DT Swiss 350 Straight Pull CenterLock Hubs
The DT Swiss 350 Straight Pull CenterLock hubs strike a balance between durability, serviceability, and value for gravel and cyclocross riders, offering straight-pull spoke compatibility and DT’s proven ratchet engagement for reliable on-trail performance. They are a cost-effective workhorse compared with the pricier, boutique options on this list—easier and cheaper to maintain than premium sealed-bearing hubs like Chris King and lighter and more affordable than many Industry Nine builds. For riders building robust gravel wheels who prioritize parts availability and low lifetime cost over boutique finishes or ultra-high engagement, the 350 is the pragmatic choice.
Swiss reliability
Lightweight durability
Swiss reliability
Lightweight durability
Review Summary
"Well-regarded as a reliable, serviceable mid-range hub with smooth star-ratchet engagement and good durability. Some users note it is slightly heavier than premium options but it represents excellent value for frequent use."
Crisp ratchet tick
Ratchet-based engagement system for reliable power transfer and easy servicing
Crisp ratchet tick
Ratchet-based engagement system for reliable power transfer and easy servicing
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The DT Swiss 350 Straight Pull CenterLock hubs strike a balance between durability, serviceability, and value for gravel and cyclocross riders, offering straight-pull spoke compatibility and DT’s proven ratchet engagement for reliable on-trail performance. They are a cost-effective workhorse compared with the pricier, boutique options on this list—easier and cheaper to maintain than premium sealed-bearing hubs like Chris King and lighter and more affordable than many Industry Nine builds. For riders building robust gravel wheels who prioritize parts availability and low lifetime cost over boutique finishes or ultra-high engagement, the 350 is the pragmatic choice.
Swiss reliability
Lightweight durability
Crisp ratchet tick
Ratchet-based engagement system for reliable power transfer and easy servicing
Straight-pull spoke compatibility for stiffer, modern wheel builds
Swiss reliability
Lightweight durability
Crisp ratchet tick
Ratchet-based engagement system for reliable power transfer and easy servicing
Straight-pull spoke compatibility for stiffer, modern wheel builds
$300-400 USD
Hope Pro 5 Thru-Axle Hubs
Hope Pro 5 thru-axle hubs are known for rugged, user-serviceable engineering and a strong value proposition for cyclocross and gravel use, combining high durability and straightforward pawl serviceability at a mid-range price. They typically offer more user-friendly field serviceability than sealed-bearing premium hubs and present a lower price point than Chris King and Industry Nine while delivering comparable braking rotor options and reliable engagement for rough conditions. For riders who want a tough, home-servicable hub that can take hard use without the premium cost of boutique alternatives, the Pro 5 is a dependable pick.
Bombproof build
Anodize color pop
Bombproof build
Anodize color pop
Review Summary
"Highly praised for robust CNC construction, positive engagement and easy servicing in muddy or gravel conditions. It can be heavier and a bit noisier than some rivals, but users report long-term dependability."
Snappy engagement chime
Proven multi-pawl engagement with serviceable internals designed for long life
Snappy engagement chime
Proven multi-pawl engagement with serviceable internals designed for long life
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Hope Pro 5 thru-axle hubs are known for rugged, user-serviceable engineering and a strong value proposition for cyclocross and gravel use, combining high durability and straightforward pawl serviceability at a mid-range price. They typically offer more user-friendly field serviceability than sealed-bearing premium hubs and present a lower price point than Chris King and Industry Nine while delivering comparable braking rotor options and reliable engagement for rough conditions. For riders who want a tough, home-servicable hub that can take hard use without the premium cost of boutique alternatives, the Pro 5 is a dependable pick.
Bombproof build
Anodize color pop
Snappy engagement chime
Proven multi-pawl engagement with serviceable internals designed for long life
Available in multiple axle standards and rotor interfaces to suit thru-axle bikes
Bombproof build
Anodize color pop
Snappy engagement chime
Proven multi-pawl engagement with serviceable internals designed for long life
Available in multiple axle standards and rotor interfaces to suit thru-axle bikes
$350-450 USD
White Industries CLD+ Boost Hubs
White Industries CLD+ Boost hubs are precision-machined, lightweight hubs aimed at racers who want low weight and long-term durability for gravel and cyclocross, featuring high-quality sealed bearings and tight tolerances that translate to efficient power transfer. They sit between the mainstream DT Swiss solution and the ultra-premium Chris King options on price, offering a refined ride and reduced rotational weight that benefits rapid acceleration and technical courses. If your priority is a performance-oriented, low-maintenance hub that trims grams without sacrificing longevity, the CLD+ is an attractive middle ground.
Silky sealed bearings
CNC polish gleam
Silky sealed bearings
CNC polish gleam
Review Summary
"Loved for precision machining, sealed bearings and quiet, long-lasting performance with a premium feel. The high price and occasional reports of creaks or long lead times temper enthusiasm for some buyers."
