As always, when you’re a small manufacturer you can basically make whatever you want. Paul Component Engineering saw the need to introduce two specific new hubs, so they went ahead and built them. Starting with the new Thru Axle Disc Fhub, Paul has a new option for the front of your fat bike with 150mm spacing. Originally just found on the RockShox Bluto, the 150mm spacing is starting to find its way to rigid forks as well.
Built with standard front disc rotor spacing as found on their other Fhubs, the fat bike version is stretched to fit the wider forks and the flanges have been positioned for a dishless build. Inside the machined aluminum hub shell you’ll find oversized Enduro bearings with a bearing adjuster ring outside on the dedicated end caps and a weight of 198g. Available now, the 150 Fhubs are available in 32 hole only with black, silver, and high polished options for $171.00. This should be last front hub you have to buy for a while seeing as how our review Paul Whub is still spinning smooth after 3 full seasons on a fat bike.
Not into fat bikes or gears for that matter? If your single speed is capable of running 142×12 you’re going to want to check out the new WORD….
True to their WORD (Wacky Off-road Rear Device), the new Paul hub is single speed only. Paul is a firm believer that fewer options end up making a more durable hub, so the new WORD is not convertible. It is single speed and 142×12. Only. But this is not just a standard WORD that has been adapted for the bigger axle with thinner bearings. Instead, the hub innards have been reworked to allow for larger bearings and axle compared to other single speed options. That’s crucial for single speed hubs since they are subject to a lot of punishment (everyone probably has at least one pedal smashing single speed riding buddy they are thinking about right now).
Made to accommodate a standard 1.37 x 24tpi (English) threaded freewheel, the 204g hub is available in black or silver in 32 or 36 spoke counts. Both hubs are available now, and the WORD 12×142 sells for $181.
