Stealth hubs use roller clutch for quick pickup, quiet running…
Until recently a BMX-focused product, True Precision’s Stealth hubs are now available for geared and singlespeed mountain bike applications. The hubs use a nearly instant roller clutch mechanism for reliable engagement and silent coasting. “Proudly made in the USA,” the hubs seem nicely machined and are certainly substantial (just under 500g for the rear alone).
The hubs really did feel almost instant, pickup-wise, and the silent freewheeling is a dignified response to all of the super-clicky hubs on the market. All common axle standards are catered to (including 20mm front) and a singlespeed model is also available. The weight – nearly 1/2lb heavier than similarly-priced alternatives – is a bit of a disappointment, but $400 (£246) for a unique US-made hub doesn’t seem unreasonable.
Sounds spot on, so no crunchy gears and a silent freewheel, a silent singlespeeders idea of perfection.
Cane Creek and Shimano (remember STX?) had a go at this about ten years ago too. This style of hub seems unavoidably heavy due to needing a ring of steel to contain the expanding mechanism. But they certainly did work.
As it’s based on friction rather than pawls to keep the hub from slipping, I wonder how good they’ll be for hi-torque singlespeeders. Good to see this type of hub back.
Probably more like 15 years ago, I still have a Shimano one in the garage somewhere. It worked well but it was pretty hefty.
ive a lx silent clutch hub and its heavy, its strong mind. its needing a service now, its 14 years old and when I wheeled out the retired saracen after about 4 years standing it had seized up but some judicial thwacking and tweeking had it free.
reminds me of that FS post for the LX silent clutch rear hub
Interesting – the old LX Silent Clutch was a good hub – heavy, but worked well.
I saw another silent hub at the show, from Onyx, another BMX co. turned MTB. IIRC it was only less than 400g, it rolled very smoothly, was very nicely machined and used a Sprag vs. Roller clutch, those typically have higher load capacity. I rode it at Dirt Demo – it worked just as you’d expect.