Chris King's Hub Revolution: Unlocking Speed with Goldstone's Blessing
Chris King Precision Components is taking their iconic hubs to the next level, and this time, it's personal. As a trusted partner of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, they've crafted a winning formula for World Cup DH bikes. But here's where it gets technical: the hub specification, often overlooked, can be the secret sauce to gaining those precious milliseconds on the track.
The brand has unveiled a new 36-tooth RingDrive, a departure from their traditional 72-tooth design. This seemingly small change promises a significant reduction in hub drag and noise, allowing the hub to roll with newfound freedom. Chris King's president, Kirby Bedsaul, hinted at this development in a summer conversation, and the results are now clear. The Syndicate team's faith in the data has paid off, with Jackson's key race wins on the prototype 36T hub.
Introducing the Buzzworks 36T RingDrive—a name that might soon be on every mountain biker's lips. While a 10° engagement deadband might not suit all riders, Chris King's move to offer tuning options is a welcome one. Their hubs have earned a dedicated following, and this upgrade only strengthens their reputation for durability and serviceability.
The beauty of this innovation? It's not just for the pros. The new RingDrive is compatible with all Chris King hubs made since the 1990s, ensuring a wide range of riders can benefit. At $150 USD, the RingDrive kits are an affordable way to breathe new life into older hubs. And for those seeking the latest and greatest, Chris King's SuperBoost 6-bolt hubs start at $590 USD, offering the popular 6-bolt standard alongside Centerlock options.
Chris King's commitment to performance and customer choice is evident. But is this the ultimate hub upgrade, or just a clever marketing move? The debate is open, and we'd love to hear your thoughts. Are these changes worth the hype, or is it all just a spin of the wheels?
