9 best bike hubs

Bike hubs are essential components of a bicycle's wheel assembly, and they play a crucial role in the bike's performance. Here's what you need to know about bike hubs:

Location: The hub is the central part of the bicycle wheel, located at the center of the wheel's rim. It connects the wheel's rim to the axle and allows the wheel to rotate smoothly.
Axle Attachment: Bike hubs consist of two flanges on either side, to which the spokes of the wheel are attached. The hub also houses the bearings that allow the wheel to rotate on the axle.
Types of Hubs:
- Front Hub: The front hub is located at the front wheel and is usually a simple design. It attaches to the fork of the bike and allows the front wheel to spin freely.
- Rear Hub: The rear hub is more complex as it incorporates additional features like a freewheel or a cassette to accommodate the bike's gear system. It attaches to the bike's rear dropouts and is responsible for driving the rear wheel.
Bearings: Inside the hub, there are sets of bearings, which are typically ball bearings. These bearings allow the wheel to rotate smoothly around the axle. Well-maintained bearings are essential for a smooth ride.
Sealed Bearings: Some modern bike hubs feature sealed bearings, which are protected from dirt, moisture, and debris. Sealed bearings require less maintenance and tend to last longer.
Hub Spacing: Hub spacing refers to the distance between the hub's locknuts or the spacing between the fork dropouts and rear stays. Different types of bicycles (e.g., road, mountain, fat tire) may have different hub spacings to accommodate various wheel sizes and axles.
Quick Release vs. Thru-Axles: Front and rear hubs can use either quick-release mechanisms or thru-axles to secure the wheel to the bike frame. Thru-axles provide added stiffness and security, particularly in off-road and mountain biking.
Freehub vs. Freewheel: In rear hubs, there are two main types of mechanisms for accommodating the bike's gears. A freehub is commonly found on modern bikes and allows for a wider range of gear options, while a freewheel is an older design that combines the freewheel and cogs into a single unit.
Hub Material: Hubs are typically made of lightweight and durable materials like aluminum or, in some cases, carbon fiber for high-end racing wheels.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep hubs functioning smoothly.This includes cleaning, lubrication, and, if necessary, bearing replacement.

In summary, bike hubs are crucial components of a bicycle's wheel assembly, responsible for allowing the wheel to spin freely and smoothly. Different types of hubs exist for front and rear wheels, each with specific features to accommodate various riding styles and gear systems. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your bike's hubs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bike hubs on the market

CYSKY Bike Axle Quick Release Skewer Front Rear Bicycle Axle Wheel Hub Fit for Road Bike, Mountain Bike, MTB, BMX (1 Pair)

CYSKY

Based on 770 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification:

Material: Iron

Weight: 255g / 8.99oz

Color：black

1. Made of Iron, durable and practical for most bikes, partial plastic

2. Shorter set of hollow shaft and hub quick release lever for the front wheel, longer one for the rear wheel.

3. Short release lever for front wheel, hollow shaft size: 10.8cm / 4.25", quick release: 16cm / 6.3"

4. Long release lever for the rear wheel, hollow shaft size: 14.5cm / 5.7", quick release: 19cm / 7.48"

5. Usually the axels fit 20" 22" 24" 26" 28" bike, work on a 6 7 8 speed road bike

6. Fit for: Road Bike, Mountain Bike, MTB, BMX

7.You can use it to repair your mountain bike quickly. Perfect for cycling lovers, your best choice.

Package Include:

1 * Short Hollow Shaft

1 * Short Quick Release

1 * Long Hollow Shaft

1 * Long Quick Release

Made of Iron, durable and practical for most bikes
Shorter set of hollow shaft and hub quick release lever for the front wheel, longer one for the rear wheel.
Short release lever for front wheel, hollow shaft size: 10.8cm / 4.25", quick release: 16cm / 6.3"
Long release lever for the rear wheel, hollow shaft size: 14.5cm / 5.7", quick release: 19cm / 7.48"
You can use it to repair your mountain bike quickly. Perfect for cycling lovers, your best choice.

