This is a brand new section dedicated to those who prefer the dirt. This will cater to the world of MTB, gravel grinders and cyclocross riders. A huge curated selection of best quality hubs and rims are on offer.

Mountain bike and Gravel bike hubs:

The number of high quality MTB & gravel bike hubs is impressive. In fact, there are so many that it can be difficult making a decision on what to choose. Cognoscenti Cycles has selected what we feel to be the absolute best hubs on the market, spanning a price point from reliable entry level all the way up to the best available in the world. I’ll provide some essential information on each hub and if you require more info please email me and I’ll do my best to fill you in on all the fine details. I’ll also provide a price indicator to give you an idea where they fit from least to most expensive. An exact price can be provided by contacting me, as each hub set will vary depending on the options one chooses, such as custom colours or other features that may alter the price.

Before you begin exploring your options I should answer a much asked question. What is the difference between a MTB and a gravel bike hub? I get this question frequently and it deserves an explanation. In a nutshell there are more similarities than differences. It boils down to axle specifications and hub widths and some attention paid to the amount of freehub engagement. The lines have become blurred and admittedly there is not a lot of difference between these two. With the intense interest in gravel riding in the last few years there has been a plethora of new bikes with gravel specific designs, yet the hubs are not a world away from a set of MTB hubs. The same features exist in both hubs, like thru axles, possibly wider spacing, slightly higher spoke counts and freehubs that exploit more engagement. So from this you can see why a MTB hub could also be quite suitable for your new gravel machine, as long as you have the correct specs for the thru axles.

Onyx Racing Products: Onyx is without a doubt one of my all time favourite hubs for several reasons. If silence is what you’d like to hear on the trail this should be your number one choice. This ultra quiet hub achieves this feat by the use of a unique German made sprag clutch that not only runs silently but also gives one instant engagement. No other hub maker uses such a special system. It requires little maintenance and offers next to no resistance when you’ve stopped pedaling, making it the fastest hub tested. Top this off with German hybrid ceramic bearings and you have a hub that can’t easily be beat. Onyx offers a plethora of beautiful colours as well as custom colour options if desired. I ride these hubs myself and I can attest to their amazing qualities. They are at the higher end of the price spectrum but worth every penny. $$$$$

Chris King: As most are already aware, Chris King has been turning out top shelf hubs for a very long time, earning them a reputation that is synonymous with high quality. Hailing from Portland Oregon these USA made hubs have their special bearings made in house as well as all the other finely machined parts that make up this incredible hub. The patented Chris King ring drive offers 72 points of simultaneous engagement for ISO hubs and 45 for the R45D hubs. Available in standard 6 bolt and centrelock disc brake interfaces. Lots of cool colours and that unmistakable angry bee sound. $$$$$

Hadley Racing Products: Another USA made hub that’s popular amongst those in the know. MTB riders in California were most likely those who first began spreading the word about these lovely hubs. They gained a fierce following amongst those who appreciated a bomb proof hub that sports a titanium freehub and has 72 points of engagement. Several beautifully anodised colours and a flawless finish leave little to be desired. Check out my blog posting on these excellent hubs. $$$$$

White Industries: I am a big fan of this company. They’ve been at this for a long time and they can be trusted to provide you with a fantastic set of hubs. Their new XMR hubs would be ideal for a serious set of MTB wheels. They have updated the ratchet system to 48 points of engagement and their hubs ship stock with a 6al4v titanium freehub. Running on buttery smooth high quality bearings makes these a great choice. Their CLD boost hubs come in 7 different colours. $$$$

Hope: This UK made hub’s popularity has grown steadily over the last few years. Its less expensive than its American competition yet still offers some serious bang for your buck. The Hope Pro 4 is their newest offering with a standard 6 bolt disc interface. It runs on 4 pawls with 44 teeth of engagement. Comes in 6 colours and has an alloy freehub. A solid hub indeed. $$$

Phil Wood: Phil’s legacy and company endure even after the passing of the man himself. This American company has been manufacturing bicycle hubs since the early 70’s. Their MTB hubs are offered in two models, the Classic and the Pro. Both hubs have an optional upgrade to their low drag Carbonyte bearings. A 40 tooth ratchet and 5 double row pawls provide the engagement. Available in 10 colours. $$$$$

Project 321: This is not a hub you’ll see every day, but don’t let their rarity put you off. These guys make beautiful high end hubs with some desirable features. A USA manufacturer who has exploited a few cool design features that work well for either MTB riders or gravel grinders. Their G2 MTB hub has a customisable drive system with two options. Choose quiet or loud pawls and different amounts of engagement. Different pawl configurations will produce either 144 or 216 points of engagement, depending on your preferences. The bearings are fine tuned with an adjustable preload system. These hubs come with a 10 year warranty on the hub shell and axles and 3 years on the pawls. $$$$$

