Most questions we receive are about compatibility. Fair share of these questions is about standards that Trailmech hubs support. But there are many, which are about general understanding of certain technicalities. It is not because there is lack of information. Indeed, there are many sources of information around. But for certain relevant for hubs details, it may take extra steps to condense what is essential. In this guide we uncover specifics of various standards and related compatibility questions.
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Table of Contents
1. non-Boost to Boost
2. What is Boost QR
3. Torque Caps inside-out
4. 110×20 vs 110×20 Boost
5. Shimano HG MTB and HG Road freehub compatibility
6. Super Boost Plus, SB+ or Trail 157
7. Road Boost explained
1. How to convert non-Boost to Boost
Classic 142/135 mm MTB hubs are gradually becoming extinct. Compatible frames gave their way to the ubiquitous Boost. Much in the same way as 100 mm width suspension forks transitioned to 110 mm. Yet, question on how to convert from legacy, non-Boost, to Boost persists. For many, the simple answer: “No, you cannot”, is not enough. Why there is no transition between the two standards? Evolution of classic, non-Boost, to Boost explained.
2. What is Boost 141 or Boost QR?
Frankly, Boost QR is the standard that won’t be missed one day. It entered the market after its predecessor Boost 148, or simply Boost not so long ago. Announced then by several major bicycle manufacturers. Why a single type of Boost was not enough is beyond our knowledge. But how the two versions of Boost stack up against each, is not. Continue to what Boost QR or Boost 141 is about.
3. Do Torque Caps make a difference?
Stiffer bond between your RockShox fork and a hub or is it just a tantalizing offer? Torque Caps are an appealing hub upgrade for many RockShox fans. Attaching the wheel to the fork is easier with Torque Caps vs regular ones. Then, the regular caps leave the void space on fork’s lowers. It does not look right, suggesting a different set of end caps. But are these concerns really matter? Torque Caps: what is it and what isn’t.
4. DH Spacing: 110×20 vs 110×20 Boost
Classic, 20 mm thru axle forks, once a mainstream for the Downhill bikes, are rare now. Though, they are not extinct. Predominantly, hubs specification is staged as Over Locknut Dimensions (OLD) and attachment axle’s diameter. But for 110×20 mm there are two incompatible hubs sharing this spec. The difference is Boost designation. How exactly these two hub types compare – Downhill 110×20 vs 110×20 Boost?
5. Shimano HG MTB and HG Road freehub compatibility
Freehubs: Shimano HG MTB and HG Road freehub – are these interchangeable? Or saying otherwise: is it possible to swap HG freehub to its different version? And what about compatibility between SRAM XD and XDR versus their Shimano counterparts? The choice of available drive trains is wide-ranging. What do you need to know to avoid annoying incompatibility between cassettes and hub/freehub? The question remains relevant whether it is about the legacy 10, still popular 11 or the modern 12 speed.
6. Super Boost Plus, SB+ or Trail 157
As if Boost was not enough the industry brought us Super Boost Plus. It is also known as Trail 157. Super Boost Plus shares the same OLD as a good old Downhill 157, but brings something entirely new as well. What Super Boost Plus hub is and how it compares to the other hubs in our lineup? Foremost – Enduro Boost and Downhill. Whether there is a conversion path between these models, and when it makes sense to convert.
7. Road Boost explained
New developments bring us better components, most of the time at least. With some, and this is what Road Boost exemplifies – an average version of what we already knew for years. Relatively new and controversial as the infamous Boost QR or Boost 141. The matter of fact is the list keeps on growing – Boost, Boost QR, Super Boost Plus and now Road Boost. Is the Road Boost worth it? How Road Boost is different from Boost? What it has in common with Boost? Are they all compatible? What are the implications for wheels, hubs and drivetrain component?