MTB Hubs

How to Choose an MTB Hub

Front vs Rear Hub | Boost vs Non-Boost | Freehub Body Type: HG, XD, Microspline | 32 or 36 Holes | Hubs for Trail, Enduro, and Dirt | Popular Brands

The MTB hub is a crucial component of every mountain bike – it transfers power, supports the rider's weight, and holds the wheel securely in the frame or fork. Yet, when choosing one, it's easy to fall into the trap of wrong priorities. When selecting the right hub, price or weight are not nearly as decisive as compatibility with your frame, fork, cassette, and planned wheel build. The most common mistake is focusing on performance and overlooking axle dimensions or freehub type – then the hub simply won't fit your bike, and the whole purchase goes to waste.

Front or Rear MTB Hub?

The first step is always to clarify whether you are looking for a front MTB hub or a rear MTB hub. Each serves a different function and features different key parameters.

If you already know which part of your bike you are addressing, go straight to the front MTB hubs or rear MTB hubs categories.

Boost or Non-Boost? How to Identify the Correct Axle Dimension

Confusing Boost and non-Boost standards is the most common cause of incompatibility when buying an MTB hub. The Boost standard was developed to provide a stiffer wheel build, better power transfer, and more precise geometry for modern drivetrains with narrow chainrings and wide cassettes. Today, it is used by the vast majority of new mountain bikes. However, many older frames and forks with non-Boost or QR axles still remain in active use.

Where can I find the dimensions? The axle size is most often stamped directly on the end of the fork or the rear dropouts of the frame. If you can't find it there, check the bike's manual or look up the frame specifications online using its model name and year of manufacture. Boost and non-Boost hubs are not interchangeable without specific adapters and rebuilding the wheel.

Freehub Body Type: HG, XD, or Microspline?

The freehub body on the rear hub determines which cassette you can mount. This is the part that transfers drive from the cassette to the hub via the engagement mechanism (ratchet/pawls). Different standards are not compatible with each other – choosing the wrong freehub type means the cassette simply won't fit. Fortunately, on the vast majority of hubs, the freehub body can be replaced separately without needing to purchase an entirely new hub.

How to choose quickly: Look at the name of your derailleur or cassette. SRAM Eagle, X01, XX1 = XD freehub. Shimano XT M8100, XTR M9100, SLX M7100, Deore M6100, Cues = Microspline freehub. Shimano or SRAM with 8–11 speeds = HG freehub. If you only need to replace the freehub body itself, look in the freehub bodies for MTB hubs category.

32 or 36 Holes? Making the Right Choice for Your Riding Style

The hole count of the hub must exactly match the hole count of the rim – otherwise, the wheel cannot be built. You will find the widest selection of hubs and rims in 32-hole and 36-hole variations. Each has its specific place:

If you are building a new bike from scratch, make sure to double-check the rim's hole count before purchasing the hub. You can find an overview of compatible components in the rims and spokes and nipples categories.

Which Hub is Best for Trail, Enduro, or Dirt?

Different MTB disciplines put different demands on the hub – requiring different axle standards, hole counts, and structural robustness. This overview will help you quickly find what you need:

Popular MTB Hub Brands

Our selection includes MTB hubs from time-tested brands with a clear focus on individual disciplines. Whether you are looking for a hub for trail riding, enduro, dirt jump, or downhill, we have a reliable choice for you.

Dartmoor – a brand with a global reputation, heavily focused on dirt jump and freeride. Models like the Dartmoor Reel and Dartmoor Revolt are favorites for their robustness, availability of spare parts, and excellent price-to-performance ratio. Dartmoor hubs can easily handle heavy impacts on dirt tracks.

NS Bikes – The NS Rotary hub has earned a solid reputation among riders looking for a reliable, heavy-duty hub for dirt, freeride, and street at a reasonable price.

Halo – a British brand with a long history of manufacturing wheels and hubs. The Halo DJD hub is a proven choice for dirt jump and street riding, where durability and reliable performance during hard landings are paramount. Halo MTB hubs are built for harsh use and are easy to maintain.

RAPTOR – an affordable yet high-quality alternative for trail and enduro riders. The RAPTOR Bomber hub offers solid performance, compatibility with common standards, and an attractive price point, making it a popular choice when building a new wheel or replacing a damaged hub.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an MTB Hub

• Confusing Boost and non-Boost → the hub won't fit the frame or fork without special adapters and rebuilding the wheel.
• Wrong freehub body type → the cassette cannot be mounted (HG ≠ XD ≠ Microspline).
• Hole count differs from the rim → it is impossible to lace and build the wheel.
• Incorrect rotor mount standard → the brake disc cannot be mounted (confusing 6-bolt and Centerlock).
• Prioritizing weight over compatibility → a beautifully lightweight hub that doesn't fit your bike is completely useless.
• Buying a hub without checking the rim → the hole count or flange diameter won't match up.

Recommended Workflow:
First, determine if you need a front or rear hub → verify the axle standard (Boost 110/148 mm, non-Boost, QR, or DH) → identify the required freehub body type (HG, XD, or Microspline) → count the holes on your rim (32 or 36) → only then consider weight, hub body material, or the number of engagement points. If the axle or freehub standard doesn't match, no other parameters matter.