Industry Nine: The engineers at I9 have created a game changer with their new model named Hydra. With 614 points of engagement this is a major step up from the much loved Torch hub. For many MTB riders this hub will be embraced, big time. Its design also improves axle flex as well. This new model comes in lots of eye popping colours. $$$$$

Syntace: This high end German MTB hub looks much like many other good quality off road hubs, until you get inside. Don't let its basic black exterior fool you. The Syntace Hi-Torque MX hub makes use of a few important innovations that separate it from the others. Their patent pending design incorporates a unique system of engagement that relies on 36 tooth precision machined spur gears driven by 4 spiral springs. Syntace claim a far greater degree of strength and reliability with their design. Their 17mm butted axle and careful bearing placement guarantees maximum stiffness at a competitive weight. Adaptable to all current axle standards with removable end caps. The hub shells are machined from 7075 aluminium. $$$$$

Trailmech: Trailmech came into existence in 2012. Based in Poltava in the Ukraine, these hub designers and manufacturers have broken the mold with an innovative new engagement system that uses no pawls. Their award winning design is being used by the Ukrainian National MTB team at the UCI World Cup and the World Championships. Their "Vortex Ring Technology" offers just 6 degrees of rotational play. The XC hubs engagement mechanism is made from hardened tool steel and the hub shell is machined  from 7075 aluminium. Coming soon are both Enduro and Freeride/downhill versions. Trailmech offers a confidence inspiring 5 year warranty on their hubs. They are available in 4 colours, black, red, silver and blue.  Disc brakes are 6 bolt interface. $$$$$ *Note: Due to the conditions in the Ukraine with the war, production is likely halted until future notice.

MTB & gravel rim options

There are numerous excellent rim options. Cognoscenti Cycles has culled together the best performing rims from years of custom building experience. Our finger is also on the pulse of whats new and whats worthy of your consideration. I’ll highlight the specific models that represent the cream of the crop. I’ll also give you an idea where they exist on the price scale to help you stay on budget. Here’s the list of all the companies that produce the good stuff!

Enve: The folks at Enve have several MTB and newly issued gravel rims to consider. Its an area that they have placed special emphasis on. Important features like their unique molded spoke beds enable them to build strong and light weight carbon rims for the trails or for days spent on fire roads and gravel strewn paths. The new G23 gravel rim is an example of a very light but robust rim, weighing only 330 grams! I recently built a set for a competitor who used them on the notoriously demanding Dirty Kanza gravel endurance ride. They survived perfectly intact. $$$$$

Carbon Werx: Cognoscenti Cycles has our own line of superb carbon rims! All cycling disciplines are being represented, so there’s a large selection of MTB, cyclocross and gravel rims at your disposal. All of our rims are made of aerospace grade Toray T700 & T800 carbon fibre. There are several finish options as well as various carbon weaves like UD, 3K and some models with 12K or 3K twill. Most spoke counts are also available. Each Carbon Werx rim is a custom order, enabling you to get precisely what you want in numerous rim depths and widths. $$$-$

Astral Cycling: Rolf Prima has created a second rim maker by the name of Astral Cycling. This USA based company designs and produces all their new rim models in house. I have built with their Veil series of carbon rims and I am impressed. Obviously they have greatly benefitted from the vast carbon knowledge held by their parent company Rolf Prima. $$$$

Boyd Cycling: The owner Boyd Johnson once raced his bike as a pro. His passion for cycling is now poured into his company which produces high quality well designed rims that exhibit tight tolerances and quality control in both their carbon and alloy models. All rims are designed in the USA and made in Asia. I have always been quite happy with any Boyd rim I’ve built with in the past and I would recommend them highly without reservation. Many models to choose from including 650B options and carbon tubulars for CX or gravel racers. $$$-$$$$


Crankbrothers: Renown in the MTB world for brining innovative gear to market, Crankbrothers have some new rims that should be on your radar. The Synthesis line of carbon rims have some clever innovations worthy of the Crankbrothers name. The rims employ a teardrop enhanced shape where the spokes exit the rim. This provides additional strength with no real weight penalty. Much thought went into the difference chores that the front and rear rim will have to deal with. Different dimensions for the width of the front and rear rim compliment the different tire sizes that might be used. The Synthesis XCT 11 rim weighs a mere 390 grams, keeping the spinning weight down. With a life time warranty to boot, there is little reason to be concerned when hammering these on your favourite trail.

The Synthesis line of carbon rims offers thoughtful innovation. The XCT rim tips the scales at just 390 grams! Uber light trail worthy carbon rims.