim brake track. If you plan to use disc brakes, you should choose a hub with disc brake mounting points. Brake Compatibility: Bike hubs have different types of brake compatibility, which refer to the type of braking system that can be used with the hub. The two primary types of brake compatibility are rim brake and disc brake. 1. Rim Brake Compatibility: Rim brake hubs are designed to work with rim brake calipers. The brake pads make contact with the brake track on the rim when you squeeze the brake lever, stopping the wheel from rotating. Rim brake hubs don't have disc brake mounting points and are typically used in road bikes or traditional commuter bikes. 2. Disc Brake Compatibility: Disc brake hubs, on the other hand, have disc brake mounting points that allow for better stopping power and modulation than rim brakes. Disc brake hubs come in different types, such as six-bolt or center lock, and are compatible with different rotor sizes. Disc brake hubs are commonly found in mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and other off-road bikes. Brand and Price: As with most bike components, brand and price are also important factors to consider when selecting a bike hub. High-end bike hubs from reputable brands offer better materials, manufacturing processes, and designs that result in better overall performance, reliability, and durability. However, these high-end hubs come at a higher cost than the average rider may be willing to spend. Cheaper bike hubs may offer adequate performance but can have issues with durability and reliability over time. Be cautious when choosing bike hubs that have a dramatically lower price than their peers, as they may not perform as well as advertised. Conclusion: Choosing the right bike hub for your bike is crucial to ensure that it performs at its best. The hub’s type, spoke count, axle size and type, material, compatibility, and brake compatibility should be considered before making a purchase. Remember that compatibility with your bike’s components and its intended use is important in determining the right hub for you. Using this guide as a reference, you can find a hub that will provide reliable and efficient performance and will last for many rides to come.