Mountain bikes (MTBs) are an increasingly popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a balance between speed and maneuverability. But did you know that your Rear hub could be an important factor in optimizing your ride experience? Unlocking the power of the rear hub can help you gain a priceless edge while taking to the trails, and getting the most out of your MTB.
The rear wheel on an MTB is powered by what is known as a hub. This is an axle-mounted cylinder that houses an array of gears which rotate with the wheel, and provides power to the bike as the rider pedals. Depending on the type of hub your bike has, you can select between a wide variety of gears, or ratios, to enable you to tackle trails of varying intensity.
The most popular type of hub for MTBs is the Shimano Deore M590, which features nine speeds, ranging from the lightest ratio—great for a relaxing ride around town—to the highest gear which offers a thrilling ride down rugged terrain. But with the right knowledge and some tinkering, you can even customize your hub for a more experience-specific ride.
To unlock the power of your rear hub, you’ll first need to familiarize yourself with the basics. Firstly, understanding which type of hub your MTB has is essential; the number of speeds your hub offers will determine the range of ratios you have to select from. Additionally, understanding the differences between the hub bearings—loose ball, loose cone, and sealed bearing—will give you an idea of how well your hub will stand up to neglect if you’re the type of rider who never cleans and lubricates their bike after a ride.
Beyond the basics, you can gain a unique edge by utilizing the power of your hub to suit your style and the terrain. For instance, if you’re looking to tackle more difficult challenges, you should increase the chainring and turn the crank at a higher speed. This ensures that you’ll always have a gear that is responsive, no matter how steep the terrain is. On the other hand, if you tend to take a leisurely ride, then consider reducing the chainring to provide a low-geared riding experience, allowing you to pedal with ease on flat surfaces.
The range of gear ratios is not the only factor to consider when unlocking the power of your rear hub; as a mountain biker, you should also familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of chain tension and chain isocenter. Chain tension is when the length of the chain is adjusted in order to drive the bike efficiently, while chain isocenter is the ratio of rear sprocket to the front sprocket that allows for efficient power transfer and consistent speeds.
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the fundamentals, you can start to optimize the settings of the hub and make adjustments depending on your riding style and the terrain you’re riding on. By optimizing each of these elements—ranging from the tooth count of the sprocket to the choice of lube on the chain—you’ll be able to get the most out of your MTB, and unlock the true power of the rear hub.
In summary, unlocking the power of the rear hub in MTBs can bring countless benefits both in terms of rider experience and optimization for specific trails. From understanding the basics of the hub to adjusting settings for an experience-specific ride, optimizing your rear hub could be the key to unlocking the power of your MTB.