Hope Pro 5 Front Hub Center Lock
Hope Pro 5 is a workhorse hub known for rugged construction, easy serviceability and strong flange stiffness, offering excellent value for riders needing a durable Center Lock through-axle front hub. It sits between budget OEM choices and premium boutique hubs — more affordable than Chris King and Industry Nine yet more robust and more easily serviced than many Shimano-level hubs.
Rock-solid durability
Serviceable design
Rock-solid durability
Serviceable design
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Hope Pro 5's rock-solid construction, easy field servicing and strong rotor interface; it's praised for durability and confidence under heavy use. Some note it is heavier and louder than high-end rivals, but many prefer its serviceability and longevity."
Brit-tough charm
In-house machined hub body with robust construction and serviceable sealed bearings.
Brit-tough charm
In-house machined hub body with robust construction and serviceable sealed bearings.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Hope Pro 5 is a workhorse hub known for rugged construction, easy serviceability and strong flange stiffness, offering excellent value for riders needing a durable Center Lock through-axle front hub. It sits between budget OEM choices and premium boutique hubs — more affordable than Chris King and Industry Nine yet more robust and more easily serviced than many Shimano-level hubs.
Rock-solid durability
Serviceable design
Brit-tough charm
In-house machined hub body with robust construction and serviceable sealed bearings.
Center Lock rotor mount and through-axle compatibility suited to trail and all-mountain bikes.
Rock-solid durability
Serviceable design
Brit-tough charm
In-house machined hub body with robust construction and serviceable sealed bearings.
Center Lock rotor mount and through-axle compatibility suited to trail and all-mountain bikes.
The Shimano XT M8110 Center Lock Boost Rear Hub (Boost 12x148) is a practical, widely compatible option that benefits from Shimano’s global parts, service network and straightforward maintenance. It stands out as the cost-effective choice for riders prioritizing reliable, OEM-level compatibility and easy servicing over the boutique fit-and-finish and ultra-high engagement characteristics of Industry Nine or Chris King hubs.
Crisp engagement
Broad compatibility
Crisp engagement
Broad compatibility
Review Summary
"Users praise its durable sealed bearings, smooth freehub action and strong value-for-performance; slightly heavier than top-tier hubs but extremely dependable for extended use."
Shimano hum
Designed for 12x148 Boost through-axle frames with Center Lock rotor interface.
Shimano hum
Designed for 12x148 Boost through-axle frames with Center Lock rotor interface.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano XT M8110 Center Lock Boost Rear Hub (Boost 12x148) is a practical, widely compatible option that benefits from Shimano’s global parts, service network and straightforward maintenance. It stands out as the cost-effective choice for riders prioritizing reliable, OEM-level compatibility and easy servicing over the boutique fit-and-finish and ultra-high engagement characteristics of Industry Nine or Chris King hubs.
Crisp engagement
Broad compatibility
Shimano hum
Designed for 12x148 Boost through-axle frames with Center Lock rotor interface.
Proven Shimano durability and compatibility with common freehub bodies.
Crisp engagement
Broad compatibility
Shimano hum
Designed for 12x148 Boost through-axle frames with Center Lock rotor interface.
Proven Shimano durability and compatibility with common freehub bodies.
Chris King ISO Boost Center Lock Hub Set
Chris King ISO Boost hubs are a market leader for precision and longevity, featuring high-quality bearings, meticulous machining and a long-standing reputation for rebuildability and warranty support that justify a premium price. Compared with the ultra-fast-engagement Hydra or the cost-conscious DT/Shimano options, Chris King prioritizes smoothness, durability and a refined bearing system—traits that appeal to riders who prioritize long-term serviceability over absolute engagement speed.
Precision engagement
Serviceable forever
Precision engagement
Serviceable forever
Review Summary
"Chris King ISO Boost is lauded for precision machining, exceptionally smooth engagement and legendary durability with premium finishes; the main downsides cited are its high cost and modest weight penalty."
Signature anodized sheen
Hand-built, high-tolerance construction delivering exceptional bearing life and smoothness.