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work on a alexrims dm20 559x18 6061h-t
Answer:	I don’t know the answer if it will for fit your specific model wheel, however I would not recommend buying this product. The axle bent on the first ride after I installed it on my MTB and it was just a short ride around my neighborhood. No aggressive riding at all.
Question:	Is this rim brake wheel compatible
Answer:	If you have quick release now maybe... Different sized rims take different sized quick release. . Too big wheel can. Detach so better to measure old one
Question:	Will this work for a cannondale quick
Answer:	It is standard
Question:	Will this fit my Schwinn Axum
Answer:	Yes.

DONSP1986 Bicycle Rear Hub Assembly for 48cc/60cc/66cc/80cc Gas Motorized Bicycle

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price

Unique Design of “Rear hub and Bracket” for gas motorized bicycle(please refer to pictures uploaded with sizes in detail);
For 36 spokes;Thread Size:24mm/0.375mm/34.7mm
Length of Axle:180mm(For more sizes in detail, pls refer to pictures uploaded )
Thickness of Alum Bracket:8.5mm;Inner Diameter:36mm;Diameter of hole to hole:44mm;

User questions & answers

Question:	how do i add disk rotor and motorized sprocket to this hub
Answer:	I don't know where it is made but I have two of these in my kitchen and love it. I use hem for the Coffee Maker and the Cappuccini Maker.I ourchased one additional one for my son who liked mine. I hope this helps.
Question:	how do i add disk rotor and motorized sprocket to this hub
Answer:	No, I wouldn't think so. The plastic isn't hard enough to use knives on. That and it's too wobbly to be useful as a cutting board.
Question:	Can i use this on a lowrider bike instead using the 24in coaster brake
Answer:	It Extends out probably around 10 to 11 inches. It has to set flat on the counter. I wanted to put it on top of a coffee pod container so it would save me space in my kitchen, but it extends out too far.
Question:	Works on a Fixie Bike
Answer:	6.6" wide. 7.25" high. 10.25" deep
Question:	Is this compatible with the Salsa Enabler fork
Answer:	I haven't had a problem but there is quite a bit of space between the end of the rack and the door to the pantry. So my extra long rolls fit quite well.

Spank Hex QRx135/142 Rear Hub Adaptor Adult Unisex Mountain Bike Accessories, Black

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Easy to use adapters
Fine construction made of aluminium 6061-T8
Very strong and rigid

DONSP1986 Bike Wheel Part Bicycle hub, Bike Hub 3/8 x14G x 36H x 100mm x 136mm, Quick Release,Alum,One Pair,4.29 inch x5.73 inch Front Width and Rear Width

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Bicycle Axle Wheel Hub - 36H Front and Rear Bike Hub Set, Aluminum Alloy Quick Release Lever Skewers Axle, 1 Pair
Package included: 1 front hub, 1 rear hub and 2 skewers
With 36 hole drillings, compatible with 5/6/7/8S rotary freewheel.
Precision-machined steel bearings for a smooth and fast ride.
Low-friction seals effectively shut out water, mud and dirt. Quick release lever allows for fast installation and removal

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work on 26in wheel
Answer:	I DON'T THINK SO : if recall this is a front disc spaced hub, I have a salsa enabler fork and it is rear disc spaced ( think surly, 907, early salsa), you can use spacers to have a rear spaced hub work on a front disc spaced fork but not the other way around, BEST TO ASSESS YOUR FORK DISC SPACING
Question:	is the hub aluminum
Answer:	A repeat pattern gap around 47 inch. the wood grain of this contact paper looks vivid and real.
Question:	Do these have sealed bearings or cup and cones
Answer:	yes, this is removable wood contact paper with sticky back.
Question:	does the back one have a brake inside
Answer:	My Caddy is 8.5 “ wide. 12 “ front to back. My coffee pot hangs over the sides 1/2 “ each side at the bottom of the pot. Front to back there is 3” to spare. It is stable and works perfectly.

