BMX Hubs

What Are BMX Front and Rear Hubs?

BMX hubs are positioned at the centre of the front and rear wheels on a BMX bike. They connect to the wheel rims via spokes and to the BMX frame through the axles. The front hub’s function is to enable the front wheel to rotate smoothly, whereas the BMX rear hub comprises additional components like a driver, pawls, and springs. These components ensure that the rear wheel spins when the rider pedals.

Choosing Between Freecoaster and Cassette Hubs

When selecting a new rear hub for your BMX, you’ll need to choose between a freecoaster and cassette hub. Neither system is superior, but considering your riding style might help determine which is ideal for you.

BMX Freecoaster Hub

A key feature of freecoaster hubs is the ability to roll backwards without pedalling. This capability is essential for practising numerous fakie tricks and riding backwards. However, the downside is the “slack” inherent in freecoasters. This refers to a brief delay before the hub engages when pedalling.

BMX Cassette Hub

With a cassette hub, pedalling results in immediate engagement. This permits quicker acceleration and helps beginners easily learn fundamental tricks like bunny hops and manuals. The drawback is that you have to pedal when moving backwards, and your feet must be level before jumping forward again.

Right-hand Drive vs Left-hand Drive Hubs

Finally, rear hub models can be designed for right-hand drive, left-hand drive, or both. The choice is a personal one, but many riders prefer a left-hand drive if they often grind on the right side and a right-hand drive for grinding mostly on the left side. Grinds are performed with pegs attached to the hub's axles, though most BMX bikes don’t include them.

If you are interested in adding pegs for grinds on your BMX, be sure to explore BMX Pegs.