DT Swiss 350 Front Hub
The DT Swiss 350 front hub is a best-in-class choice for rim brake front hubs because it combines the brand's proven ratchet-based engagement architecture with a very competitive price, delivering reliable performance and easy serviceability for club riders and commuters. Compared with the pricier precision machining of Chris King and White Industries, the 350 trades a small amount of refinement for greater affordability and a broad service network, while outperforming the Shimano 105 hub on durability and modular upgrade options.
Ratcheting precision
Low maintenance
Ratcheting precision
Low maintenance
Review Summary
"Widely praised for reliability, smooth bearings and low maintenance; considered a dependable, value-focused front hub though slightly heavier than premium models."
Clicky ratchet charm
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance rotation.
Clicky ratchet charm
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance rotation.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The DT Swiss 350 front hub is a best-in-class choice for rim brake front hubs because it combines the brand's proven ratchet-based engagement architecture with a very competitive price, delivering reliable performance and easy serviceability for club riders and commuters. Compared with the pricier precision machining of Chris King and White Industries, the 350 trades a small amount of refinement for greater affordability and a broad service network, while outperforming the Shimano 105 hub on durability and modular upgrade options.
Ratcheting precision
Low maintenance
Clicky ratchet charm
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance rotation.
Lightweight alloy shell with common axle end-cap options for 100mm QR or bolt setups.
Ratcheting precision
Low maintenance
Clicky ratchet charm
Sealed cartridge bearings for low-maintenance rotation.
Lightweight alloy shell with common axle end-cap options for 100mm QR or bolt setups.
$150-220 USD
Hope Pro 4 Front Hub
The Hope Pro 4 front hub is positioned as a market leader for riders who want rugged, CNC-machined construction and highly predictable bearing serviceability in a rim brake hub, making it especially attractive for heavy-use and UK/European conditions. It sits between the DT Swiss 350 and the ultra-premium White Industries/Chris King offerings by offering greater toughness and rebuildability than the Shimano 105 at a moderate price premium, though it is typically heavier than the lightest options.
High engagement
Tool-friendly service
High engagement
Tool-friendly service
Review Summary
"Loved for its rugged build, crisp engagement and ease of service; some users note it can be louder and a bit heavier than rivals."
Anodized flash
Large flanges for strong, durable wheel builds favored by wheelbuilders.
Anodized flash
Large flanges for strong, durable wheel builds favored by wheelbuilders.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Hope Pro 4 front hub is positioned as a market leader for riders who want rugged, CNC-machined construction and highly predictable bearing serviceability in a rim brake hub, making it especially attractive for heavy-use and UK/European conditions. It sits between the DT Swiss 350 and the ultra-premium White Industries/Chris King offerings by offering greater toughness and rebuildability than the Shimano 105 at a moderate price premium, though it is typically heavier than the lightest options.
High engagement
Tool-friendly service
Anodized flash
Large flanges for strong, durable wheel builds favored by wheelbuilders.
Fully serviceable design with easily replaceable sealed bearings and convertible end caps.
High engagement
Tool-friendly service
Anodized flash
Large flanges for strong, durable wheel builds favored by wheelbuilders.
Fully serviceable design with easily replaceable sealed bearings and convertible end caps.
$160-250 USD
White Industries T11 Front Hub
The White Industries T11 front hub represents a premium option for rim brake riders who prioritize precision machining, low rolling resistance and long-lived sealed bearings, justifying its higher price with refined tolerances and finish options. Compared to the DT Swiss 350 and Shimano 105 it is more expensive but delivers a noticeable step up in craftsmanship and longevity, while offering a different value proposition than the heritage durability and warranty services of Chris King hubs.
Polished smoothness
Sealed bearings
Polished smoothness
Sealed bearings
Review Summary
"Users praise the T11 for exceptional machining, ultra-smooth bearings and long-term durability, but it's relatively expensive and occasionally harder to source parts."
Crafted bling
Precision-machined alloy body and attention to finishing for premium aesthetics.