Blusea Bicycle Axle Wheel Hub - 36H Front and Rear Bike Hub Set, Aluminum Alloy Quick Release Lever Skewers Axle, 1 Pair

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Package included: 1 front hub, 1 rear hub and 2 skewers.
With 36 hole drillings, compatible with 5/6/7/8S rotary freewheel.
Precision-machined steel bearings for a smooth and fast ride.
Low-friction seals effectively shut out water, mud and dirt.
Quick release lever allows for fast installation and removal

User questions & answers

Question:	What size bike do these wheel hubs fit
Answer:	Hi there is rotor on hub already which is designed for installing motorized sprocket! If you want add disc rotor extra then you have to add an adapter extra between motorized sprocket and disc rotor!
Question:	What is the axle diameter
Answer:	it comes with a spacer to bolt on a gear ,may need additional spacer to attach brake disc on other side. my bike still uses pinch brakes on rear wheel but was able to bolt my rear motorized sprocket on the left side while placeing a regular 1 speed sprocket cassette on the right side
Question:	What is the distance between rotor mounting holes? I see some showing 22mm and others 23mm and the holes opposite of 44mm and 48mm on disc sets
Answer:	Yes it can work
Question:	What is the hub thread size
Answer:	Yes it will work on fixie bike

JGbike MTB Boost 32 Hole hubs Front 110mm/ Rear 148mm for 6 Bolts Disc Brake Mountain Bike Bicycle, for Shimano HG Standard 8 9 10 11 Speed, SRAM XD 11 12 Speed, Shimano Micro Spline 12 Speed

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

🚴‍♂️- Great Deal, You are looking at our new released pair of MTB Hubs for BOOST Version, we cover all your needs from the standard Shimano 8-11 speed HG driver, Sram XD driver 11-12 speed and the new Shimano Micro Spline driver 12 Speed. Whatever you use QR(quick release), Thru Axle or Boost version. Perfect to part with our hot selling Drivetrain Groupset Components;
🌟 - Light Well Made, CNC Machined 3d forged alloy A6061T6 body + A7075 driver, 2 sealed bearing in Front and 4 in Rear;114 sound(6pawls+57teeth); F110*15mm/R148*12mm a pair; You may find QR&Alxe version in our store page;
🎁 - Gift Options, it looks just as a beauty with excellent annodization, You may find it a gift option to your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or gift for your kids' bike for back to school gift, Christmas gift, Valentine's day gift, Mother's day or Father's day gift, thanksGiving gift or New year gifts, for mountain bike, fat bike or e-bike;
🏫 - We Support Business, just place bulk purchase and replace the chainrings for your other family bikes, recommend to your community. We offer business price for bike bicycle shops, Sponsorship is available for frequent riders and PROs;
🤟 - Match DIY bike build Option, find rotors, brakes, find mtb pedals, cassette, single chainring from store page, even groupset to build your bike. We commit for great affortable bicycle parts to improve your performance and experience;

User questions & answers

Question:	Whats the engagement
Answer:	Good morning, It will work but realize that if the hub is larger in diameter than your current hub you'll need to replace the spokes as well.
Question:	I need the boost version with this measure 15x110 and 12x148 (I need to know if you have it in micro spline)? Thanks
Answer:	yes it is
Question:	Hello. ¿Do you have availability for 32 hole hubs shimano 12s micro spline, boost 15x110 front and 12x148 rear? Thank I hope your prompt response
Answer:	Sealed bearings
Question:	Como hago para pedir la version boost microspline ? No da suficientes opciones para saber si estoy pidiendo lo correcto
Answer:	Yes it is

Tongina 32 36 Hole Hub Full Aluminum Ultralight MTB Mountain Bike Disc Brake Hub Front Rear Quick Release(qr) Through Axle

Check latest price

✅ Quick release lever allows for fast installation and removal!
✅ Package included: 1 front hub, 1 rear hub and 2 skewers.
✅ Precision-machined steel bearings for a smooth and fast ride.
✅ Low-friction seals effectively shut out water, mud and dirt.
✅ Made of high-quality aluminum alloy material, durable and lightweight.

