Recently I had posted some quick thoughts on the differences between the most popular hubs. That led to a few requests for some more thoughts on the subject. Well I figured I'd take a more in depth approach to it and try to post a wide range of spec's and thoughts. Not only my own thoughts, but for the first time I'll do a joint review. I've chosen to do it with a very skilled builder that I have a lot of respect for, Ron Ruff of White Mountain Wheels
The specs of course were compiled by us here at Fair Wheel and Ron at White Mountain Wheels, and while we did do our best to be careful there were an awful lot of numbers and calculations thrown around over those days. So with that in mind I'd like to put out the disclaimer that it isn't impossible that we might have transcribed, written or recorded a number incorrectly. So please forgive any typos or mistakes. We've already corrected a ton and now like to think that most things should be correct, but with the scale of this thing it's still likely that one will find a mistake.
We've got 28 hubs from the following companies: Alchemy, C4, Chris King, DT, Extralite, Ligero, M5, Soul-Kozak, Tune and White Industries.
As we've been building this over the last 2 weeks this thing has started to really grow in size. So much so that it had to be broken up into 3 parts each as a reply in this thread. Part 1 is front hubs, part 2 is rear hubs, part 3 are charts, calculators etc... You may find that when you get to the 2nd reply(3rd total post) you may have to hit your refresh button to get the spreadsheets to appear. We've attached some live, sortable google spreadsheets to the end with much of the pertinent information to make it easy to sort according to any property that you desire. These spreadsheets combined with all the text and pictures of the post seem to overload the forum a bit. So if you end up with anything missing, a quick refresh should take care of it.
The format of the review will be as follows.
---------------------------
Manufacturer:
Model:
weight:
available drillings:
bearing material and other bearing notes:
bearing size:
static load:
axle diameter:
Freehub body material:
available colors:
Price in USD: At exchange rate of 1.38 for imports
Flange diameters, L/R: Rounded to 0.5mm
Center to flange, L/R: Rounded to 0.5mm
Bracing angle, L/R: *
tension differential: applies to rear only*
Summary and thoughts by yours truly: My thoughts will be completely random and contain almost no structure. Sorry about that, but I think it's a result of a massive amount of hours spent staring at a screen.
Summary and thoughts by Ron:
--------------------------------
*Variable specs are all based on a wheel using a Kinlin XR300 rim laced 2x.
Before we start the actual review, we wanted to cover a few aspects of the review. Manufacturer, Model and Weight need no explanation.
Available drillings: this is what is currently available, I know some hubs such as Ligero have future versions planned with other drillings.
Bearing material: this is what comes stock in the base model. Some hubs have upgrades available from the factory.
Bearing size: moving from left to right in the hub shell and then in the hub body.
Static load: for each bearing individually. Static load rating is the maximum amount of load a bearing can take without excessive deformation that would degrade the bearing performance.
Notes on Bearings and drag: Since ceramic bearings became the rage a few years ago, bearing drag has been a hot topic among cyclists. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much public information on just how much of a loss the wheel bearing drag contributes. According to Bicycle Science the drag of clean, lubricated, properly aligned and adjusted ball bearings is very small. The friction coefficient is ~.0015... which is the ratio of resistive force generated in the bearing divided by the load it is carrying. If you are familiar with tire rolling resistance coefficients, this functions in the same way... except that you need to multiply this force by the bearing/wheel radius to get a comparable factor. So lets say we have a hub with 15mm axle, and the bearings are on a radius of ~12mm. The wheel's radius is ~335mm, so 12/335 *.0015 gives us an equivalent rolling resistance coefficient of .000054. To give you an idea of how small this is, typical tire rolling resistance coefficient is about .005... so the bearing resistance is ~100 times smaller. Another way to look at it is that a 200lb rider+bike traveling at 25mph will lose ~0.5W from the bearing rolling resistance. And these are not fancy bearings we are talking about... just decent steel ones.
