M5 Hubs

We like to use these hubs. When we are asked for lighter options than DT Swiss hubs, M5 is always the first option mentioned. Front hubs in either a straight pull spoke or regular flanged format, and a rear flanged hub make for a set of hubs that weigh only around 218gm. That's less than a rear DT Swiss 240s hub!

Some of the great things; they follow a no tools concept that makes them very simple to work on, and have a very large diameter rear axle which combines with a very large pawl - ratchet system to make things very stiff. Swapping cassette bodies is simple, and requires no redishing of the wheel. Simple hand tools are available for removing and pressing in bearings, something that can be done in a home workshop.

The flange geometries work very well, very wide front spacing allow of great front wheel lateral stiffness, yet not so wide there could be problems with spokes clearing some beefy carbon fork blades, and the rear hub is optimised for radial non drive rear spoke lacing, giving good balance of tension with a two or three cross drive side lacing. We pick the rims used with an eye to correct spoke lines with these hubs because of their spoke angles, optimising them when needed. If not done, this would lead to local stress on the rims that could cause misshaping leading to cracking, or potential for broken spokes at the threads.

Something we do change from standard, we worked with Phil Wood & Co to have their bearings available for the front hub, a size that was not previously available from them. The rear hub is fitted with Phil Wood & Co bearings also, and we believe that these bearings, from a company with a great history in the use of cartridge bearings for bicycle hub applications, only add to these terrific hubs.