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So I really want, not necessarily need, a new wheelset. I know this has been done to death but after reading loads of posts and reviews I still can't decide. To be honest I don't care so much about the rims as I look at these as replacement parts although top of the pile at the mo are DT swiss 511. No interest in carbon for now. So to the hubs, I am looking for a high engagement and so in particular I9, project 321, and the oddball Onyx. TBH I'm leaning toward the 321's but have heard that the seals aren't so great, not great for our shitey UK weather. Don't mind a rebuild a few times a year but every other ride takes the biscuit. Now while money isn't an object I do like best bang for the buck plus a good distributer back-up so was hoping anyone with any of these hubs could give an insight into their experience. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thankyou for what must be your repeated words.
From what I can gather the onyx hubs have poor sealing and a pain to service. i9 arent the most reliable and a pain to get parts for. Never heard of th 321.
I would go dt swiss 240 with a 54t ratchet. Easy to service and good parts availability.
I've Industry9 hubs on my fat bike, I think they are the Torch model. I haven't had any problems in the two years I've had the bike, it was second hand and about two or three years old before I got it. Done plenty of beach and mud riding. They use standard bearings and the pawls are available from justridingalong.com.
I've no experience of the Onyx but it's top of my list right now. Given where they're made, I dint imagine sealing is an issue. There's a long thread on MTBR about them but no mention of the seals being a problem. They are ceramic hybrid bearings but a standard size so off the shelf replacements shouldn't be an issue. There are some places in the UK selling them, but no official importer.
Feedback seems to be that it engages softly like some sort of belt drive which really appeals.
Thanks for your replies. I guess not many people are using these hubs. Didn't expect much feedback on the P321's or the Onyx but thought more people would have experience with I9's.
DT 240's are on the radar but there is plenty of info out there so was just asking about these as worthy rivals, should have stated that really.
Whitestone, it is the torch model I'm interested in so good to know yours are stilll going strong. I have only heard good things about these hubs and they are currently frontrunners.
Onzadog, the soft pickup is what I'm concerned about as I don't know if I would like the feel if I need to ratchet up a section. It is intriguing but an expensive gamble that I wouldn't want to lose.
Think it may be blind dart time.
Id normally say DT240 but...
I just bought some Raceface Turbine R wheels and I think they are bloody brilliant - and exceptional value.
The vault hubs in particular are great - huge flanges (compared to DT), very light , huge bearings, 120 points of engagement! and make a great noise (not too loud). From what I hear the seals are pretty good too.
Yeah I'm now swinging toward DT EX1501 wheelset and the 54T ratchet. Bloody good wheelset and leaves plenty of pennies in beer fund. I'm pretty sure I looked at the raceface but will remind myself. No doubt I'll have changed my fickle mind in about two hours. I've been looking for months now and just can't get a clear winner, and yes I'm a nightmare in restaurants.