There is another major component to bearing drag though, and that is the resistance of the seals. John Swanson did some interesting coast-down tests of wheels shown here: http://www.bikephysics.com/rails/wheel/list Aerodynamic drag was part of it, but his instrumentation was sophisticated enough to back out the bearing drag alone. Ron did the calculations on the bearing coefficients he obtained, and got an average power consumption of 0.25W for front hubs and 0.40W for the rear hubs at 25mph... or 0.65W for both wheels. Note that there was a lot of variation, but even the worst set of wheels was only ~1.3W. Since the only load in his tests was the weight of the wheel we'd consider these values additive to the 0.5W determined above... so typical losses are about 1.2W total. Though the losses in this test would capture any effects of misalignment or preload in the unloaded state, we should point out that under typical loads these factors can result in additional friction.
Does this mean that bearings don't matter? We wouldn't say that. Instead we'd emphasize that the most important factors are cleanliness, adequate lubrication, alignment, and adjustment. If any of these are off, then the drag can be much higher. Even though smaller bearings might have lower resistance in an ideal world, larger bearings (higher load rating) will be more tolerant of un-ideal situations, probably resulting in a lower practical resistance in addition to a longer life span. If your typical hub set in good condition is only consuming ~1W then be realistic about how much improvement is possible. The added expense of ceramic bearings and the added hassle of having light seals and grease (which probably will result in quicker bearing contamination and more frequent replacement) may not be worth it.
Axle diameter: Larger axles will typically produce stiffer wheels. It's also important to note that a couple of axles are in different ways, butted or reinforced at the freehub body in the rear to help prevent cantilevering under acceleration.
freehub body material. Almost all hubs in this review use aluminum bodies with the exception of the White Industries.
Available colors: Based on what I know is commonly available, but does not include custom options offered by some.
Price: This is the msrp as it applies in the USA. For imports a current exchange rate of 1.38 was applied.
Flange diameters: Left / Right. As measured by us from center of spoke hole to center of spoke hole. A note or two on flange diameter. The biggest effect of flange diameter comes particularly from the drive side and in the form of torque transfer and a wheels ability to resist windup during acceleration. Typically a larger flange will produce a better result in this category.
Center to flange: As measured by us. It's been noticed that many of our numbers don't match what is claimed by manufacturers. Our measurements are taken by us from center of flange to locknut. Some manufacturers provide outside of flange to center, while others provide numbers for both inside and outside but nothing center. Also some manufacturers may assume a 130 oln when their axle is not exactly 130. We use the actual oln measurement for our calculations. After the flange to center number is calculated it is rounded to 0.5mm.
Bracing angle: Based on a build using Kinlin XR300, 2x. Of course not all of these hubs would be recommended to be laced 2x, and with some it isn't even possible. This was just a way to create an equalizer to show the differences in the hubs on a level playing field. Actual bracing angles and tension differences will vary based on the build. Feel free to find your own numbers using the latest version of Damons spocalc spreadsheet which I will attach to the first reply in this thread. You'll have to save the spreadsheet to your computer before you can use it. Thanks to Eric Gottsman, Troy Watson and Jeremy Parfitt for coming up with the formulas and embedding them into the sheet for triplet.
Notes on Bracing angle: Bracing angle (or flange offset) is the most important factor effecting the lateral stiffness and stability of the wheel. The lateral stiffness imparted by the spokes goes up with the *square* of the bracing angles, while using more or heavier spokes only results in a linear increase in stiffness... and an increase in weight.
On a front wheel it isn't difficult to get adequate offsets and stiffness. The limit is having clearance for the fork, and offsets of up to 40mm are usually fine... the wider the better the lateral stiffness will be. There has been some speculation that narrower spacings are more aerodynamic, but I'd guess this has a tiny effect, if any. I suppose it is also possible that a very flexible rim might experience a lateral wave if the combination of high tension and bracing angle and low spoke count were severe enough, but it isn't an issue I've run into yet.
Bracing presents a conundrum on the rear wheel though, since the position of the DS flange is dictated by the 130mm dropout spacing, the wide cassette, and providing clearance for the derailleur. Because of this the spacing from the center of the wheel (and rim) is "stuck" being only ~16-19mm from the DS flange with a 130mm dropout width. Campy hubs are generally in the 16-17mm range due to their wider cassettes, and Shimano/SRAM specific hubs *can* be in the 18-19mm range. Yes, Campy hubs are inherently disadvantaged when it comes to making a stiff wheel. You would always like to get the DS offset as great as possible, with the practical limit being a minimal clearance between the spokes and derailleur.
