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Other Resources => Vendor Discussion & Reviews => Topic started by: SteelToe on February 26, 2026, 06:54:00 AM

Title: Hub choice - Gravel
Post by: SteelToe on February 26, 2026, 06:54:00 AM
Would you pick Carbon Speed R280 (36T / 54T ratchet) or Novatec D412SB?

In terms of reliability and spare parts, potential bearing upgrades. And which one is quieter?

Still doing a bit of research into carbon wheels.

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: Hub choice - Gravel
Post by: Dan S. on February 27, 2026, 03:56:54 AM
Would you pick Carbon Speed R280 (36T / 54T ratchet) or Novatec D412SB?

Ratchet-style all the way. Easier to service imho. Regarding the loudness, depends on how much you grease it up :D
Title: Re: Hub choice - Gravel
Post by: CycOps on February 27, 2026, 05:13:24 AM
I always prefere pawl style feehub bodies, and I think a rear hub where the freehub body can fall of the hub because it's not fixed to the hub by the axle, which is the case in DT Swiss style rachet hubs, is bollocks. And a group ride with riders who stop pedalling 2 to 3 times per minute with this annoying retched sount is a big PITA.
I have laced severel wheel sets with Novatec D411/412.
Great hubs, light, good price on AliExpress, spare parts easily available at various domestic online shops, bearings all standart so never an issue if they need replacement.
But OC pretty much all hubs use standard bearings, you never have to worry to get bearings locally.
Title: Re: Hub choice - Gravel
Post by: SteelToe on February 27, 2026, 11:05:01 PM
Thanks for your input, I also cam across the Goldix R240SL - based wheelset: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010707515049.html
 (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010707515049.html)

Think this may be a better alternative to the no-name / in-house hubs that are typically on offer?

Although the wrong-length spoke thread issue concerns me https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4723.45.html (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4723.45.html)
Of course Easedon (on Ali) assured me that I can trust their brand.
Title: Re: Hub choice - Gravel
Post by: lidation on March 02, 2026, 12:52:28 PM
And a group ride with riders who stop pedalling 2 to 3 times per minute with this annoying retched sound is a big PITA.

This.
I'm not sure if I am getting old but I have very negative feeling towards extremely loud hubs that is common nowadays.