Signature anodized sheen
Hand-built, high-tolerance construction delivering exceptional bearing life and smoothness.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Chris King ISO Boost hubs are a market leader for precision and longevity, featuring high-quality bearings, meticulous machining and a long-standing reputation for rebuildability and warranty support that justify a premium price. Compared with the ultra-fast-engagement Hydra or the cost-conscious DT/Shimano options, Chris King prioritizes smoothness, durability and a refined bearing system—traits that appeal to riders who prioritize long-term serviceability over absolute engagement speed.
Precision engagement
Serviceable forever
Signature anodized sheen
Hand-built, high-tolerance construction delivering exceptional bearing life and smoothness.
Precision engagement system and premium materials made for longevity.
Precision engagement
Serviceable forever
Signature anodized sheen
Hand-built, high-tolerance construction delivering exceptional bearing life and smoothness.
Precision engagement system and premium materials made for longevity.
$700-1000 CAD
DT Swiss 350 Center Lock Hub
The DT Swiss 350 is a mid-tier, serviceable center lock hub known for durable internals and straightforward maintenance, making it a strong technical choice for Center Lock Disc Hubs with Standard Spacing. It offers better long-term durability and engagement characteristics than the Shimano 105 and Novatec options at a modest premium, delivering much of DT Swiss's proven reliability without the price of their flagship models.
Swiss ratchet ticks
Featherweight durability
Swiss ratchet ticks
Featherweight durability
Review Summary
"Owners praise the DT Swiss 350 center lock hub for its robust construction, consistent long-term performance and easy serviceability, noting slightly more weight than premium models but excellent reliability and engagement. It’s widely regarded as a best-in-class value-performance hub for regular and hard use."
User-serviceable joy
Proven DT Swiss construction with robust sealed bearings and strong flange geometry for durable wheel builds.
User-serviceable joy
Proven DT Swiss construction with robust sealed bearings and strong flange geometry for durable wheel builds.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The DT Swiss 350 is a mid-tier, serviceable center lock hub known for durable internals and straightforward maintenance, making it a strong technical choice for Center Lock Disc Hubs with Standard Spacing. It offers better long-term durability and engagement characteristics than the Shimano 105 and Novatec options at a modest premium, delivering much of DT Swiss's proven reliability without the price of their flagship models.
Swiss ratchet ticks
Featherweight durability
User-serviceable joy
Proven DT Swiss construction with robust sealed bearings and strong flange geometry for durable wheel builds.
Rear versions use the DT ratchet system for dependable engagement; front hubs share the same quality standards.
Swiss ratchet ticks
Featherweight durability
User-serviceable joy
Proven DT Swiss construction with robust sealed bearings and strong flange geometry for durable wheel builds.
Rear versions use the DT ratchet system for dependable engagement; front hubs share the same quality standards.
$180-260 CAD
The DT Swiss 350 is a widely regarded center lock disc hub featuring sealed cartridge bearings and the reliable DT star ratchet engagement system that blends serviceability with long-term durability. It earns a market-leader reputation here for its modular internals and predictable performance, sitting between Shimano and premium Hope hubs on price—more expensive than Shimano SLX but usually cheaper than the top-tier DT 540/240 variants—offering a strong technical advantage in easy maintenance and consistent engagement under load. Compared to the Hope Pro 4 it emphasizes modular serviceability and light weight, and versus Novatec it offers higher-spec internals at a modest price premium.
Swiss-precise click
Replaceable pawls
Swiss-precise click
Replaceable pawls
Review Summary
"Known for robust, easily serviceable internals, dependable ratchet engagement and long-term reliability; users appreciate its balance of price, performance and durability, with some preferring the lighter 240 for weight savings."
Effortless rolling grin
DT Swiss star ratchet engagement for dependable, serviceable engagement performance.
Effortless rolling grin
DT Swiss star ratchet engagement for dependable, serviceable engagement performance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The DT Swiss 350 is a widely regarded center lock disc hub featuring sealed cartridge bearings and the reliable DT star ratchet engagement system that blends serviceability with long-term durability. It earns a market-leader reputation here for its modular internals and predictable performance, sitting between Shimano and premium Hope hubs on price—more expensive than Shimano SLX but usually cheaper than the top-tier DT 540/240 variants—offering a strong technical advantage in easy maintenance and consistent engagement under load. Compared to the Hope Pro 4 it emphasizes modular serviceability and light weight, and versus Novatec it offers higher-spec internals at a modest price premium.
