XTR or PRO II Hubs

JAGGY

Hello

I'm looking for a new wheelset. Either XM719 or XM317 rims .But cannot decide which hubs.

Are the XTR hubs as strong as Hope PRO II? Will they take a good trail pounding or are they for xc whippets only????

I weigh 13.5 stone and ride aggresive trail XC.

Your advice would be great.

supersonic

First off dont get the XM317 - its pretty weak, and narrow, not good for a battering.

As for the hubs, what fork do you have?

JAGGY

My forks are currently Marzocchi XC600.

supersonic

So standard dropouts. Ok, both hubs have their fans, and people rarely say a bad word about function of either. To try and compare:

Bearings: Hope runs cartridge bearings, Shimano uses cup and cone that are adjustable. The former do not need adjusting, and each cartridge is replaced as a unit - handy if you dont like using cone spanners, or adjusting hubs. Performance wise, Shimano claims their system is better as the bearings are angular, supporting loading better. Shimano bearings also stainless steel, more durable to water ingress, Hopes cartridges probably better sealed anyway.

Axle: Both use alloy axles, but in the case of Hope, they are swithcable between a multitude of options and sizes for both front and rear - handy future proofing. Shimano are one size only which limits usage.

Freehub/rotor body: Shimano has the quicker engagement, and uses a titanium body. Hope uses an alloy body which necescitates the use of cassette with an alloy carrier to stop it gouging. Hopes system is rebuildable and servicable, Shimanos is replaced as a whole uinit: a sort of role reversal of the main bearing system! Saying that, you can get into shimano if need be.

Weight: XTR is lighter both front and rear

Use: Hope for all uses, XC to DH, XTR more xc/trail

Ok thats the technical b0llocks! I prefer Shimano hubs as I like to be able to adjust the bearing preload, and find they run with less drag than cartridge bearings, and dont last any less long with a bit of TLC. I think the freehubs are better, less prone to damage, and cheaper to replace. Shimanos QRS are a better design too, and come free with the hubs. IMHO ;-)

Prints

some people complain with shimano hubs that if you are hitting big hits that the cones can losen and need adjusting to sort this frequently.

schmako

Pro II's on my xc machine (719's - good rims) and dh machine. No issues!

artillerydave

don't rule out DT swiss hubs either, bit expensive but I've had my set for ages, never needed to touch them and they are very light.

TommyK

Ello mateys,

I run XTR for precisely sonics reasons, easy bearing maintenence. Replacements cost sweet F A compared to cartridge bearings. Lightweight is a bonus too

guilliano

How much are you looking to spend? I'm sure you could get a decent pair of Mavic wheels for the same price.

I'd go XM719 on the rims.... they take as much abuse as my 14 1/2 stone can give them, and as for hubs, I'm a Shimano fan.... I run XT on my hardtail and never had an issue with them.

supersonic

Here is another cartridge hub:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=12910

I havnt used it, but is the Hope really 80 quids worth better? They use the same cartridge bearings!

schmako

I wouldn't touch those halo hubs after using hopes.

Mr_Orange

I won't comment on all the technical stuff, since everyone else has, so....

XTR for me, purely because they don't make all that noise that the Hopes do!!!

supersonic

Schmako wrote:

I wouldn't touch those halo hubs after using hopes.

What are the Halo ones like, did you use any?

Andy

The biggest advantage of the XTR is the centerlock mounting for the disc brake rotor. So stiff! Makes your brakes feel much nicer

paulswilliams2

Mr_Orange wrote:

I won't comment on all the technical stuff, since everyone else has, so....

XTR for me, purely because they don't make all that noise that the Hopes do!!!

Hope for me, purely because the do make that noise Not as good though when you mates can hear you slacking

schmako

supersonic wrote:

Schmako wrote:

I wouldn't touch those halo hubs after using hopes.

What are the Halo ones like, did you use any?

I don't rate any halo stuff, my mate has one his Patriot and the wheel has been in and out the bike shop a few times. I think the hopes look nicer and I haven't had any issues with them. I know its probably down to how they are built, but I'll stick with hopes!