For many, many years, the lightest wheels in the world were often built with Tune Prince and Princess hubs. More than just a lightweight part, these hubs ascended to royalty thanks to the German brand’s fine attention to detail that made them possibly the sturdiest part of many ultralight hoops.
But, times do change, and now Tune has launched the all-new Yokto hubs at the top of their lineup, which are actually lighter than their royal predecessors. Plus, new mid-range Nano hubs that borrow a lot of Yokto’s tech in a *cough* more affordable option.
Tune Yokto hubs
The new Yokto hubset comes in at just 226g for the set (lightest configuration with XDR freehub). That’s 20+ grams less than the lightest Prince/Princess combo. Not only are they lighter, they’re considerably more user friendly. Before we get to that, though, let’s talk internals…
Here’s where some of the extreme weight cutting is hidden from view. Inside are just two (2) pawls with a 40-tooth ring. So, just 40 points of engagement for a generous 11º of rotation. Which is just one of the reasons these hubs are meant exclusively for road bikes, and only for drivetrains with a maximum 1:1 easy gear combo.
One of the big changes from the Princess front hub is that they no longer require a carbon fiber ring to support the spoke insertions, necessary because those hubs slotted the spokes directly through the hub shell…no flanges. This makes them easier to build and service, and, for Tune’s part, probably much easier to manufacture, but they do use carbon fiber end caps.
Another big change is the absence of shims used to adjust axial (lateral along the axle) play. This new axle design and a lot of fine design work means they’re also stiff and durable, something Tune said was a priority over just making the lightest possible hubs and why they come with a 10-year warranty. There’s even improved weather sealing.
The Yokto hubs are sold as a set for €1,450 and come standard with Enduro XD15 ceramic bearings. Max rider weight limit is 95kg, system (rider+bike) weight limit is 105kg.
Tune Nano hubs
Barely a step down, the Nano road/gravel hubs come in at just 93g (front) and 197g (rear, XDR). That’s as light as 290g for the road/gravel set, depending on freehub selection.
Nano rear hubs get all-new POEtry69 freehub body internals, providing 69 points of engagement (get it?) with three spring-backed pawls. The road/gravel hubs come upgradeable to 138 points of engagement by adding three more pawls, and MTB hubs get all six pawls as standard equipment.
Mountain bike versions are a little beefier, and switch from Center Lock to 6-bolt brake mounts, coming in at 125g (front) and 221g (rear, XD) …just 346g for the set!
The Nano is a straight-pull spoke design, with non-Boost models offered only with 24 spoke holes, and Boost MTB hubs with 28 holes. All models are available in three colors. Rear hubs are €480 (€900 w/ Enduro XD15 bearings, which come with a lifetime warranty). Front hubs are €270 (€480 w/ ceramic bearings). Max rider weight limit is 100kg, and max system (rider+bike) weight is 110kg, and they come with a 10 year warranty.
Tune x Tekkerz Limited Edition Gold Wheels
What better way to celebrate new hubs than with a limited edition wheelset, especially one with shiny gold rims! These limited edition Tune x Tekkerz wheels come pre-built with silver Nano hubs, silver Sapim spokes, and gold-finished Tune TRC50 carbon rims emblazoned with the London’s road-and-crit brand Tekkerz’s dinosaur for extra flash.
Claimed weight is 1,390g, rims are 50mm deep with 25mm internal width, and hooked/tubeless-ready profiles. Recommended for 28-45mm wide tires.
MSRP is €2,499, with an Enduro XD15 ceramic bearing upgrade option bumping that to €3,119.99. Available now with your choice of Shimano HG, SRAM XD/XDR, and Campy N3W freehub bodies. Only 100 wheelsets will be made, get ’em while they hot.
