Here’s a bold statement: even the smallest details on a bike can make a world of difference in performance—and Chris King Precision Components is proving it with their latest hub tuning innovations. But here’s where it gets controversial: are marginal gains like reduced drag and faster rolling speed worth the investment, or are they just overhyped tweaks for the elite? Let’s dive in.
Chris King, a long-standing sponsor of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, has quietly been revolutionizing the internals of their iconic hubs. While most riders might overlook hub specifications, the Syndicate team—always chasing milliseconds—knows better. The result? A game-changing update to King’s time-tested hubs, now featuring a coarser 36-tooth RingDrive option. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a strategic move to reduce drag and noise, giving riders a smoother, faster experience. And this is the part most people miss: these changes aren’t just theoretical—they’re backed by real-world results, with riders like Jackson dominating key races last season on the prototype 36T hub.
In a conversation last summer, Chris King’s president, Kirby Bedsaul, hinted at their mission to squeeze every last bit of speed from their wheels. The team’s faith in the data is clear: at the World Cup level, every millisecond counts, and this update is a significant step forward. The new Buzzworks 36T RingDrive isn’t just about speed, though—it’s also about customization. By increasing the engagement deadband from 5° to 10°, King is offering riders a tuning option that, while not ideal for everyone, opens the door for experimentation. Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just for the pros. King’s hubs have a cult following thanks to their legendary durability and ease of service, making these upgrades accessible to enthusiasts too.
What’s more, the new RingDrive is backward compatible with all ISO, Classic, and Boost Chris King hubs made since the 1990s. At $150 USD, the RingDrive kit is a relatively affordable way to upgrade your ride. But that’s not all—King is also reintroducing 6-bolt hubs in their SuperBoost spacing option, catering to the demand for more common standards alongside their Centerlock offerings. Starting at $590 USD, these hubs are a premium choice for riders who want the best of both worlds.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: With these advancements, is Chris King setting a new standard for hub performance, or are they catering to a niche audience obsessed with marginal gains? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For those eager to learn more, visit Chris King’s website at https://chrisking.com/ to explore the full range of options and pricing. Whether you’re a pro racer or a weekend warrior, these updates are worth paying attention to—because sometimes, the smallest changes can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
