Road bike hubs - MTBIKER shop

The hub is the key part of the road bike wheel, located in its centre and connected by spokes to the rim. The wheel rotates around the hub and is attached to the frame using it. When choosing a hub for a road bike, it is good to consider several factors:

Hub width: Road bikes have traditionally had a front hub width of 100 mm and a rear hub width of 130 mm. With the advent of disc brakes and gravel bikes, hub sizes were expanded to 100 mm and 142 mm for better stability. Recently, the BOOST standard (12x110 and 12x148 mm) has also been expanded in road cycling.
Axis types:
- Quick release axles : A hollow axle that passes through a hub with a lever tip for easy wheel attachment. It is usually used for 100 mm and 130 mm cartridges.
- Fixed axles: Fixed axles are inserted directly into the frame or fork. This design provides increased stiffness, especially for bikes that use disc brakes, but requires a specific frame and fork with compatible spacing. The usual size is 12x100 mm front and 12x142 mm rear, or 12x110 mm and 12x148 mm for BOOST standard.
Material:
- Aluminium: Lightweight and commonly used for road bike hubs. They are durable and offer a good balance between weight and price.
- Carbon Fibre: The carbon fibre used in high-end cartridges is lightweight and provides excellent stiffness. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Number of Holes: A higher number of spokes generally results in a stronger and more durable wheel. However, more spikes mean more weight. The ideal number of spikes depends on factors such as rider weight, riding style and terrain.
Bearing type:
- Tapered Bearings: Traditional, serviceable bearings, composed of tapered screws and balls. They require maintenance.
- Industrial bearings: Encapsulated bearings, they are quiet, have low resistance and cannot be disassembled. When worn, it is necessary to replace and press a new one.

Choosing the right hub for your road bike involves balancing factors such as weight, durability, ease of maintenance and cost. Consider your riding style, preferences and budget to find a hub that suits your needs.

Check out our video "Easy rear hub maintenance - DT Swiss with Ratchet system"