Here’s a bold statement: even the smallest details can make or break a World Cup-winning bike, and Chris King Precision Components is proving it with their latest hub tuning innovations. But here’s where it gets controversial—while most riders might overlook hub specs, Chris King is doubling down on marginal gains, and the results are turning heads in the downhill racing world.
Chris King, a long-standing sponsor of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, has quietly been refining their iconic hubs to squeeze out every last bit of performance. Traditionally, King hubs feature a 72-tooth RingDrive system, but their newest update introduces a coarser 36-tooth option. Why does this matter? It reduces drag, allowing the hub to roll faster—a game-changer for riders chasing milliseconds.
And this is the part most people miss—last summer, I spoke with Chris King’s president, Kirby Bedsaul, who hinted at their behind-the-scenes efforts to enhance wheel speed. The Syndicate team, always on the hunt for any edge, embraced the concept wholeheartedly. In fact, Jackson secured key race wins last season using a prototype 36T hub, which not only reduced drag but also minimized noise—a win-win for speed and stealth.
Enter the Buzzworks 36T RingDrive, a standout addition to King’s lineup. While increasing the engagement deadband from 5° to 10° might not suit every rider or scenario, it’s refreshing to see the Portland-based company offering tuning options for those eager to experiment. King hubs have long enjoyed a cult following, thanks to their legendary durability and user-friendly maintenance, and this move only solidifies their reputation.
Here’s the kicker: the new RingDrive is backward compatible with all ISO, Classic, and Boost Chris King hubs dating back to the 1990s. At $150 USD, the RingDrive kit is an accessible upgrade available directly from King or their authorized retailers.
But that’s not all—Chris King is also expanding their offerings with 6-bolt hubs in SuperBoost spacing, bringing this popular standard to their full Mountain Hub lineup alongside Centerlock options. After phasing out 6-bolt hubs years ago, King has reintroduced them to meet growing demand. SuperBoost 6-bolt rear hubs start at $590 USD, catering to riders who prefer this configuration.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Are these incremental upgrades worth the investment, or is Chris King over-engineering for a niche audience? Let’s spark some debate in the comments—do you think these tuning options are a game-changer, or just a luxury for the pros?
For those eager to dive deeper, you can explore the full range of options and pricing on Chris King’s website: https://chrisking.com/. Whether you’re a pro racer or a weekend warrior, there’s no denying that Chris King is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hub technology—one tooth at a time.
