The German component manufacturer Tune presents a new generation of MTB components, the Micro hubs, which have been specially designed for enduro, trail and E-MTB use. The J-Bend hubs from Buggingen in the Black Forest complement the recently introduced Nano hubs and are characterised by reinforced hub bodies, quick engagement and optimised seals.
Mountain biking has always been part of the DNA of German component manufacturer Tune. Since the late 1980s and 1990s, when riders were still steering heavy rigid bikes through the Black Forest, Tune has made a name for itself by producing lighter components. These helped athletes such as Markus Klausmann and Sabine Spitz to achieve podium finishes in World Cup races and the Olympic Games. Now the manufacturer is returning to its roots with a completely new generation of MTB hubs.
Over the years, the MTB scene has continuously evolved: larger cassettes, more suspension travel, E-MTBs and the rise of enduro sport have placed new demands on wheels and hubs. Although Tune has always remained true to mountain biking, the company recognised the need to return with a stronger presence. The result of this development is the new Tune Micro hubs, which were developed from scratch in Buggingen, Germany. The launch of the Micro hubs marks Tune's return to the heart of mountain biking with lightweight, robust and easy-to-maintain components that are made in Germany and suitable for any use - from fast XC laps to demanding enduro descents.
The new Micro hubs and the recently introduced Nano hubs were developed according to Tune's "Functional Lightweight Design" philosophy: lightweight where possible, reinforced where necessary. Both platforms feature advanced seals, freewheels with fast engagement and high quality bearings that provide durability and speed for modern trails. Technical features of the hubs include reinforced hub bodies for increased stiffness and strength, a new freehub system with quick engagement points and heat-treated steel pawls for long-term reliability under load. The hubs also have hard-anodised axles with preset axial play, which simplifies maintenance as spacers are no longer required. The Micro Boost version in particular is equipped for E-MTB use thanks to optimised seals against dirt and weather influences.
Tune now offers two MTB hub families, each designed for a specific riding style. The Nano hubs are designed as a straight-pull hub set for lightweight XC setups and gravel racing, where every gram and every watt counts. The Micro hubs, on the other hand, are designed as a J-Bend hub set for Enduro, E-MTB and demanding trail use, where durability and strength are paramount. Despite different hub bodies, both models share the same DNA: fast engagement, advanced sealing, low-friction bearings. Riders can now choose between ultimate lightness or uncompromising strength - without compromising on performance.
To validate the new hubs, Tune turned to French freerider Valentin Anouilh, who tested the Micro AM AL wheelset equipped with the new hubs under the toughest conditions, from technical Alpine trails to freeride lines and bike park use. His feedback helped to refine the final product. The hubs were not only developed for mountain bikers - road bike and gravel enthusiasts were also taken into account. That's why both Nano and Micro are offered in special configurations for road and gravel bikes, offering the same precision, performance and durability that is made in the Black Forest.