Shimano Deore XT M8110 Center Lock Hub
The Shimano Deore XT M8110 is a high-performance center lock disc hub with sealed cartridge bearings that balances low weight, reliable sealing and proven Shimano durability, making it a go-to for trail and enduro riders. It holds a best-in-class spot here by offering many of the XT family refinements—smooth engagement and wide parts availability—at a lower price than boutique alternatives like Hope, while generally matching or beating the value offered by DT Swiss 350 and undercutting Novatec on global service support. Compared with Shimano SLX M7110 it adds a touch more durability and finish, and compared with the Novatec it trades slightly higher cost for broader dealer support and parts compatibility.
Rock-solid durability
Quick-ratchet snap
Rock-solid durability
Quick-ratchet snap
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for durable, smooth sealed cartridge bearings and reliable engagement; users report long-lasting performance with occasional notes about slightly higher weight compared with ultra-light hubs."
Maintenance-friendly grin
Center Lock rotor interface with Shimano freehub compatibility (HG/MicroSpline options).
Maintenance-friendly grin
Center Lock rotor interface with Shimano freehub compatibility (HG/MicroSpline options).
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Shimano Deore XT M8110 is a high-performance center lock disc hub with sealed cartridge bearings that balances low weight, reliable sealing and proven Shimano durability, making it a go-to for trail and enduro riders. It holds a best-in-class spot here by offering many of the XT family refinements—smooth engagement and wide parts availability—at a lower price than boutique alternatives like Hope, while generally matching or beating the value offered by DT Swiss 350 and undercutting Novatec on global service support. Compared with Shimano SLX M7110 it adds a touch more durability and finish, and compared with the Novatec it trades slightly higher cost for broader dealer support and parts compatibility.
Rock-solid durability
Quick-ratchet snap
Maintenance-friendly grin
Center Lock rotor interface with Shimano freehub compatibility (HG/MicroSpline options).
Sealed cartridge bearings for reduced maintenance and smooth rolling.
Rock-solid durability
Quick-ratchet snap
Maintenance-friendly grin
Center Lock rotor interface with Shimano freehub compatibility (HG/MicroSpline options).
Sealed cartridge bearings for reduced maintenance and smooth rolling.
$140-190 USD
DT Swiss 350 Center Lock Hub
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.
$180-260 USD
Hope Pro 4 Center Lock Hub
The Hope Pro 4 is a premium center lock hub with sealed cartridge bearings known for its CNC-machined shell, wide flange geometry for exceptional lateral stiffness, and a uniquely robust engagement mechanism favored by riders prioritizing stiffness and durability. It claims its market-leading position by offering British-made machining quality and a predictable, workshop-serviceable design—typically at a higher price than Shimano and DT Swiss options—so buyers pay a premium for long-term toughness and direct replacement parts. Compared to the DT Swiss 350 and Shimano models, the Pro 4 trades some extra grams and cost for a more aggressive flange spacing and a reputation for rebuildability and longevity.
High-engagement tick
Anodized color-pop
High-engagement tick
Anodized color-pop
Review Summary
"Highly regarded for very durable construction, strong engagement, colors and easy servicing; buyers report long-term reliability and little maintenance, though it's heavier than some rivals."
Bombproof build
CNC-machined alloy shell built for durability and stiffness under load.
Bombproof build
CNC-machined alloy shell built for durability and stiffness under load.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Hope Pro 4 is a premium center lock hub with sealed cartridge bearings known for its CNC-machined shell, wide flange geometry for exceptional lateral stiffness, and a uniquely robust engagement mechanism favored by riders prioritizing stiffness and durability. It claims its market-leading position by offering British-made machining quality and a predictable, workshop-serviceable design—typically at a higher price than Shimano and DT Swiss options—so buyers pay a premium for long-term toughness and direct replacement parts. Compared to the DT Swiss 350 and Shimano models, the Pro 4 trades some extra grams and cost for a more aggressive flange spacing and a reputation for rebuildability and longevity.
High-engagement tick
Anodized color-pop
Bombproof build
CNC-machined alloy shell built for durability and stiffness under load.
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance operation and easy swaps.
