Berd’s textile spokes are highly regarded for their unique ride quality, low weight, and high strength. Today, Hope introduces a Hook Flange version of its Pro 5 hubs designed specifically to work with Berd’s unique spokes. With the Pro 5 Hook Flange, Hope joins a very small number of brands offering hubs specifically for Berd’s ultralight spokes, adding another high-performance option to the list.
Of course, Berd Spokes are already compatible with most J-bend hubs, though it requires special prep, including the enlargement and chamfering of the spoke holes. Berd Approved hubs feature a unique flange with literal hooks — a “Hook Flange” — for the spokes to loop around. This simplifies the build process while providing the appropriate spacing, angles, and seat profile for Berd’s textile spokes. Other Hook Flange hub options include Berd’s own Talon hubs, the Onyx Vesper, and Erase Components.
Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange Hubs Details
Hope took its already proven, precision-machined Pro 5 hub and created a new shell that includes the Hook Flange design. According to Hope, the design was “developed under official license and approval from Berd following joint testing.” Reportedly, the licensed and approved design ensures the most secure fit, consistent tension, and durability for Berd’s unique spokes.
Hope’s Pro 5 hubs are already well known for being stiff, strong, reliable, and easily serviceable. With six pawls engaging in sets of 3 and a 54T ratchet, the Pro 5’s 108 POE results in quick pickup with 3.33 degrees between engagement points. The new Pro 5 Hook Flange hubs are being offered with XD, XDR, Microspline, and Shimano 11-speed freehub options, but the brake rotor interface is currently centerlock only.
Unfortunately, weights were not provided, but it’s fair to assume they’ll be similar to the existing non-Hook Flange Pro 5 hubs. Check out the specs below for more details.
Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange Hub Specs
- Hook Flange system licensed by Berd
- FRONT hub: 100mm (24 spokes only) or 110mm (28 spokes only)
- REAR hub: 135/142mm (24 spokes only) or 148mm (28 spokes only)
- Available in Ø12mm & Ø15mm
- Sealed stainless steel cartridge bearings throughout
- Hub shell machined from a single forged 2014-T6 aluminium billet
- Centerlock only
- Unsurpassed reliability
- Numerous available conversion kits
- XD, XDR, Shimano MS, Shimano 11sp freehub options
A Play for 32” Wheels?
Interestingly, this new hub launch coincides with Berd’s announcement of new PolyLight X spokes and longer versions of its standard PolyLight spokes to fit 32” wheels. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or maybe Hope is hoping to stay ahead of the curve as high-performance 32” wheels gain traction in the coming months. We already know that Berd spokes are lighter than their metal equivalents, and that the reduction in weight will likely (definitely) be even more important on larger wheels. In the 32” arms race, which is very likely to include some Berd-spoked wheel builds, Hope adds another premium hub option to the mix.
Whether Hope is making a timely move for the 32” wheel market or not, the new Pro 5 Hook Flange hub is another option for riders interested in building up a unique, lightweight, custom wheelset using Berd spokes, regardless of wheel size.
Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange Hub: Pricing and Availability
Hope’s new Bred Spoke compatible Pro 5 hubs will be available starting February 1st, with prices listed below.
- Front: RRP £125.00 // €157.00 // $163.52 (ex tax)
- Rear: RRP £255.00 // €320.30 // $353.50 (ex tax)
You can find out more about Hope’s Pro 5 Hubs and eventually purchase some for your next lightweight custom wheel build on the brand’s website.
