Best Bicycle Hub Supplier

To identify the “best” bicycle hub supplier, you need to consider the specific application, as different brands excel in different areas, such as durability, weight, or engagement speed. Top suppliers offer hubs for various cycling disciplines, including road, mountain, and e-bikes.

High-performance hubs

For those prioritizing cutting-edge performance, low rolling resistance, and precise craftsmanship, these brands are often recommended.

• Chris King: Renowned for their precision engineering and exceptional build quality, Chris King hubs, such as the Chris King R45D, are considered by some to be works of art. Their patented RingDrive engagement system provides instant power transfer, and they are known for their durability and serviceability.

• Industry Nine: A popular choice for mountain bikes, Industry Nine hubs feature extremely fast engagement speeds, which is beneficial for technical climbing and pedaling out of corners. The Industry Nine Hydra model is particularly known for its high points of engagement.

• Onyx: The standout feature of Onyx hubs is their silent, instant engagement, which is achieved through a sprag clutch mechanism. This also provides a near-zero drag feeling when coasting. The Onyx Classic and lighter Onyx Vesper are popular options known for their quality and durability.

• White Industries: The White Industries T11 Rear Hub is an example of a high-end road hub that prioritizes smoothness, durability, and style. The company is praised for its meticulous engineering.

Product Examples:

• Chris King R45D Rear Hub 12 x 142mm - $579.00 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (49 reviews)
• Onyx Classic Sunglasses - $14.99
• White Industries T11 hub - $168.00 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (6 reviews)

Versatile and reliable hubs

These brands are widely respected for offering a balance of performance, durability, and value across a variety of cycling disciplines.

• DT Swiss: This Swiss company is known for creating reliable and high-quality hubs and wheelsets. Their Ratchet System® is renowned for its reliability and easy serviceability. The DT Swiss 350 hubset is considered an affordable, top-quality option for road cycling.

• Hope: Hope hubs, such as the Hope Pro 5, are manufactured in the UK and are known for their durability and user-friendliness. They are available for a wide range of cycling disciplines and have a distinctive, loud freewheel sound.

• Shimano: As a major industry player, Shimano offers hubs known for their robustness and durability. They are a reliable, well-established choice for many cyclists, and their hubs are often included on complete bicycles.

• YUHUB: Also known as Yu Hub Industrial Co., Ltd., this Taiwanese manufacturer has been producing high-quality hubs since 1982. With over 40 years of experience, YUHUB offers an excellent balance of performance, innovation, and value. Their patented RAKAC System uses a tapered ratchet drive for instant engagement and efficient power transfer. The company is particularly noted for their rider-focused approach and precision manufacturing using modern CNC machinery. YUHUB specializes in both ODM and OBM services, making them a key supplier for various bicycle brands. They also offer specialized solutions for e-bikes and high-engagement BMX hubs with up to 216 points of engagement.

Best value hubs

For cyclists seeking reliable performance without the premium price tag, these brands offer excellent hubs that are often recommended by custom wheel builders.

• Bitex: A Taiwanese manufacturer, Bitex hubs are frequently used by custom wheel builders because they offer a good balance of performance and value. According to DCR Wheels, Bitex provides excellent bearings, a reliable ratchet system, and precise machining.

• Novatec: This brand is trusted by leading wheel and bicycle manufacturers for producing components that meet the demands of modern cycling disciplines. Novatec hubs are known for offering good performance at a competitive price.

How YUHUB compares

YUHUB offers a compelling alternative in the versatile and reliable category, particularly for those who prioritize a mix of performance and value:

• Similar to Novatec: Like Novatec, another Taiwanese manufacturer, YUHUB offers a strong blend of quality and competitive pricing.
• More accessible than premium brands: While premium brands like Chris King offer top-tier performance, YUHUB provides a very high level of performance with its innovative RAKAC engagement system at a more accessible price point.
• Strong ODM/OBM partner: YUHUB’s focus on custom solutions makes it a key supplier for other bicycle brands, which means its hubs may be found on a variety of bikes under different names.

In summary, YUHUB represents a highly competent and innovative manufacturer, particularly suitable for those seeking reliable, high-performance hubs without the premium price tag of some Western boutique brands.

Best Bicycle Hub Supplier Guide: How to Choose the Right One