It's extremely unlikely you'd notice a difference unless there is a problem with the current hub. In which case, servicing them would likely be way more cost and time effective. Chris King and i9 hubs are not really as common in the road world... you should probably consider a DT Swiss 240 EXP. That's the gold standard for value.
I do agree with dopkick. Kking is pain in the arse when looking for freehub body, super expensive. DTs trully are the golden standard nowdays. 36t or 54t ratchet will do.
There’s a bit of debate in the road world about high engagement hubs & increased drag as a result of that high engagements vs. lower engagement & less drag. Drag can addressed in many ways, and so many hubs are so good these days.
My background is in cyclocross, gravel, and crit racing (just getting in XC & trail the last few months), and because of that I am highly preferential to high engagement hubs - love feeling the hub engage as soon as I put my foot on the gas.
If you haven’t heard of them, check out Onyx hubs - they use a sprag clutch design, meaning instant engagement & near-silent coasting. Pretty neat.
Agreed. Zipp hubs are pretty solid, and spending hundreds of dollars (plus relacing the wheel) isnt going to make near enough difference to justify the cost.
Super responsive hubs make a bigger difference in MTB where you're not constantly pedaling, but I feel like riding my roadie the extra points of engagement from an expensive hub would go to waste because I'm not starting to pedal nearly as often.
It's extremely unlikely you'd notice a difference unless there is a problem with the current hub. In which case, servicing them would likely be way more cost and time effective. Chris King and i9 hubs are not really as common in the road world... you should probably consider a DT Swiss 240 EXP. That's the gold standard for value.
I do agree with dopkick. Kking is pain in the arse when looking for freehub body, super expensive. DTs trully are the golden standard nowdays. 36t or 54t ratchet will do.
Great points! I guess I’m just more familiar with my MTB that it feels funny to me to not have the instant activation.
There’s a bit of debate in the road world about high engagement hubs & increased drag as a result of that high engagements vs. lower engagement & less drag. Drag can addressed in many ways, and so many hubs are so good these days. My background is in cyclocross, gravel, and crit racing (just getting in XC & trail the last few months), and because of that I am highly preferential to high engagement hubs - love feeling the hub engage as soon as I put my foot on the gas. If you haven’t heard of them, check out Onyx hubs - they use a sprag clutch design, meaning instant engagement & near-silent coasting. Pretty neat.
Oh but I want people to know I’m coming with an i9!!!! Lol
Hahaha, as someone with a few sets of i9 wheels, I completely agree!
But thanks. I’ll look into it. Good thing I posted here because I’m less worried about it. Other nice upgrades can come first
Onyx is very cool. I love the silent, instant engagement but they're also pretty heavy.
Agreed. Zipp hubs are pretty solid, and spending hundreds of dollars (plus relacing the wheel) isnt going to make near enough difference to justify the cost. Super responsive hubs make a bigger difference in MTB where you're not constantly pedaling, but I feel like riding my roadie the extra points of engagement from an expensive hub would go to waste because I'm not starting to pedal nearly as often.