How it works:
To understand why The Hive has created such monstrous hubs, one must understand the basic concepts. A larger hub means larger flange sizes; therefore, larger flange sizes create a need for shorter spoke lengths and in theory a stronger, stiffer, and more responsive wheel. The Hive then saw this as a challenge – create a strong hub while keeping the weight down. The Hive released some basic concepts which are summarized below:
Oversized shells really do matter - higher efficiency between hub, spokes, and rim when pedaling. Also, decreases braking loads and braking fatigue on the entire wheel. In regards to the rear Chub hub, the driving torque is distributed 55% on the drive side and 45% on the non-drive side, which is remarkable when compared to a traditional hub which is 95% on the drive side and 5% on the non-drive side. The Hive has created a way to reduce wheel fatigue and stress.
Larger flanges mean decreased spoke stress and less hub wind up – a shorter spoke length generally means a stronger wheel. Furthermore, with shorter spokes there is less hesitation between the hub flanges and the rim eyelets – allowing for a wheel to accelerate faster with higher efficiency.
This being said, it is extremely difficult and almost next to impossible to judge whether or not the wheel accelerates faster when compared to a traditional hub under normal riding conditions. The rear Chub Dirt Jump Hub is designed for riders who are not looking to pedal that much anyways. Dirt jumpers and freeriders are not too worried about pedal wind up and fractions of seconds when cruising through their trails. This feature/theory is almost a marketing tool in respect to dirt jumping.
Bigger flanges mean better handling – The Hive claims that having ‘chubby’ flanges creates a laterally stiffer wheel which translates into better handling. I have really noticed this when I am shredding a berm or under really high speeds at the jumps. The hubs seem to track better and the rider feels more confident in their bike and ability to perform. I have also noticed a large difference when spinning off lips or drops, there is almost no flex in the wheels and allows for a better feel off the stunt.
Big axles are tough – On the dirt jump rear Chub hub, a machined 15mm aluminum axle (available in steel as well) is used which includes 8mm female hex bolts. According to The Hive, a stiffer axle reduces frame flex and increases pedaling efficiency. I have really noticed a difference in how stiff my rear end has become since running the Chub hub. However, the only problem is that if your wheel slides or you need to take it off, no one ever carries around an 8mm Allen key – which can prove to be a large problem. I think the large axles might be a bit overkill for a dirt jump bike.
Hubs:
The front hub is the 15/20 Thru. This hub incorporates unique features like an extremely light UD carbon fiber shell, swappable 15/20mm end caps, and slightly over sized flanges (77.0mm disc side and 59.0mm drive side). I have been extremely impressed in the few months I have rode this hub. The torsion rigidity in the front wheel created by the over sized flanges is unbelievable – not to mention that that appearance is not as hard to get over as the rear hub. The Hive claims to have reduced spoke stress by over 70% and also reduce spoke wind up when braking. The front hub features 6805 deep radial groove bearings which are some of the smoothest bearings on the market, unfortunately, the bearings take an unusually long time to break in (about two months) and they must be ordered online from The Hive. This hub also features light weight 6061 aluminum flanges and a standard ISO six bolt disc mount. The front hub is available in 32 holes and has a total weight of 215 grams.
The rear hub is constructed from the same UD carbon fiber shell and 6061 aluminum flanges. However, the flanges take a HUGE step up on the rear hub and are definitely an attention grabber (whether good or bad) to anyone who sees them! The drive side flange is 101.6mm and the non-drive side is 77.0mm. The hub also features a 1.375 x 24tpi thread-on free wheel and weighs in at 350 grams. Although the hub is extremely light and creates a very rigid wheel, the free wheel design is out dated and causes many problems such as free wheel bounce and riders are limited such that the smallest free wheel allowed is 15 teeth. This generates a problem for those wanting to run micro drive gearing.
The Hive’s Chub hub series is a good response for those tech head riders looking to do everything they can to lighten, stiffen and increase their bike’s efficiency – that is to say if they can get over the unique aesthetics and their friends asking if the hubs are from space!
Pros
Stiff strong wheels
Light weight
Unsurpassed quality
Unique
Hollow hardware
Control
Cons
Huge!
Free wheel instead of cassette driver
Value
Front 15/20mm Thru Hub $192.00 USD
Rear Single Speed Dirt Jump Hub $240.00 USD
Check out
www.bythehive.com and
www.dtswiss.com for more information and products!
Photos by: Evan Mason and Thomas Barbin
Reece Wallace
-Pinkbike.com and Chromag Bikes
