Chris King is back in the BMX business
The hubs created by cult inventor Chris King are legendary in the world of mountain biking. Super sturdy. Super stylish. And blessed with an unmistakable freewheel sound. For a long time, the ‘Hub King’ also offered suitable products for BMX riders. However, the last batch of King hubs for BMX racers rolled off the production line back in 2018. Since then, calls for a re-release have been heard time and again amongst racers and King fans. Now the Americans are using the MADE Custom Bike Show as a platform to unveil their completely redesigned BMX disc hubs.
According to Chris King, the focus was not simply on a reissue, but on genuine further development. The new hubs have been specifically optimised for BMX racing and are designed to offer improvements, particularly in terms of weight, stiffness and power transfer.
RingDrive technology remains at the heart of the system
The distinctive feature continues to operate at the centre of the rear wheel hub RingDrive system, which has been one of Chris King’s hallmarks for decades. The BMX hub comes as standard with a 72-tooth RingDrive. The high-tooth-count gear ensures that the freewheel engages particularly quickly and minimises the play when pedalling – an important factor when starting from the gate or during explosive intermediate sprints.
Those who prefer less resistance and maximum top speed may, as an alternative, opt for a fully compatible 36-tooth RingDrive convert.
Reduced weight, increased stiffness
The most noticeable technical change relates to the weight. Chris King states that the weight of the rear hub has been reduced by around 50 grams compared with the previous model. At the same time, a one-piece axle made of hardened stainless steel is designed to ensure high rigidity.
In addition, the flange diameter has been increased, the spoke angles optimised and the design specifically tailored to 20-inch BMX wheels. Chris King expects this to result in greater wheel stiffness and improved power transfer during racing.
Race-oriented configuration
The front wheel hub does not feature a brake disc mount and is designed for 20 mm axles designed. At the rear, however, there is a 6-hole mounting for brake discs is used. Drivers can choose between two options:
- 15 mm thru-axle
- M10 bolt-on system
The bolt-on version comes with steel bolts as standard. For racers particularly focused on weight, Chris King also offers titanium bolts, modelled on the well-known Robert Axle Project components. All BMX hubs are available exclusively as 36-hole versions available.
Typical Chris King: customisation included
As with almost all of the manufacturer’s products, the new BMX hubs are available in all the current Chris King colours. For many BMX racers, it is precisely this customisation that has always been part of the brand’s appeal. The combination of eye-catching anodised colours, high-quality craftsmanship and a long service life has earned Chris King cult status over the decades.
Chris King BMX Disc Hub – Information & Price
Chris King BMX Rear Hub
- BMX racing hub for disc brakes
- RingDrive freewheel with 72 teeth
- Compatible with 36T RingDrive
- Rear wheel hub: 6-hole brake disc mounting
- Available for:
- 15 mm thru-axle
- M10 bolt-on
- One-piece stainless steel axle
- Also available with titanium axle pins (35 US dollars)
- Weight: 297 g
- RRP: US$580
Chris King BMX Front Hub
- Race-oriented BMX front wheel hub
- Without brake disc mount
- For 20 mm axles
- Weight: 170 g
- RRP: US$310
Conclusion from an editor’s perspective
Chris King’s return to the BMX segment is more than just a nostalgic revival. The new BMX Disc Hubs address the latest demands of BMX racing and combine them with the brand’s well-known strengths. Of particular interest are the significant weight reduction, the design specifically tailored to 20-inch wheels and, of course, the legendary RingDrive system. BMX racers in particular, who are unwilling to compromise on materials and performance, are likely to welcome the return of the King hubs.
As expected, the price falls within the premium segment. Chris King does not compete here on the basis of low prices, but rather through build quality, serviceability and long-term durability. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Stefan Frey
Editor