High-engagement tick
Anodized color-pop
Bombproof build
CNC-machined alloy shell built for durability and stiffness under load.
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance operation and easy swaps.
$260-360 USD
Shimano SLX M7110 Center Lock Hub
The Shimano SLX M7110 is a value-oriented center lock hub with sealed cartridge bearings that brings many of Shimano's reliable features to a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for riders who want dependable performance without premium pricing. It holds a strong position in this lineup by undercutting DT Swiss and Hope on cost while offering broadly compatible parts and service networks, though it is slightly less refined in finish and bearing spec than the XT M8110. Compared to Novatec it generally provides better global availability and perceived resale value, while sacrificing some of the premium machining and stiffness of the Hope Pro 4.
Budget beast
Smooth spin
Budget beast
Smooth spin
Review Summary
"Good value and reliable sealed bearings with solid performance over time; reviewers note it's not as refined or as light as XT but offers dependable durability for most riders."
Wrench-friendly design
Center Lock rotor interface with economical SLX-level performance.
Wrench-friendly design
Center Lock rotor interface with economical SLX-level performance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano SLX M7110 is a value-oriented center lock hub with sealed cartridge bearings that brings many of Shimano's reliable features to a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for riders who want dependable performance without premium pricing. It holds a strong position in this lineup by undercutting DT Swiss and Hope on cost while offering broadly compatible parts and service networks, though it is slightly less refined in finish and bearing spec than the XT M8110. Compared to Novatec it generally provides better global availability and perceived resale value, while sacrificing some of the premium machining and stiffness of the Hope Pro 4.
Budget beast
Smooth spin
Wrench-friendly design
Center Lock rotor interface with economical SLX-level performance.
Sealed cartridge bearings aimed at balancing durability and affordability.
Budget beast
Smooth spin
Wrench-friendly design
Center Lock rotor interface with economical SLX-level performance.
Sealed cartridge bearings aimed at balancing durability and affordability.
$100-140 USD
Novatec D411SB/D412SB Center Lock Hub
The Novatec D411SB/D412SB hubs are budget-friendly center lock disc hubs with sealed cartridge bearings that deliver solid performance and low cost for riders prioritizing value. They earn a place here as the cost-effective alternative, offering acceptable sealing and serviceability for recreational and mixed-terrain use, typically at a fraction of the price of Hope and often undercutting Shimano and DT Swiss on sticker cost—making them attractive for builds on tight budgets. Compared with Shimano SLX and DT Swiss 350 the trade-offs are in long-term service support and brand recognition, but Novatec gives strong performance-per-dollar for entry-level and commuter-focused wheelsets.
Featherweight flyer
Sealed-for-life
Featherweight flyer
Sealed-for-life
Review Summary
"Affordable hubs with sealed cartridge bearings that offer good smoothness and value, though some users report variable quality control, occasional bearing play and shorter lifespan than premium hubs."
Value-packed sparkle
SB-designated sealed cartridge bearings for straightforward, low-cost servicing.
Value-packed sparkle
SB-designated sealed cartridge bearings for straightforward, low-cost servicing.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Novatec D411SB/D412SB hubs are budget-friendly center lock disc hubs with sealed cartridge bearings that deliver solid performance and low cost for riders prioritizing value. They earn a place here as the cost-effective alternative, offering acceptable sealing and serviceability for recreational and mixed-terrain use, typically at a fraction of the price of Hope and often undercutting Shimano and DT Swiss on sticker cost—making them attractive for builds on tight budgets. Compared with Shimano SLX and DT Swiss 350 the trade-offs are in long-term service support and brand recognition, but Novatec gives strong performance-per-dollar for entry-level and commuter-focused wheelsets.
Featherweight flyer
Sealed-for-life
Value-packed sparkle
SB-designated sealed cartridge bearings for straightforward, low-cost servicing.
Lightweight alloy shell with good flange stiffness for wheel building.
Featherweight flyer
Sealed-for-life
Value-packed sparkle
SB-designated sealed cartridge bearings for straightforward, low-cost servicing.
Lightweight alloy shell with good flange stiffness for wheel building.
$80-120 USD