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 their time-tested 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 internals, 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 an edge on the trail or race course.
And this is the part most people miss: during a conversation last summer, Chris King’s president, Kirby Bedsaul, hinted at their mission to squeeze every last bit of rolling speed from their wheels. The Syndicate team embraced the concept, and the results speak for themselves. Jackson’s wins last season on the prototype 36T hub weren’t just luck—they were a testament to the power of precision engineering. Bedsaul notes, ‘The team believes in the concept and the data. At this level, they’re searching for milliseconds, and this is a meaningful step toward that goal.’
The new Buzzworks 36T RingDrive isn’t just about speed, though. It also increases the engagement deadband from 5° to 10°, a change that might not suit every rider but opens up exciting tuning possibilities for those willing to experiment. Chris King hubs have long been celebrated for their durability and ease of service, and this update reinforces their cult-like following among enthusiasts.
Here’s the kicker: the new RingDrive is backward compatible with nearly every Chris King hub made since the 1990s, from ISO to Boost models. At $150 USD, the RingDrive kit is an accessible upgrade for riders looking to fine-tune their setup. But is it worth it? That’s up for debate—and we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
In addition to the internals, Chris King is expanding their offerings with 6-bolt hubs in their SuperBoost spacing option. After phasing out 6-bolt hubs years ago, they’re reintroducing them to meet growing demand, alongside their Centerlock options. Starting at $590 USD, these hubs are a premium choice for riders seeking versatility and performance.
Whether you’re a World Cup contender or a weekend warrior, Chris King’s latest innovations are worth exploring. For more details on pricing and options, visit their website at https://chrisking.com/.
Final thought-provoking question: Are these upgrades a necessity for peak performance, or are they a luxury reserved for the pros? Let us know what you think—we’re all ears!