The spacing on the NDS can be whatever the hub manufacturer wants. If it the same as the DS, then both sides will have the same tension... but lateral stiffness and overall stability will be very low. If it is twice as large... say 36mm... the NDS tension will be *half* as great as the DS, but lateral stiffness will be ok. The dilemma here is that a high bracing angle is good for lateral strength and stability, but low tension on the NDS could cause these spokes to go slack when subjected to high radial loads. When spokes go slack the stiffness of the wheel goes way down and bad things can happen... from spokes coming loose due to nipples unwinding, to "taco", wheel failure, etc.
So as you can see, the trick here is to find the best compromise. The hub manufacturers have different ideas about what is best, with the NDS offsets of the conventional hubs in this review ranging from 32.5 to 39mm. The DT's geometry is inherently the least stiff with only ~16mm on the DS and 32.5mm on the NDS. Compare this to the Alchemy hub in S configuration with a DS offset of 19.5mm and NDS offset of 37mm. My back of the envelope calculation gives the Alchemy hub ~25% improvement in lateral wheel stiffness compared to the DT. The Alchemy hub also has a higher tension ratio, so there is no downside. In the DT's favor the freehub is easily swappable between Campy and S without re-dishing, which is why it has a poor DS spacing for an S hub. Other hubs like the Campy versions of the Tune Mag 180, White Industries H3, and Extralite have large NDS offsets, so the stiffness is good... but tension ratios in the 42% range can leave the NDS tension lower than ideal, and is especially troublesome if the rim will not allow high tension on the DS. If the hub allows radial lacing though, lacing the NDS heads-out will improve the tension ratio.
Note that other aspects of hub design can also have substantial effects on wheel stiffness. Axle and shell stiffness, bearing size, tolerance, and arrangement, bearing to axle interface stiffness, and axle to dropout interface stiffness, are all important factors. Unfortunately, quantifying these is beyond the scope of this review.
A note on tools: When we talk about tools we will be talking about special tools. It will be assumed that a bearing puller and press is part of a standard tool kit. For the bearing press, we highly recommend the Wizard from Wheels Manufacturing, but designed by Jeremy from Alchemy. This is truly the most versatile press ever and with details such as an internally threaded shaft it's uses go far beyond being a standard bearing press. We use it to pull axles, install axles, bearings, free hub bodies etc...
---------------------------------------------
Now let's get things started. Since many people mix front and rear hub brands we are going to look at them separately. So, on to the hubs.....
---------------------------------------------
Alchemy Elf
Manufacturer:Alchemy
Model: ELF
Notes: New 2010 version. Radial lacing is allowed.
Weight: 66gr
Available drillings:16/18/20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 6900
Bearing static load: 303
Axle diameter: 12mm
Available colors: Black, Red, Silver
Price in USD: $180
Flange diameters: 32mm
Center to flange: 39mm
Bracing angle: 7.9
Summary: The Elf has to be one of my favorite front hubs. At 66grams it fits nicely into the mid-lightweight hubs. The large bearings static capacity is high, and the flange spacing is the widest of just about anything I've seen. The axle is a nice 12mm, and the bearing placement is about as far outboard as a front hub can tolerate and still have room to clear the fork. That extra bearing width should contribute to an even stiffer front wheel. Combine all of those factors with allowed radial lacing and you have the hub that is likely to produce the laterally stiffest wheel available. Price isn't too high for a hub of such quality. Drilling options are plentiful. If I had one complaint about the hub it would be that it lacked preload adjustment. No preload was a result of having bearings so far to the outside that the axle could not be externally threaded. That however is no longer true. The 2010 version now comes with a rather clever preload adjustment based on internal threading of the axle. Of course the 09 version can be retrofitted with the newest axle kit to upgrade it to the current version. So that doesn't leave much for me to find fault with. I guess the only remaining complaint would be that it's only available in 3 colors. Geez, that really isn't much of a complaint, so let me try again. How about this, there isn't yet a matching sub 200 gram rear option. So if you like your hubs to match you have to either give up some weight, or look for something else. I guess that's not really much of a complaint either. This is the hub that other manufacturers should really be studying and wondering how do they improve on that. Customer service from Alchemy has been absolutely top notch for the few years that we've been dealing with them.
Ron: I really like this hub too. Since the Orc was only recently available I often paired this with the DT240 or 190 rear hub with the sticker peeled off. They look very good together and the Elf saves more than 40g compared to DT... with no downside that I can discern. They have a higher bearing load rating, are super smooth, and the bracing angle is higher, allowing good lateral stiffness even when laced heads-out.
