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Chris King’s R45 Road Hubs Add Ceramic Bearing, Campagnolo Freehub Options

Written by Tyler Benedict
Chris King R45 Road Hubs add campagnolo freehub body and ceramic bearing options
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Chris King R45 Road Hubs add campagnolo freehub body and ceramic bearing optionsChris King has just added two options to their R45 road hubs: Campagnolo freehub bodies and ceramic bearings.

The R45 hubs with a ceramic bearing option will be available on August 15th. The Campagnolo compatible driveshell will be available in January 2012 with a ceramic bearing option also available at that time. Weights for ceramic-bearing’d hubs/standard hubs will come in at 99g/102g front and 216g/221g, so you’ll save a grand total of 8g with the upgrade. Both options will be available in all of their standard colors and spoke count options.

They recently announced ceramic bearings for their bottom brackets, too.

UPDATE: Here’s the pricing:

  • R45 Front: $169
  • R45 Rear: $369
  • R45 Ceramic Front: $229
  • R45 Ceramic Rear:  $449
  • R45 Campagnolo Rear:  $409
  • R45 Campagnolo Ceramic Rear:  $489
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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HErod
HErod
13 years ago

Holy $h!t! I’ve been waiting years for this! Great news!

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Hand Built Wheels
Hand Built Wheels
13 years ago

We have been waiting for a Campagnolo R45 hub and this is excellent news. The R45 works well with many rims and to be able to offer the R45 to our Campagnolo riders is really exciting.

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the flat tire
the flat tire
13 years ago

My prayers have been answered!

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Bad Bender
Bad Bender
13 years ago

Other than saving a tiny bit of weight there is absolutely no reason to use ceramic bearings. It’s all marketing fluff. Balls made from bearing steel are harder, retain their shape longer and just plain work. Why anyone would buy ceramic bearings is beyond me. I would have expected more from Chris King. The man didn’t change anything for years and now, all of a sudden, he’s relenting to what’s fashionable. I’m sorry, but he’s losing me…

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Captain obvious
Captain obvious
13 years ago

The reasons to not buy chris king are gone. If 8 grams are the reason… $12/ gram then great. Those that buy fashion can spend more.
Those that want campy can get great hubs.
Those that need more fashion can choose a color.
Everyone is happy.

Smart moves.

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Tuck
Tuck
13 years ago

5 bills for a rear hub? Could be worth it, I guess. I mean hey, it’s got CK etched on it.

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Maxi
Maxi
13 years ago

Ah the Chris King distortion field is in effect! Other wonderful options out there:

Alchemy Elf/Orc
DT Swiss 180
Tune Mig45/Mag170

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