Swiss-precise click
Replaceable pawls
Effortless rolling grin
DT Swiss star ratchet engagement for dependable, serviceable engagement performance.
Sealed cartridge bearings for long life and easy replacement.
Swiss-precise click
Replaceable pawls
Effortless rolling grin
DT Swiss star ratchet engagement for dependable, serviceable engagement performance.
Sealed cartridge bearings for long life and easy replacement.
The HB-M7110 front hub is the best-in-class value pick for center lock mountain hubs with cup-and-cone bearings, delivering most of the serviceability and reliability of XT hardware at a noticeably lower price. It sacrifices some of the ultra-refined stiffness and marginal weight savings of the XT M8110 in exchange for a more accessible cost, making it an attractive choice for riders who want Shimano durability without the premium. Compared with the road-focused 105 hub, SLX’s geometry and spacing are better suited to off-road builds and wider tires.
Sturdy build
Smooth bearings
Sturdy build
Smooth bearings
Review Summary
"Shimano SLX HB-M7110 front hub is considered an excellent value, offering smooth operation and easy cup-and-cone servicing; reviewers say it is slightly less refined than XT but very reliable for the price. Riders appreciate its robustness for all-mountain use and straightforward maintenance."
Budget trail-charmer
Center Lock ready for quick rotor fitting during builds and maintenance.
Budget trail-charmer
Center Lock ready for quick rotor fitting during builds and maintenance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The HB-M7110 front hub is the best-in-class value pick for center lock mountain hubs with cup-and-cone bearings, delivering most of the serviceability and reliability of XT hardware at a noticeably lower price. It sacrifices some of the ultra-refined stiffness and marginal weight savings of the XT M8110 in exchange for a more accessible cost, making it an attractive choice for riders who want Shimano durability without the premium. Compared with the road-focused 105 hub, SLX’s geometry and spacing are better suited to off-road builds and wider tires.
Sturdy build
Smooth bearings
Budget trail-charmer
Center Lock ready for quick rotor fitting during builds and maintenance.
Cup-and-cone bearings designed for easy periodic adjustment and longevity.
Sturdy build
Smooth bearings
Budget trail-charmer
Center Lock ready for quick rotor fitting during builds and maintenance.
Cup-and-cone bearings designed for easy periodic adjustment and longevity.
$80-130 CAD
The Chris King R45D Center Lock hub is the market leader for precision, longevity, and serviceability, featuring ultra-tight tolerances and a high-end engagement system that yields near-instantaneous engagement with a Shimano-compatible freehub; it commands a premium price but is justified by lifetime rebuildability and industry-leading durability. Compared to the other hubs listed, Chris King targets riders who prioritize long-term cost-per-mile, precision manufacturing, and the highest resale and service support rather than the lowest upfront cost.
Precision bearings — silky spin
Rebuildable for life
Precision bearings — silky spin
Rebuildable for life
Review Summary
"Top-tier build quality and longevity with very quick, precise engagement; reviewers accept the high price because of outstanding serviceability and long-term reliability."
Colorful anodize flair
Exceptional bearing and machining tolerances for long-lasting smoothness.
Colorful anodize flair
Exceptional bearing and machining tolerances for long-lasting smoothness.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Chris King R45D Center Lock hub is the market leader for precision, longevity, and serviceability, featuring ultra-tight tolerances and a high-end engagement system that yields near-instantaneous engagement with a Shimano-compatible freehub; it commands a premium price but is justified by lifetime rebuildability and industry-leading durability. Compared to the other hubs listed, Chris King targets riders who prioritize long-term cost-per-mile, precision manufacturing, and the highest resale and service support rather than the lowest upfront cost.
Precision bearings — silky spin
Rebuildable for life
Colorful anodize flair
Exceptional bearing and machining tolerances for long-lasting smoothness.
Rebuildable, service-oriented design aimed at lifetime use.