----------------------------------------------
C-4 FH76 and FH78
Manufacturer: C4
Model: FH76 and FH78
Notes: The FH76 and 78 are the same hub with the difference being the in the bearings. Radial lacing is allowed up to 28h.
Weight:FH76: 77gr
Weight:FH78: 79gr
Available drillings: 16/20/24/28
Bearing material and other bearing notes:FH78 uses a stainless Phil wood and the FH78 uses a ceramic hybrid.
Bearing size: 6900.
Bearing static load: 303
Axle diameter: 10mm
Available colors: Black, Silver
Price in USD: FH78: $125
Price in USD: FH76: $135
Flange diameters: 32mm
Center to flange: 32.5mm
Bracing angle: 6.6
Summary: C-4 is a rather new company, but has entered the game with a pretty good splash. The 76/78 is virtually the same hub with the exception of the bearings. While the 76/78 won't build the stiffest wheel in the world, it does have a nice spec, particularly for the price.
It has a large very high quality bearing, and a reasonable mid-lightweight category weight. It's only available in limited colors, black and silver but does come in ample drillings. Like the Elf hub, the C-4 has it's bearings located pretty far to the outside edge of the hub which does help to add some stiffness to the wheel. The 76/78 hub lacks preload adjustment, but still manages to keep play to a minimum. While both the 76 and 78 have high quality bearings, the 76 is very impressive in it's smoothness. I know what the science says about bearing drag and seal drag, but something in me is still impressed every time I spin the hub in my hands, and I just can't help but think it feels fast. This hub has to be really high on the list for anyone with a budget. When you add the UL ti skewers into the package, it's bang for the buck is certainly one of the best. So far customer service has been quite attentive and I'm without complaint about it.
Ron: Not a bad weight at all for an inexpensive hub that has decent sized bearings. With the light Ti QR (similar to KCNC/Far and Near) the price looks even better. The flange spacing is quite narrow, and when I asked them about that they mentioned that clearance for forks that curve inward was the reason. I don't know if that is an issue anyone has run into with wider hubs... I haven't. I'll also attest to great service from C-4... they have that part of the business figured out and I hope they keep it up.
----------------------------------------------
C-4 FH44SP
Manufacturer: C4
Model: FH44SP
Notes: Uses straight pull spokes.
Weight: 42gr
Available drillings: 16/18/20/24
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Ceramic hybrid
Bearing size: 688
Bearing static load: 135
Axle diameter: 8mm
Available colors: Black
Price in USD: $180
Flange diameters: 19.5mm
Center to flange: 37.5mm
Bracing angle: 7.5
Summary: Another offering from C-4 is the 44sp hub. About twice the price of the 78 the 44 has ceramics stock and has a wider bracing angle. The straight pull spokes also offer an increase in durability as the wider spacing will offer a laterally stiffer wheel. Available in only one color, black. The really small bearing makes this a hub that I'd reserve for the light riders or for a race wheel with a middle weight rider. But the wide flange placement, and required radial lacing will make a wheel that's not only light but stiff enough to be deserving of being a race day wheel. While the small bearings don't have much load capacity they should roll with some of the least resistance of just about anything but will also require more often replacement. This hub also does not have any preload adjustment and has a small axle.
Ron: Nothing to add really... except that this might make a good TT hub, with low bearing resistance and a smooth small diameter aspect.
----------------------------------------------
Chris King R45
Manufacturer: Chris King
Model: R45
Notes: Radial lacing allowed.
