Every millisecond counts in the world of downhill racing, and Chris King Precision Components is shaking things up with a bold move that could redefine hub performance. While most riders might overlook the intricacies of hub specifications, Chris King, a long-time sponsor of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, is proving that small tweaks can yield significant results. Their latest innovation? A game-changing update to their iconic hubs, now featuring Goldstone-approved internals that promise to shave off precious time on the track.
Here’s the scoop: Chris King’s hubs have long been celebrated for their 72-tooth RingDrive system, but the brand is now introducing a controversially coarser 36-tooth option. This isn’t just a minor adjustment—it’s a strategic move to reduce drag, allowing the hub to roll faster and smoother. But here’s where it gets controversial: while this change is a win for speed, it also increases the engagement deadband from 5° to 10°, which might not suit every rider’s style. Is this a trade-off worth making? That’s up for debate.
And this is the part most people miss: Chris King’s president, Kirby Bedsaul, hinted last summer that these updates were designed to squeeze out every last bit of rolling speed from the wheels. The Santa Cruz Syndicate team, always on the hunt for milliseconds, has already embraced the prototype 36T hub, with Jackson securing key race wins last season. Bedsaul notes, ‘The team believes in the concept and the data. They see this as a meaningful step toward their goal.’
The new Buzzworks 36T RingDrive isn’t just about speed—it’s also about reducing noise, a subtle yet impactful improvement for riders who value a quieter ride. Plus, Chris King is expanding its tuning options, giving enthusiasts the freedom to experiment and find their perfect setup. This move has only strengthened the brand’s cult following, built on a foundation of unmatched durability and user-friendly maintenance.
But here’s the real kicker: The 36T RingDrive is backward compatible with all Chris King hubs made since the 1990s, making it an accessible upgrade for long-time fans. At $150 USD, the RingDrive kit is a relatively affordable way to enhance performance. And for those eyeing the latest standards, Chris King is also reintroducing 6-bolt hubs in their SuperBoost spacing option, starting at $590 USD. This marks a return to a more common standard, alongside their Centerlock offerings, after previously phasing out 6-bolt hubs.
Is this the future of hub design, or a niche upgrade for the elite? Chris King’s move certainly sparks debate. Are you team 72T or 36T? Let us know in the comments! For more details on these innovations and pricing, visit Chris King’s website at https://chrisking.com/.