Precision bearings — silky spin
Rebuildable for life
Colorful anodize flair
Exceptional bearing and machining tolerances for long-lasting smoothness.
Rebuildable, service-oriented design aimed at lifetime use.
$500-700 CAD
Industry Nine Hydra Classic Center Lock Hub
The Industry Nine Hydra Classic Center Lock hub is the performance-oriented pick thanks to industry-leading engagement rates and a lightweight, precision-machined build that maximizes snap and responsiveness with a SRAM-compatible freehub readily available. It commands a premium over DT Swiss, Hope and Shimano but offers the fastest engagement and liveliest ride feedback of the group, making it the technical leader for riders prioritizing on-trail performance over cost.
Instant engagement — snap response
Colorful anodize — wheel disco
Instant engagement — snap response
Colorful anodize — wheel disco
Review Summary
"Industry Nine Hydra Classic is highly regarded for its incredibly fast engagement, striking finish options and premium feel, with long-term users valuing the responsiveness and serviceability. The main drawbacks cited are the high price and louder engagement sound, but satisfaction among owners remains very high."
High durability — party-proof
Industry Nine's Hydra engagement system with very high engagement point counts for instant engagement.
High durability — party-proof
Industry Nine's Hydra engagement system with very high engagement point counts for instant engagement.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Industry Nine Hydra Classic Center Lock hub is the performance-oriented pick thanks to industry-leading engagement rates and a lightweight, precision-machined build that maximizes snap and responsiveness with a SRAM-compatible freehub readily available. It commands a premium over DT Swiss, Hope and Shimano but offers the fastest engagement and liveliest ride feedback of the group, making it the technical leader for riders prioritizing on-trail performance over cost.
Instant engagement — snap response
Colorful anodize — wheel disco
High durability — party-proof
Industry Nine's Hydra engagement system with very high engagement point counts for instant engagement.
Available with SRAM XD-compatible driver bodies and centerlock rotor mounting; hand-built, color-customizable shells.
Instant engagement — snap response
Colorful anodize — wheel disco
High durability — party-proof
Industry Nine's Hydra engagement system with very high engagement point counts for instant engagement.
Available with SRAM XD-compatible driver bodies and centerlock rotor mounting; hand-built, color-customizable shells.
The Novatec D792SB E-Bike Center Lock Hub is a value-oriented hub focused on robust sealed bearings and solid axle designs to cope with e-bike torque at a lower price than boutique alternatives. Compared to DT Swiss, Shimano and Hope it offers a cost advantage for budget-conscious builders and fleet operators while sacrificing some of the premium machining and global warranty support those brands provide. For buyers seeking a durable replacement or an economical build without exotic features, the Novatec hub provides sensible technical performance at an accessible cost.
Budget-beast bearings
Sealed-for-life feel
Budget-beast bearings
Sealed-for-life feel
Review Summary
"Novatec D792SB offers strong value with solid bearings and acceptable durability for the price, though reviewers frequently report occasional quality-control issues and the potential for early play."
Commuter-friendly grin
Economical hub with sealed bearings and reinforced axle designed for e-bike use
Commuter-friendly grin
Economical hub with sealed bearings and reinforced axle designed for e-bike use
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Novatec D792SB E-Bike Center Lock Hub is a value-oriented hub focused on robust sealed bearings and solid axle designs to cope with e-bike torque at a lower price than boutique alternatives. Compared to DT Swiss, Shimano and Hope it offers a cost advantage for budget-conscious builders and fleet operators while sacrificing some of the premium machining and global warranty support those brands provide. For buyers seeking a durable replacement or an economical build without exotic features, the Novatec hub provides sensible technical performance at an accessible cost.
Budget-beast bearings
Sealed-for-life feel
Commuter-friendly grin
Economical hub with sealed bearings and reinforced axle designed for e-bike use
Center lock rotor mount and compatibility with common boost and non-boost spacings
Budget-beast bearings
Sealed-for-life feel
Commuter-friendly grin
Economical hub with sealed bearings and reinforced axle designed for e-bike use
Center lock rotor mount and compatibility with common boost and non-boost spacings