Weight: 102gr
Available drillings: 20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: non standard, 17.5x27x7
Bearing static load: est. 315
Axle diameter: 17mm
Available colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Orange, Pewter, Pink, Red, Silver
Price in USD: $149
Flange diameters: 40mm
Center to flange: 35mm
Bracing angle: 7.1
Summary: Chris King has long been considered one of the best hubs amongst mountain bikers. Their road hub does not fall short of this reputation either. At 102 grams it's one of the heaviest front hubs in the review, but the weight is reflected in the quality. The made in house angular contact, proprietary bearings have one of the highest load capacities of all tested hubs, they also carry a 5-year warranty. The 17mm axle is the largest of anything in the test. The mid-sized flanges have a nice old school look to them with their cutouts and overall the workmanship is top notch. Surprising to me was that the flange spacing is the narrowest of all the hubs we looked at. Perhaps King feels the bearings and axle compensate for this, or perhaps they just don't feel as though a dish-less wheel needs any more angle. Having such a narrow flange placement may have a slight effect on improving it's aerodynamic properties, but that's still not anything I've seen proven. King has approved these hubs for radial lacing, which is a departure from their other hubs and the make them in drillings down to 20h. The price is quite reasonable for a Chris King product in my opinion. Color choices are more than plentiful, I can't think of anyone that offers more. The preload on the hub is well designed and works as one would expect from such an iconic company, skewers can be clamped at tight as desired without any drag on the bearings. Customer support isn't always the greatest with CK though. Sometimes there seems to be a bit of an attitude that if something failed it's not their fault because they are perfect. It wouldn't be fair to say this attitude is company wide, but depending on the luck of the draw as to who you talk to it can sometimes be hard to get a warranty processed. Availability is also very slim on these right now, but with good reason.
Ron: Should be a solid front hub... but I wish they had figured out a way to pare ~30g from it. It's porky compared to the light rear hub. I haven't used Chris King hubs much in the past because I do a lot more road wheels, but I expect that to change. They have a great reputation with the MTB crowd and I expect these to be very popular with people who want colored hubs. One note on angular bearings is that have inherently higher drag than the ones commonly used... but I can't say if it's enough to worry about.
---------------------------------------------
DT 240
Manufacturer:DT
Model: 240
Notes: Radial lacing version.
Weight: 108gr
Available drillings: 20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 6803
Bearing static load: 276
Axle diameter: 17mm
Available colors: Black (white in 28h)
Price in USD: $180
Flange diameters: 39mm
Center to flange: 37.5mm
Bracing angle: 7.6
Summary: I'm not sure what to say about the DT hub. It's one of those hubs that isn't light, isn't available in many colors and isn't particularly inexpensive. However it is one of those bolt-it and forget-it hubs. I'm told that DT has recently started using a less expensive lower end bearing in their hubs which isn't what I'd like to see in a higher end hub such as DT. The DT hub falls into the middle of just about every category, which makes it a nice hub for a wide range of people, but at the same time doesn't make it a stellar hub for anyone. While it seems I'm having a hard time thinking of good things to say about these I'm also finding it hard to find anything bad. So let's just call it a nice average hub. Customer service has been hit or miss with some good and some bad experiences.
Ron: Decent hub... but it's hefty. Black is the only real choice (unless you want a white 28h). I've had binding issues when lacing it heads-in, but since the flange spacing is fairly wide, heads-out still gives decent stiffness. I rarely use these anymore... even if the customer wants a DT rear hub, I usually convince them to put an Elf on the front.
----------------------------------------------
Extralite SX
Manufacturer: Extralite
Model: Ultrafront SX
Notes: Radial lacing is allowed only heads out.
Weight: 49gr
Available drillings: 16/18/20/24
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless w/ceramic upgrade
Bearing size: 6801
Bearing static load: 188
Axle diameter: 14mm
Available colors: Black
Price in USD: $215
Flange diameters: 28mm
Center to flange: 37mm
Bracing angle: 7.4
Summary: Made in Italy, the new SX hub features a change in the flange, it looses the lip and instead goes for a thicker flange with machining between the spoke holes on the back side of the hub. 49grams makes it certainly one of the lightest hubs out there, but also it's the lightest hub with a preload adjustment. There have been a couple cases of the adjuster having some stripped threads but it seemed to be related to previous versions. I'm told the threads are cut deeper now and it hasn't been a problem since. The bearing is mid sized and rolls incredibly smoothly. It would be nice to see these hubs available in different colors, which is hopefully coming now that Extralite has begun to show different colors in some of their other parts(of course this is just speculation on my part) The price isn't the lowest nor the highest, and the hub is actually a decent value for it's performance and weight. The flange placement, bearing size and easy serviceability of the hub make this one of the lighest hubs that I think could be considered for a daily rider. Customer service from Extralite has been really great for the last several years.
Ron: No experience with the new hub... there were some minor issues with the old one. Hopefully those have been sorted out and this is a fitting mate to the SX rear.