JGbike MTB 32 Hole Quick Release and Axle hubs for 6 Bolts Disc Brake Mountain Bike Bicycle, Front 100mm/Rear 135mm & Front 100mm/Rear 142mm, Including Exchange end caps

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

🚴‍♂️- Great Deal, You are looking at our new released pair of MTB Hubs for QR and Axle, we cover all your needs from the standard Shimano 8-11 speed HG driver, Sram XD driver 11-12 speed and the new Shimano Micro Spline driver 12 Speed. Whatever you use QR(quick release), Thru Axle or Boost version. Perfect to part with our hot selling Drivetrain Groupset Components;
🌟 - Light Well Made, CNC Machined 3d forged alloy A6061T6 body + A7075 driver, 2 sealed bearing in Front and 4 in Rear;114 sound(6pawls+57teeth);QR included and Convertible design for non-Boost version by exchangeable End Cap, F100*9mm/R135*9mm OR F100*15mm/R142*12mm; You may find Boost version F110*15mm/R148*12mm in our store page;
🎁 - Gift Options, it looks just as a beauty with excellent annodization, You may find it a gift option to your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or gift for your kids' bike for back to school gift, Christmas gift, Valentine's day gift, Mother's day or Father's day gift, thanksGiving gift or New year gifts, for mountain bike, fat bike or e-bike;
🏫 - We Support Business, just place bulk purchase and replace the chainrings for your other family bikes, recommend to your community. We offer business price for bike bicycle shops, Sponsorship is available for frequent riders and PROs;
🤟 - Match DIY bike build Option, find rotors, brakes, find mtb pedals, cassette, single chainring from store page, even groupset to build your bike. We commit for great affortable bicycle parts to improve your performance and experience;

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this compatible with m6100 cassette
Answer:	Hi, Hub is 100mm for the front and 135mm for rear. Not sure what you mean size bicycle will these fit just as long as the dropouts measure 100mm in the front and 135 mm in the rear. Most common bicycles will be 100/135mm. I use a dial caliper to measure in between the dropouts where the wheel is mounted. My singlespeed/ fixed gear bikes measure 100mm front and 110mm rear. But you can use these hubs on any size wheel really and any sized frame. But there are a lot of things to consider when building a wheel. Modern bicycles or higher end bikes have newer types of axles called thru axles. I was able to use these hubs on my low end big box mtb which has quick release and disk brakes. I ended up swapping these hubs as free wheels are not ideal for the trails. Maybe for the streets should do fine.
Question:	Hello. the standard version is for shimano cassette QR hub
Answer:	I think you referring to hub flange diameter. I use a dial caliper and measure the center of the spoke hole with the opposite spoke hole in the bottom. There after great tutorials online that teach how to get the measurements on the hub to determine spoke length.
Question:	Can this be installed or compatible with Giant Talon frame
Answer:	There 22mm
Question:	Do they all sound so sweet or it that the 114 only
Answer:	There's no thread because it is not a solid axle, these are quick release.

DEERU Road Mountain Bicycle MTB Wheel Hub Front and Rear Skewers Quick Release Skewer Clip Bolt Lever Axle QR 145/180 mm, a Pair

Based on 710 reviews Check latest price

Smooth cam action lever. Durable deep color 5 micron finish in a wide color range. Extruded CNC machined alloy hub nut with large flange.
Axle diameter: about 4.5 mm. Front Skewer Size: 145 mm. Front Skewer Weight: 46 grams. Rear Skewer Size: 180 mm,Rear Skewer Weight:51 grams.
Material: Steel and aluminum alloy; Durable and compatible with most road bikes, mountain bikes, MTB, BMX.
Easy to set up and quick installation, perfect for replacement, as soon as installed, you can use your bicycle like new.
APPLICATION - The axles fit for the majority of 20" 22" 24" 26" 28" bike, work on a 6 7 8 speed road bike.

User questions & answers

Question:	Will it work with the Cycleops fluid 2 trainer
Answer:	such as? 114 sound(6pawls+57teeth)
Question:	Can I use these to replace a 12mm thru axle
Answer:	It is under the Size buying options, check right there.
Question:	Schwin says my al comp 27.5 has a 5mmx137mm front axle is this axle compatible with my bike
Answer:	I think that is what you are looking at, choose the Shimano Micro Spline in the buying options.
Question:	Will these work on a 26 inch mountain bike
Answer:	ya está viendo la versión BOOST correcta, elija "Shimano Micro Spline 12Speed" debajo del tamaño.