Author Topic: Chinese hubs?  (Read 11828 times)

d36

Chinese hubs?
« on: February 26, 2017, 01:57:19 AM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2017, 07:38:21 AM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2017, 02:22:10 PM »

tripleDot

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2017, 01:38:45 AM »
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.
July 2020 - Custom Waltly Ti 29er
Nov 2018 - Custom Waltly Ti Gravel
Apr 2018 - CS-496 29x3.0 - stripped
Feb 2018 - CS-RB01 (SS Road)
Sep 2016 - CS-RB01 (road sold)
Jun 2016 - Chinese CF XC - stripped
Mar 2016 - Haro Projekt (sold)
Feb 2008 - Jamis Durango 29 (sold)
Mar 2001 - Scott Scale (sold)

Carbon_Dude

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2017, 10:27:26 AM »
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.
2019 Stumpjumper Expert 29/27.5+
2017 Santa Cruz Stigmata
2017 Trek Stache 9.8 (29+)
2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Carbon Comp 6Fattie (27.5+) (Sold)
2016 Trek Stache 9 (29+) w/upgrades (Sold)
2014 -036 Full Suspension Chiner (Sold)
2013 -057 Hardtail Carbon Chiner (Sold)
Atlanta, GA

jefflinde

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2017, 08:58:35 PM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2017, 07:30:36 PM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2017, 10:19:18 AM »
can you post a picture with your hub with a velcro strap on it?

GuitsBoy

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #8 on: August 16, 2017, 12:12:27 PM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #9 on: August 16, 2017, 12:45:45 PM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2017, 05:07:50 AM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2017, 02:52:03 AM »
Chinese Hubs are good just keep it well maintained. Always grease it especially after a long wet ride.

ernestkus

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2017, 02:00:19 AM »
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

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #13 on: November 27, 2017, 04:07:11 AM »
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.
July 2020 - Custom Waltly Ti 29er
Nov 2018 - Custom Waltly Ti Gravel
Apr 2018 - CS-496 29x3.0 - stripped
Feb 2018 - CS-RB01 (SS Road)
Sep 2016 - CS-RB01 (road sold)
Jun 2016 - Chinese CF XC - stripped
Mar 2016 - Haro Projekt (sold)
Feb 2008 - Jamis Durango 29 (sold)
Mar 2001 - Scott Scale (sold)

gohloum

Re: Chinese hubs?
« Reply #14 on: December 13, 2017, 11:55:53 PM »
Quote
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. :-)