----------------------------------------------
Ligero Road
Manufacturer: Ligero
Model: Front
Notes: Radial lacing allowed.
Weight: 93gr
Available drillings: 20
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Ceramic with Phil Wood stainless option
Bearing size: 6803
Bearing static load: 276
Axle diameter: 17mm
Available colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Orange, Pewter, Pink, Red, Silver
Price in USD: Apprx $200 (sold as a pair for $600)
Flange diameters: 36mm
Center to flange: 38mm
Bracing angle: 7.7
Summary: A long awaited for hub from Ligero. Unfortunately I don't have much experience with them since they are so new but I have had them for a little bit and can find some things to say. The bearings are noticeably smooth, large and have a high static load capacity. However there is no preload adjustment. The hub arrived with a slight amount of play but a quick press with the bearing press took care of that. Again I think that's related to a pre-production issue, as I did rush them to get me a set in a hurry so we would have time to play with them before writing this. There is no pre-load adjustment on the front but once the bearings were settled it's ability to resist compression from an overly tight skewer was quite good. I had to close the skewer with far more force than necessary to get only slight binding at all. Also at 93 grams the hub was quite a bit over the claimed 70gram weight, still lighter than some of the hubs in the test. I was later told that the original 70gram weight I had was not what they had settled on for final production weight. The production version is expected to weigh 85 grams, and will be slightly different than this test one. The flange placement is wide, the bearings are large as is the 17mm axle. Ideally this hub should build quite a stiff wheel. Ceramic bearings are included stock, but you have the option to swap them for Phil Wood stainless without a change in price. Also the workmanship and finish on the completely American made hub is very nice.
Ron: Another new US made hub, and like the Chris King, it comes in a wide array of colors. Interesting and pleasing shape. It should be a solid hub, but the weight is a little high.
----------------------------------------------
M5 Flanged
Manufacturer:M5
Model: Flanged front
Notes: No radial lacing, 75kg weight limit.
Weight: 33gr
Available drillings:16/20/24
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 688
Bearing static load: 135
Axle diameter: 8mm
Available colors: Black
Price in USD: $150
Flange diameters: 21.5mm
Center to flange: 36mm
Bracing angle: 7.2
Summary: The M5 flanged front hub is a weight weenie hub. Not only is it the lightest hub in the test, but to my knowledge is still the lightest hub on the market. This super light weight does however come at a trade-off. To get the weight down to an incredible 33grams they had to start with a very small hub shell. Which in turn means small bearings and small axle. The 72mm flange placement is middle of the road for front hub widths, so nothing is really lost there. The small bearings should have very little resistance but at the same time have the lowest static load of all the hubs. They also will have the shortest life span due to both impact failure and general wear. The hub has no preload adjustment and is very sensitive to how tight a qr is. Clamping the hub in a truing stand very tightly with a strong skewer results in a hub that is almost impossible to turn by hand, so if you have this hub, please pay attention not to tighten the skewer too much. This hub is good for a lightweight riders race wheel or for a show bike, ww bike or low mileage bike. Please not the 75kg rider weight limit. This isn't the hub to choose for your daily rider wheel set, unless you are okay with regular bearing replacement. Customer support direct from M5 has left something to be desired in the past. But if you are after the lightest wheel set this is your hub.
Ron: In my opinion you need to be pretty weight obsessed to go for this one... but plenty of people are and have been quite satisfied with it.
----------------------------------------------
Soul-Kozak Classic Road
Manufacturer: Soul-Kozak
Model: Classic Road
Notes:
Weight: 52gr
Available drillings:18/20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 689
Bearing static load: 151
Axle diameter: 9mm
Available colors: Black
Price in USD: $95
Flange diameters: 31mm
Center to flange: 38mm
Bracing angle: 7.7
Summary: Like the M5, the Soul is also a WW hub, but is reigned in a bit more to make it a little more of a real world hub. At 52 grams it features a slightly larger bearing with a bit more static load capacity, which should still roll with very little resistance but offer at least a bit more durability. The axle diameter is also increased slightly to 9mm. The hub flanges are larger in diameter but some of the thinnest of the test. The hub also tries to add wheel stiffness by pushing the flanges out quite a bit, with the exception of the Elf and the Ligero nothing in the test is wider. The hub is available only in 1 color but is a really good value. When looking at weight vs price, this made in Poland hub has to be one of the best choices. Customer Service with Soul has to date been nothing but pleasant experiences.
