bloaker
Sincerely A Dick
- Nov 14, 2011
- 3,643
- 5,770
I own 3 sets of CK hubs.
I own 3 sets of i9 hubs.
I own 1 set of Hope Evo 4 hubs (and previously owned multiple Evo2).
Synopsys -
Hope is value bling. You get absolute value on the dollar. When compared to CK or i9, yes at times you feel the engagement difference, however on the trail, this feeling is mostly non existent. They roll great (*dare I say better than the CK). They are easy to service and just keep on going no matter how much you abuse them.
Chris King is indestructible bling. These things are bullet proof. I had one set of MTB hubs pre-disc that I bought from a coworker at a shop. He put over 3000 km on them. I added another 8000 km to them and then sold them to another buddy who is still on them with an additional 1000 km. They have yet to be serviced - ever. They are the loudest Kings I have ever heard, but they work to perfection. I on occasion ride the bike they are on when I am back in the states. My other 2 MTB sets on Kings are disc and have been flawless. The only knock on them is they have a little freehub drag. I also have CK R45 hubs on my road bike. The oscillating sound of CK is intoxicating!
Industry Nine is simple engineering done right. I have several i9 torch hubs. The engagement is as instant as the CK, but service is easier. I even went so far as to by an i9 system wheelset for my Stanton 29+ build. I have yet to have a hub issue with any i9s. They look great. The Machine gun sound of the freehub is just a reminder of precision.
I would never feel the Hope hubs are why I didn't clear something or why I finished where I did in a race. Just like having i9 or CK isn't the reason I did as well as I did. All three do their job well. 2 are overkill, but amazing to listen to while riding. All three come in great finishes and can make any bike look good.
If you want some quality bling, but don't want to break the bank... Hope.
If you want to buy the last hubs you will ever buy for your build - i9 or CK.
I own 3 sets of i9 hubs.
I own 1 set of Hope Evo 4 hubs (and previously owned multiple Evo2).
Synopsys -
Hope is value bling. You get absolute value on the dollar. When compared to CK or i9, yes at times you feel the engagement difference, however on the trail, this feeling is mostly non existent. They roll great (*dare I say better than the CK). They are easy to service and just keep on going no matter how much you abuse them.
Chris King is indestructible bling. These things are bullet proof. I had one set of MTB hubs pre-disc that I bought from a coworker at a shop. He put over 3000 km on them. I added another 8000 km to them and then sold them to another buddy who is still on them with an additional 1000 km. They have yet to be serviced - ever. They are the loudest Kings I have ever heard, but they work to perfection. I on occasion ride the bike they are on when I am back in the states. My other 2 MTB sets on Kings are disc and have been flawless. The only knock on them is they have a little freehub drag. I also have CK R45 hubs on my road bike. The oscillating sound of CK is intoxicating!
Industry Nine is simple engineering done right. I have several i9 torch hubs. The engagement is as instant as the CK, but service is easier. I even went so far as to by an i9 system wheelset for my Stanton 29+ build. I have yet to have a hub issue with any i9s. They look great. The Machine gun sound of the freehub is just a reminder of precision.
I would never feel the Hope hubs are why I didn't clear something or why I finished where I did in a race. Just like having i9 or CK isn't the reason I did as well as I did. All three do their job well. 2 are overkill, but amazing to listen to while riding. All three come in great finishes and can make any bike look good.
If you want some quality bling, but don't want to break the bank... Hope.
If you want to buy the last hubs you will ever buy for your build - i9 or CK.