Crafted bling
Precision-machined alloy body and attention to finishing for premium aesthetics.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The White Industries T11 front hub represents a premium option for rim brake riders who prioritize precision machining, low rolling resistance and long-lived sealed bearings, justifying its higher price with refined tolerances and finish options. Compared to the DT Swiss 350 and Shimano 105 it is more expensive but delivers a noticeable step up in craftsmanship and longevity, while offering a different value proposition than the heritage durability and warranty services of Chris King hubs.
Polished smoothness
Sealed bearings
Crafted bling
Precision-machined alloy body and attention to finishing for premium aesthetics.
High-quality sealed bearings and lightweight construction for responsive steering feel.
Polished smoothness
Sealed bearings
Crafted bling
Precision-machined alloy body and attention to finishing for premium aesthetics.
High-quality sealed bearings and lightweight construction for responsive steering feel.
$300-450 USD
Chris King R45 Front Hub
The Chris King R45 front hub is the market leader for riders seeking legendary durability, ultra-smooth bearings and industry-leading rebuildability for rim brake front hubs; its premium cost is offset by long-term serviceability and a reputation for consistent performance. In this list it outshines Shimano 105 on smoothness and lifetime serviceability and competes with White Industries on refinement, but carries a higher price than DT Swiss 350 and Hope Pro 4, appealing to riders willing to invest in longevity.
Bulletproof durability
Regal smoothness
Bulletproof durability
Regal smoothness
Review Summary
"Regarded as a top-tier, ultra-durable hub with buttery-smooth rotation and excellent long-term service, though many cite its premium price as the main drawback."
Signature color pop
Rebuildable, precision bearings and tight machining tolerances for long-term durability.
Signature color pop
Rebuildable, precision bearings and tight machining tolerances for long-term durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
The Chris King R45 front hub is the market leader for riders seeking legendary durability, ultra-smooth bearings and industry-leading rebuildability for rim brake front hubs; its premium cost is offset by long-term serviceability and a reputation for consistent performance. In this list it outshines Shimano 105 on smoothness and lifetime serviceability and competes with White Industries on refinement, but carries a higher price than DT Swiss 350 and Hope Pro 4, appealing to riders willing to invest in longevity.
Bulletproof durability
Regal smoothness
Signature color pop
Rebuildable, precision bearings and tight machining tolerances for long-term durability.
Iconic high-quality anodizing and multiple colour options made with careful US manufacturing.
Bulletproof durability
Regal smoothness
Signature color pop
Rebuildable, precision bearings and tight machining tolerances for long-term durability.
Iconic high-quality anodizing and multiple colour options made with careful US manufacturing.
$550-750 USD
Shimano 105 HB-R7000 Front Hub
The Shimano 105 HB-R7000 front hub is the most budget-friendly, widely available option for rim brake bikes, offering reliable function, broad compatibility and low replacement cost for everyday road use. It does not match the precision machining, serviceability or premium bearing quality of DT Swiss, White Industries or Chris King hubs, but it delivers excellent financial value and straightforward compatibility for riders prioritizing cost and ease of service.
Reliable OEM
Budget-friendly
Reliable OEM
Budget-friendly
Review Summary
"A solid, cost-effective OEM front hub that delivers reliable performance and smooth operation out of the box, but lacks the refinement and weight savings of higher-end hubs."
Quiet humble hum
Affordable OEM-level hub with straightforward, proven bearing system (cup-and-cone style serviceability).
Quiet humble hum
Affordable OEM-level hub with straightforward, proven bearing system (cup-and-cone style serviceability).
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shimano 105 HB-R7000 front hub is the most budget-friendly, widely available option for rim brake bikes, offering reliable function, broad compatibility and low replacement cost for everyday road use. It does not match the precision machining, serviceability or premium bearing quality of DT Swiss, White Industries or Chris King hubs, but it delivers excellent financial value and straightforward compatibility for riders prioritizing cost and ease of service.
Reliable OEM
Budget-friendly
Quiet humble hum
Affordable OEM-level hub with straightforward, proven bearing system (cup-and-cone style serviceability).
Specifically designed to fit 100mm quick-release rim brake forks and standard wheel builds.
Reliable OEM
Budget-friendly
Quiet humble hum
Affordable OEM-level hub with straightforward, proven bearing system (cup-and-cone style serviceability).
Specifically designed to fit 100mm quick-release rim brake forks and standard wheel builds.
$60-120 USD