Chinese hubs?

[d36]

Theres quite a bit out there on novatech hubs but can anyone give me the low down on other brands?

powerway m32 & 71
fastace da201

[Midwest-MTBer]

I just bought some deep profile carbon rims for my tri bike that came with powerway hubs. Through my research and experience I think the quality is pretty great. They're not incredible, but they're very good and very functional. I still love my DT Swiss 350's more though. Others on the forum have tried Novatech hubs and had luck. You should note though that the ones I ride are the PFH-R36 hubs, which are road hubs.

[Bhaalgorn]

http://www.bitexhubs.com/htm/index.php Large manufacturer that gets rebranded a lot. MTB180 and MTB270 are very popular (https://www.bikehubstore.com/MTB180-MTB270-Hubset-w-Logo-p/mtb180270btx-red.htm)

Same with http://www.formulahubs.com/

[tripleDot]

A friend of mine had a pair Bitex hubs (don't know which model) on his Sta. Cruz Nomad.  Probably 10 months now and no complains.

[Carbon_Dude]

I had a set of Bitex hubs, the 401R rear hub had issues, replaced the freehub then after I sold the bike the owner broke the engagement points on the inner hub.  He ended up replacing the rear hub with a DT Swiss 350.   I'd stay away from the bitex hubs.  Otherwise, Novatech's are probably fine.  If it were my money, nothing beats the value and quality of a DT Swiss 350 hub.

[jefflinde]

I know this a bit of an old thread but i have 3 sets of Chosen hubs and all have been going great.  I am 250lbs out of the shower and i have had no issues.  Going on my second winter third summer on the oldest set and not one issue.  they are also pretty light.  comparable to DT Swiss.  I have purchased all of mine from DengFu but they are available on eBay as well.

Best of all they are super affordable.  they run about $120/set.

[gohloum]

I've been pounding my Novatec Hubs for a year in the Florida swamp and grit.  Other than I wish it had more steps for the prawls (faster engaging freewheel), I'm happy with them.  They have taken quite a bit of abuse and some brackish water (salt and fresh mixed). 

Hint: I have a velcro loop strap lose around the center of each hub. It's about a 5" diameter.  I have the fuzzy side facing inwards.  What this does is keeps the hub body nice and clean.  Back in the 80's and 90's, the popular solution was a leather shoe string tied in a loop. :-)

[dopestar]

can you post a picture with your hub with a velcro strap on it?

[GuitsBoy]

I'm a clyde and mash pretty hard.  While I liked the hub, I found koozer freehubs to start to fail after about 500 miles or so.  My Bitex / BHS hubs have been relatively trouble free for 1500 miles.  Theres very very slight deformation, and I had to replace the pawl springs once, but otherwise theyre holding up pretty well.  Ive heard novatecs are fine for light riders, but not clydes.  Ive not heard much about chosen hubs, but I believe they are an OEM manufacturer for a few big names.

[lRaphl]

I've been using Ed Hubs with ceramic bearings on my road bike for the past 5 years and they are still working perfectly.

[MTB2223]

I had a set of Bitex hubs, the 401R rear hub had issues, replaced the freehub then after I sold the bike the owner broke the engagement points on the inner hub.  He ended up replacing the rear hub with a DT Swiss 350.   I'd stay away from the bitex hubs.  Otherwise, Novatech's are probably fine.  If it were my money, nothing beats the value and quality of a DT Swiss 350 hub.

Same here with a Novatec DS772SB hub. The inner hub ring is broken on 5 places. Still ride-able, but I decide to replace the Novatec hubs with Straight Pull DT Swiss 350 hub in both wheels.
Searched the internet and found more failures of the Novatec hubs. Lost my trust in Novatec. But still loving my XMCarbonSpeed rims!!!

[voodoo320]

Chinese Hubs are good just keep it well maintained. Always grease it especially after a long wet ride.

[ernestkus]

I dont think they are chinese hub. Bitex, novatec, hubsmith, are Taiwanese brand

And yes, Taiwan is different with China
Most of the computer/cell phone small components are made in Taiwan. They probably assembled in China, but the components still made in Taiwan

[tripleDot]

For what it's worth, Taiwanese are still Chinese. I do understand that Taiwan (Republic of China) and China (People's Republic of China) are 2 different countries and the quality of their products may have some differences.

[gohloum]

can you post a picture with your hub with a velcro strap on it?

Here you go... Fuzzy side in.  My hubs are always shiny, even when the rest of the bike is covered in dirt. :-)