Sometimes you need to build up a replacement wheel, or upgrade to a new one. If it happens to be a front wheel, you’ll want to start by choosing your front hub. We carry hub sets as well as front and rear hubs sold separately, and this is the place to find front hubs for either road or mountain bikes.

The front hub is a bit simpler than the rear. It consists of a hub shell (usually aluminum or carbon fiber) and a set of bearings on each side. The wheel axle threads through the shell and spins on the bearings. The axle is secured to the fork with a quick-release or thru-axle (or bolted on in some cases). The hub flanges, located on either side, have holes for the spokes. And if you use disc brakes, there will a mount on one side for the rotor. There are two type of rotor mounts: 6-bolt and centerlock. With all that in mind, it’s important to know things like what type of fork you’re using (thru-axle or quick-release), how many spoke holes the rim has, and what type of brakes, disc or rim.

Once you have all those questions sorted, you can choose the right hub to match your bike, riding style and budget. High-end hubs such as Chris King models typically have sealed bearings and high-quality materials. Some less expensive hubs have cup and cone bearings, which may be just fine if you don’t ride in a lot or rain or muck.

We carry front hubs from top brands like Chris King, DT Swiss, Hope Technology, Industry Nine, Mavic, Shimano, and SRAM. If you’re looking to replace a hub or build up a new wheel, feel free to call one of our Gear Advisors today at 888-880-3811 to help you find the perfect setup for your bike and riding style.