DT Swiss 240 EXP Front Hub Center Lock
The DT Swiss 240 EXP front hub delivers a best-in-class balance of low weight, proven durability and modular end-cap compatibility for Center Lock rotors and through-axle standards, making it ideal for riders who want high-performance efficiency without extreme cost. Compared with the list, it undercuts premium-priced rivals like Chris King and Industry Nine on price and weight while offering crisper rolling and easier parts availability than some economy options such as the Shimano XT.
Featherweight feel
Reliable engagement
Featherweight feel
Reliable engagement
Review Summary
"Users praise the DT Swiss 240 EXP for its buttery-smooth bearings, reliable EXP ratchet engagement and very light weight; it's considered durable and serviceable but comes at a premium price. Long-term owners report minimal play and consistent performance over years of use."
Swiss-crafted swagger
Ratchet EXP engagement for reliable power transfer and straightforward servicing.
Swiss-crafted swagger
Ratchet EXP engagement for reliable power transfer and straightforward servicing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss 240 EXP front hub delivers a best-in-class balance of low weight, proven durability and modular end-cap compatibility for Center Lock rotors and through-axle standards, making it ideal for riders who want high-performance efficiency without extreme cost. Compared with the list, it undercuts premium-priced rivals like Chris King and Industry Nine on price and weight while offering crisper rolling and easier parts availability than some economy options such as the Shimano XT.
Featherweight feel
Reliable engagement
Swiss-crafted swagger
Ratchet EXP engagement for reliable power transfer and straightforward servicing.
Center Lock rotor interface and through-axle compatibility for modern disc setups.
Featherweight feel
Reliable engagement
Swiss-crafted swagger
Ratchet EXP engagement for reliable power transfer and straightforward servicing.
Center Lock rotor interface and through-axle compatibility for modern disc setups.
$240-320 USD
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.
$160-240 USD
Chris King R45D Front Hub Center Lock
The Chris King R45D is the premium choice, prized for precision sealed bearings, long-term serviceability and refined engagement feel in a Center Lock through-axle format, commanding a premium price for lifetime rebuildability and consistent performance. Compared with the other hubs, it is the most expensive but offers unmatched bearing longevity and workshop-level rebuild support that justifies the cost for riders prioritizing durability and serviceability.
Silky bearings
Lifetime serviceability
Silky bearings
Lifetime serviceability
Review Summary
"Owners rave about the Chris King R45D's precision machining, exceptional durability and smooth, consistent engagement; it's widely seen as a lifetime hub when maintained. The consensus is that it's very expensive but worth it for long-term performance and resale value."
Machined jewelry grin
Precision-machined alloy and industry-leading bearing quality for long-term durability.
Machined jewelry grin
Precision-machined alloy and industry-leading bearing quality for long-term durability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Chris King R45D is the premium choice, prized for precision sealed bearings, long-term serviceability and refined engagement feel in a Center Lock through-axle format, commanding a premium price for lifetime rebuildability and consistent performance. Compared with the other hubs, it is the most expensive but offers unmatched bearing longevity and workshop-level rebuild support that justifies the cost for riders prioritizing durability and serviceability.
Silky bearings
Lifetime serviceability
Machined jewelry grin
Precision-machined alloy and industry-leading bearing quality for long-term durability.
Center Lock rotor interface with through-axle compatibility and configurable end caps.
Silky bearings
Lifetime serviceability
Machined jewelry grin
Precision-machined alloy and industry-leading bearing quality for long-term durability.
Center Lock rotor interface with through-axle compatibility and configurable end caps.
$650-900 USD
Shimano XT HB-M8110 Front Hub
The Shimano XT HB-M8110 is the practical, cost-effective option that delivers OEM-level reliability, broad compatibility and straightforward service for Center Lock rotors and through-axle setups, making it an especially strong choice for budget-conscious riders. While heavier and less exotic than DT Swiss or Industry Nine, it provides exceptional aftermarket support and replacement part availability at a significantly lower price point.
Workhorse reliability
Smooth sealing
Workhorse reliability
Smooth sealing
Review Summary
"Riders report the Shimano XT HB-M8110 is a reliable, well-sealed front hub that offers excellent value and longevity; it performs dependably in varied conditions. It's not as light or flashy as boutique hubs but is praised for consistency and low maintenance over time."
Value-packed gusto
Cost-effective hub offering Shimano reliability with smooth sealed bearings.
Value-packed gusto
Cost-effective hub offering Shimano reliability with smooth sealed bearings.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano XT HB-M8110 is the practical, cost-effective option that delivers OEM-level reliability, broad compatibility and straightforward service for Center Lock rotors and through-axle setups, making it an especially strong choice for budget-conscious riders. While heavier and less exotic than DT Swiss or Industry Nine, it provides exceptional aftermarket support and replacement part availability at a significantly lower price point.
Workhorse reliability
Smooth sealing
Value-packed gusto
Cost-effective hub offering Shimano reliability with smooth sealed bearings.
Center Lock rotor mounting and through-axle compatibility for modern mountain bikes.
Workhorse reliability
Smooth sealing
Value-packed gusto
Cost-effective hub offering Shimano reliability with smooth sealed bearings.
Center Lock rotor mounting and through-axle compatibility for modern mountain bikes.
$120-180 USD
Industry Nine Hydra Classic Front Hub Center Lock
Industry Nine's Hydra Classic front hub stands out for its ultra-fast engagement, colorful anodizing options and lightweight, precision-machined construction in a Center Lock through-axle package, delivering immediate power transfer favored by aggressive riders. It competes directly with Chris King on premium performance but differentiates itself with higher engagement counts and a livelier feel — at a price premium over Shimano and Hope but offering a sportier technical edge than DT Swiss for riders prioritizing engagement and aesthetics.
Lightning engagement
Colorful bling
Lightning engagement
Colorful bling
Review Summary
"Industry Nine Hydra Classic owners love the instantaneous engagement, stiffness and eye-catching finishes; it delivers standout performance for spirited riding. It is expensive and can be noisy, and a minority report bearing service needs sooner than expected, but overall long-term feedback is very positive."
Clicks like thunder
Industry Nine Hydra engagement system delivers very fast, crisp engagement.
Clicks like thunder
Industry Nine Hydra engagement system delivers very fast, crisp engagement.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Industry Nine's Hydra Classic front hub stands out for its ultra-fast engagement, colorful anodizing options and lightweight, precision-machined construction in a Center Lock through-axle package, delivering immediate power transfer favored by aggressive riders. It competes directly with Chris King on premium performance but differentiates itself with higher engagement counts and a livelier feel — at a price premium over Shimano and Hope but offering a sportier technical edge than DT Swiss for riders prioritizing engagement and aesthetics.
Lightning engagement
Colorful bling
Clicks like thunder
Industry Nine Hydra engagement system delivers very fast, crisp engagement.
Center Lock rotor mount and through-axle ready with anodized, lightweight hub shell.
Lightning engagement
Colorful bling
Clicks like thunder
Industry Nine Hydra engagement system delivers very fast, crisp engagement.
Center Lock rotor mount and through-axle ready with anodized, lightweight hub shell.
$450-650 USD