True Precision Components are the makers of Stealth hubs. This company is from Goleta California and began making their hubs in 1999 after experiencing disappointment with what was then available. To fully appreciate the expertise of this company one needs to know that True Precision Components is the bicycle component division of True Precision Machining (TPM).
TPM is a world class contract machine shop specialising in manufacturing parts for customers in the medical, aerospace and telecom industry. Certainly all the expertise gained from supplying products for these various companies has benefited their hub design and production.
Also, many of the staff are keen cyclists themselves who have ridden in BMX, DH/freeride and cross country. Their personal experience and input has shaped Stealth hubs over the last decade.
So, whats on offer? First off are all the hubs catering to the pro or amateur BMX riders out there. There are 3 basic models to choose from, even a disc version which also has an interchangeable axle giving you the option of a standard 3/8th bolt-on or a 15mm thru axle. Upgrades to light and strong titanium bolts are there for the asking.
The Stealth Pro rear BMX hub with the six bolt disc option.
Another BMX model is the "expert". This hub employs a standard bolt on to secure it to your frame. Several lovely colours are perfectly anodised onto the alloy shell.
The Stealth "Expert" BMX rear hub in a rich bullion gold finish. Upgrade to titanium bolts if desired.
There are a few things of importance that separate Stealth hubs from the competition. The first thing that springs to mind is their instant engagement and the fact that they run silently, hence the explanation for the name "Stealth". Admittedly there are a small number of hubs on the market that make the claim of "instant engagement", but there are only a few. That type of feel for both BMX and MTB riders is a big draw. I also love the idea of a hub that runs silently. Silence is golden.
Two other things that I would be remiss in failing to mention would be their 5 year warranty and the option to upgrade to ceramic bearings should that inspire you. Ceramic bearings might be of interest to the road riders among us.
Road hubs. Stealth has improved their S3 road model and now we have the better S4 version. Same 5 year warranty and instant engagement that everyone loves. The bearing placement has been changed for increased longevity. For Shimano riders it's now compatible with 9, 10 and 11 speed cassettes. 24, 28, and 32 spoke hole configurations complete the package. I should mention that Stealth feels this hub will easily go the distance if tossed into the cyclocross ring. Silently coast by your opponents!
The Stealth Road hub. Available in any colour under the sun as long as it's black!
The new S4 may only be available in black, but the other models come now in 6 different anodised colours. We are talking green, red black, blue, gold and silver finish.
These hubs are made entirely in America and might be the perfect option for your next wheel building project. Check out their website to fill your knowledge gaps and get back to me with any questions you may still have.