Ron: Looks pretty good if you're wanting a light hub, plus the price isn't bad. The tiny bearings and axle are not inspiring though. I'd have a tough time picking this over the Alchemy considering that the weight difference is only 14g.
----------------------------------------------
Tune Mig45
Manufacturer:Tune
Model: Mig45
Notes: straight pull radial only.
Weight: 44gr
Available drillings:16/18/20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 6802
Bearing static load: 219
Axle diameter: 12mm
Available colors: Black/Carbon, Gold/Carbon
Price in USD: $303
Flange diameters: 26mm
Center to flange: 36.5mm
Bracing angle: 7.3
Summary: The Mig45 is the 2nd lightest hub in the review. It's also the most expensive front hub. The Mag45 balances it's characteristics very nicely. It has fairly wide flange spacing, straight pull spokes, decently large bearings a fairly stiff carbon axle. Overall the hub builds into a lightweight, stiff, smooth rolling wheel. The straight pull spokes should be less prone to breaking than a j-bend, but at the same time can be more of a hassle to deal with if they do break. Finding the proper straight pull spoke at your LBS may not be the easiest option, so if you build a wheel with one of these, it's a good idea to pick up a few extra spokes. One drawback to this is that getting parts can be quite a slow process in the U.S. Customer service with Tune has been very good to deal with but international shipping can tend to make things slower if you're in North America. This is certainly one of the best looking hubs available with it's aluminum shell and carbon reinforced ends. There is no preload adjuster on this one but it doesn't seem to suffer much from tightening of the skewers.
Ron: I guess I'm not as thrilled with the looks as you are, but if you like the looks of the Mag150, then this is the one that goes with it. This is a good hub for a light build if money is no object. The bearings have a higher load rating than other hubs this light.
----------------------------------------------
Tune Mig70
Manufacturer: Tune
Model: Mig70
Notes:
Weight: 74gr
Available drillings: 12/16/18/20/24/28/32/36
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 6802
Bearing static load: 219
Axle diameter: 12mm
Available colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, White
Price in USD: $188
Flange diameters: 37.5mm
Center to flange: 35mm
Bracing angle: 7.1
Summary: The Mig70 is Tunes mainstay front hub. It is one of my favorite front hubs due to it's balance of characteristics. Good weight, good price, good bearing size, good bearings, good flange spacing, good drilling selection, good color choice, good axle size and a functional preload. The preload is basic but is accomplished through a threaded end cap and a drop of locktite, similar in concept to the Elf front. Self aligning flanges are a nice addition to it's already well balanced design. This is typical a bolt it and forget it kind of hub. Very rarely have there been reported problems with these hubs and when there are typically it's related to improper lacing. Radial lacing is recommended only on lower drillings. This is one of my go to recommendations for someone that wants a do it all hub.
Ron: I haven't had any issues with this hub... no drama. The bearings aren't huge for it's weight but adequate, and this hub is a good match for the Mag 180 rear.
----------------------------------------------
White Industries H2
Manufacturer: White Industries
Model: H2
Notes:
Weight: 95gr
Available drillings: 16/18/20/24/28/32
Bearing material and other bearing notes: Stainless
Bearing size: 6901
Bearing static load: 318
Axle diameter: 12mm
Available colors: Black, Silver
Price in USD: $130
Flange diameters: 35mm
Center to flange: 36mm
Bracing angle: 7.2
Summary: At almost 100 grams it's almost into the realm of standard weight hub. It has a very high load capacity on it's bearings, a good axle size and a good flange spacing. It is certainly a durable hub and can handle all sorts of different lacing options including heads in radial. The price makes this an appealing durable on a budget hub. While I'm not a big fan of the set screw preload adjuster, it is functional and resists compression from the skewer in all but the most extreme cases. Drilling options are plenty, but color options are limited. The hub seems to weigh more than it needs to, but I suppose that's partly responsible for it's durability.
Ron: I like this hub. The bearings are a good size, it's pretty, and it spins very smooth. I kind of like the collar with set screw... it makes it easy to take up the clearance without the chance of preloading. They could surely drop a little weight but compared to the H3 rear it makes sense.
----------------------------------------------
