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Using CRC's custom wheel builder and with current sale discounts, I can build up a set of Hope Pro 2 Evo wheels for about £70 more than a similar set wheels from Superstar based on their Tesla hubs.
I was wondering if there is a clear winner in terms of the two hubs.
Which rims on CRC?
I'd choose the hope just for the customer service you'll get should you need it.
I was looking at the Nukeproof TR rims.
I got 5 rides out of my Tesla Evo hubs before the freehub ate itself. They were warrentied, but I didn't trust them after that, a search online would tend to indicate that it isn't the one off "we haven't seen one of those before" type incidents Superstar were making it out to be.
I own 3 sets of Hope wheelsets, the eldest must be coming on for 7/8 years old. Familiarity breeds contempt I suppose, and I have had several back for warrenty in that time with cracked sheels, pulled spoke eyelets and cracked rear axles etc, but always sorted with no fuss under warrenty. The occasional bearing changes are easy enough, and the newer style pawl springs seem a lot more durable.
I like the look of the DT swiss hub mechanism, but my next wheels will likely be a set of the newest Hope Hubs on a rim of somekind. They just work, and when they dont they can generally be bodged with a zip tie.
I was wondering if there is a clear winner in terms of the two hubs.
Even if both hubs were of equal performance, Hope's legenedary backup and warranty is worth the extra money alone.
But they're not equal. Hope hubs may not be as light and ultimately reliable as the likes of DT Swiss, but they're a BIG step up from Superstar hubs. I've seen countless failed Superstar Freehubs, and significantly fewer failed Hope hubs. Those that have had issues with Superstar hubs have then had issues with their legendarily poor warranty, whereas everyone I know who's had an issue with a Hope product has usually had a brand new replacement delivered to them within 48hours without quibbles.
I'm a huge DT Swiss fan, and will always spend the extra money on those myself, but I have no issues at all recommending Hope hubs to anyone. Can't say the same about Superstar I'm afraid!
I'd recommend looking at another option which could be DT Swiss 350 hubs built on your rim of choice?
the DT 350 is the more affordable Taiwanese built version of the considerably more expensive 240 hub, and shares the same "guts" / freehub drive technology, albeit marginally heavier (+50 grammes for the rear hub when I looked into it) by using a forged rather than heavily machined hub shell, and in some instances a less modular upgrade path for aftermarket axle conversion
I've been a big fan of Hope over the year and had countless sets of their MTB and then road hubs / wheels, but have had to rely on their legendary 'customer service' too many times to recommend their hubs to a retail customer.
I must admit I've never had a Hope drama.
Alternatively go for superstar switch hubs instead - pretty bulletproof
Slight hijack, but those using the dt Swiss hubs, I've looked at those and the 36 tooth ratchet (which is a pretty pricey mod in itself), seems to have reliability issues itself according to threads on mtbr. Anyone using it?
legend - Member
Alternatively go for superstar switch hubs instead - pretty bulletproof
This.
I've got Tesla-evo hubs but don't ride all that often so they've been fine, swapping axle standard is a doddle, instant pick-up, light weight etc....I spec'd a steel freehub to avoid some of the reported issues but they're sold out of these currently.
However as above, the Switch hubs are bombproof.
Not as easy to switch axle standards (tools required) and not quite instant pick-up but they are rebranded Novatec items and appear as OEM hubs on loads of bikes.
If I was doing another custom build for heavy use I'd go for Switch hubs on rims of my choice.