Parameters to Consider When Selecting Bicycle Hubs
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In this article, we will learn how to select suitable hubs based on existing bicycles. Through this tutorial, you will understand some key information about the structure, specifications and models of bicycle hubs.
Spoke Specifications
- Hole Opening Forms: There are mainly two forms of spoke hole openings: straight pull and bent side pull. For straight pull hubs, the spokes do not need to be bent, and the holes directly face the spoke holes of the rim. While for bent side pull hubs, the spokes are bent to align with the spoke holes of the rim.
- Spoke Hole Distribution: Bent side pull hubs only have a 1:1 spoke hole distribution. For example, a 32 - hole bent side pull hub has 16 holes on both the non - drive side and the drive side. A typical product is KTS100. Straight pull hubs can have either a 1:1 or a 1:2 spoke hole distribution. For example, a 24 - hole straight pull hub, if in a 1:1 distribution, will have 12 holes on both the non - drive side and the drive side. If in a 1:2 distribution, the non - drive side will have 8 holes and the drive side will have 16 holes. Typical 1:1 distributed straight pull hubs include KTS500, and typical 1:2 distributed straight pull hubs include KTR006.
- Number of Holes: After understanding the above hole opening forms and spoke hole distributions, the number of hub holes also needs to be confirmed. Bent side pull hubs usually come in three hole number specifications: 28H, 32H, and 36H. Straight pull hubs are usually 24H.
Brake Interface
There are mainly two forms of brake interfaces for bicycles on the market: six - bolt mounting and center lock mounting. Generally, a six - bolt hub has six threaded holes on the left side of its outer body, and the six - bolt disc is fixed by six torx screws. This structure is the most widely used. The center lock hub is a combination of external spline teeth and internal threads. Its disc needs to be aligned and inserted into the spline groove first, and then fixed by a lock cover.
Freewheel Specifications
The matching of the freewheel and the hub is also crucial. There are usually four common types of cassette. Two are led by Shimano, namely HG and MS, and the other two are led by SRAM, namely XD and XDR. HG is characterized by the combination of external spline and internal thread, and one of the spline teeth is slightly narrower. It can be adapted to 8 - 11S freewheels. MS is a mountain bike model, similar to HG, but with a slightly smaller radius, finer spline teeth, and equal width. XD is a mountain bike model, composed of a circle of short spline teeth plus external threads. It is smaller than HG and offers 11 - 12s options. XDR is a road bike model, 1.85mm longer than XD, suitable for 12s bicycle hubs. XDR can be converted to XD for use with a 1.85mm spacer.
These are the key parameters to note when choosing a bicycle hub. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time!