Precision engagement hum
High-precision machined alloy construction delivering tight tolerances and durability
Precision engagement hum
High-precision machined alloy construction delivering tight tolerances and durability
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
White Industries CLD+ Boost hubs are precision-machined, lightweight hubs aimed at racers who want low weight and long-term durability for gravel and cyclocross, featuring high-quality sealed bearings and tight tolerances that translate to efficient power transfer. They sit between the mainstream DT Swiss solution and the ultra-premium Chris King options on price, offering a refined ride and reduced rotational weight that benefits rapid acceleration and technical courses. If your priority is a performance-oriented, low-maintenance hub that trims grams without sacrificing longevity, the CLD+ is an attractive middle ground.
Silky sealed bearings
CNC polish gleam
Precision engagement hum
High-precision machined alloy construction delivering tight tolerances and durability
Smooth, long-lasting bearings and an easily serviceable freehub body
Silky sealed bearings
CNC polish gleam
Precision engagement hum
High-precision machined alloy construction delivering tight tolerances and durability
Smooth, long-lasting bearings and an easily serviceable freehub body
$700-900 USD
Industry Nine 1/1 Gravel Hubs
Industry Nine 1/1 Gravel hubs emphasize rapid engagement, customizable anodized finishes, and hub-shell stiffness tailored for aggressive gravel and cyclocross racing, delivering a high-performance feel that accelerates response on technical terrain. They are positioned as a premium performance option with higher cost, but they typically outpace the DT Swiss 350 and Hope Pro 5 in engagement speed and aesthetic customization while offering a lighter, more race-focused alternative to some heavier sealed-bearing models. For riders seeking maximum on/off-road responsiveness and a personalized build, the 1/1 provides a standout technical and visual package.
Lightning engagement
Custom anodize bling
Lightning engagement
Custom anodize bling
Review Summary
"Celebrated for lightning-fast engagement, lightweight builds and distinctive anodized finishes that appeal to enthusiasts. It is pricier and louder than traditional hubs, but favored by riders who want instant engagement and responsiveness."
Rugged gravel-ready
Very fast engagement for immediate power transfer and confident handling on technical terrain
Rugged gravel-ready
Very fast engagement for immediate power transfer and confident handling on technical terrain
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Industry Nine 1/1 Gravel hubs emphasize rapid engagement, customizable anodized finishes, and hub-shell stiffness tailored for aggressive gravel and cyclocross racing, delivering a high-performance feel that accelerates response on technical terrain. They are positioned as a premium performance option with higher cost, but they typically outpace the DT Swiss 350 and Hope Pro 5 in engagement speed and aesthetic customization while offering a lighter, more race-focused alternative to some heavier sealed-bearing models. For riders seeking maximum on/off-road responsiveness and a personalized build, the 1/1 provides a standout technical and visual package.
Lightning engagement
Custom anodize bling
Rugged gravel-ready
Very fast engagement for immediate power transfer and confident handling on technical terrain
Lightweight anodized chassis with multiple endcap and axle configuration options
Lightning engagement
Custom anodize bling
Rugged gravel-ready
Very fast engagement for immediate power transfer and confident handling on technical terrain
Lightweight anodized chassis with multiple endcap and axle configuration options
$700-1,000 USD
Chris King R45D Disc Hubs
Chris King R45D Disc hubs are the premium, durability-first choice for gravel and cyclocross riders who prioritize long-term serviceability, ultra-precise bearings and tight manufacturing tolerances that yield exceptional reliability and resale value. While they carry a higher upfront cost than the other hubs listed, their longevity, proprietary sealing and rebuildability often make them the most economical over many seasons compared with lower-cost hubs that require more frequent replacement or servicing. For riders and builders who want a lifetime-quality hub and are willing to pay a premium for top-tier engineering and serviceability, the R45D sits at the top of the market.
Made-in-USA precision
Lifetime-bearing promise
Made-in-USA precision
Lifetime-bearing promise
Review Summary
"Market-leading for exceptional build quality, superb bearings and long-term serviceability that many riders call a lifetime investment. Very expensive and marginally heavier than some competitors, but users consistently praise durability and smoothness."
Distinctive ring-drive ping
Proprietary drive design and precision machining for smooth, reliable engagement
Distinctive ring-drive ping
Proprietary drive design and precision machining for smooth, reliable engagement
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Chris King R45D Disc hubs are the premium, durability-first choice for gravel and cyclocross riders who prioritize long-term serviceability, ultra-precise bearings and tight manufacturing tolerances that yield exceptional reliability and resale value. While they carry a higher upfront cost than the other hubs listed, their longevity, proprietary sealing and rebuildability often make them the most economical over many seasons compared with lower-cost hubs that require more frequent replacement or servicing. For riders and builders who want a lifetime-quality hub and are willing to pay a premium for top-tier engineering and serviceability, the R45D sits at the top of the market.
Made-in-USA precision
Lifetime-bearing promise
Distinctive ring-drive ping
Proprietary drive design and precision machining for smooth, reliable engagement
Rebuildable bearings with industry-renowned service and warranty options
Made-in-USA precision
Lifetime-bearing promise
Distinctive ring-drive ping
Proprietary drive design and precision machining for smooth, reliable engagement
Rebuildable bearings with industry-renowned service and warranty options
$900-1,200 USD