Attention all cycling enthusiasts and gearheads! We've got some exciting news that might just revolutionize your riding experience. Chris King, the renowned precision component manufacturer, has unveiled a game-changing upgrade to their iconic hubs.
For years, Chris King has been a trusted partner of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, and their hubs have proven their mettle on the World Cup DH circuit. But here's where it gets interesting: despite the hub spec often being overlooked, there's a hidden world of marginal gains waiting to be unlocked.
Traditionally, King hubs featured a 72-tooth RingDrive, but they've just released a new, coarser 36-tooth option. This seemingly small change has a significant impact on performance, as it reduces drag and allows the hub to roll faster. Imagine the potential speed gains! I had the privilege of chatting with Chris King's president, Kirby Bedsaul, last summer, and he hinted at these updates, aiming to squeeze every last drop of rolling speed from their wheels.
The Santa Cruz Syndicate team, known for their meticulous attention to detail, has put their faith in these updates. They're on a relentless pursuit of milliseconds, and they believe this new hub design is a crucial step towards that goal. Jackson, a key rider on the team, dominated last season's races with the prototype 36T hub, which significantly reduces hub drag and noise.
Introducing the new Buzzworks 36T RingDrive - a game-changer in the world of cycling hubs. While some riders might prefer the traditional 5° engagement deadband, Chris King is now offering a 10° option, opening up a world of tuning possibilities for those who dare to experiment. Their hubs have garnered a dedicated following, thanks to their impressive durability and ease of maintenance.
The best part? The new RingDrive is backwards compatible with all previous ISO, Classic, and Boost Chris King hubs dating back to the 1990s. You can grab a RingDrive kit for just $150 USD, either directly from Chris King or through their authorized retailers. It's an affordable way to upgrade your ride and unlock new levels of performance.
But wait, there's more! In addition to the new internals, Chris King is also launching 6-bolt hubs in their SuperBoost spacing option. This brings the popular standard to their entire Mountain Hub lineup, alongside the Centerlock options. King had previously bid farewell to 6-bolt hubs, but they've listened to the demand and reintroduced them incrementally.
SuperBoost 6-bolt rear hubs start at a reasonable $590 USD, making them an attractive option for those seeking a blend of performance and versatility. With these new offerings, Chris King continues to innovate and cater to the needs of riders seeking the ultimate riding experience.
If you're curious to explore the various options and pricing, head over to Chris King's website (https://chrisking.com/).
And this is the part most people miss: the subtle art of tuning your ride to perfection. With these new options, you can truly customize your riding experience. But here's the controversial bit: should we embrace these tuning options, or is it better to stick with the tried-and-true traditional settings? What do you think? Let's spark a discussion in the comments and share our thoughts on this exciting development in the world of cycling!
