Bold claim: Even small tweaks to hub internals can shave precious milliseconds off your ride, and Chris King just gave the wheel world a new way to chase speed without sacrificing reliability.
Chris King Precision Components has long been a sponsor of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, and while the hub spec on a World Cup downhill-winning bike might not seem glamorous to casual riders, these updates demonstrate real, measurable gains from thoughtful internals. The brand’s proven hub platform just gained two notable enhancements that matter for performance-minded riders.
Traditionally, Chris King hubs used a 72-tooth RingDrive setup. The company is now introducing a coarser 36-tooth option. This change reduces drag and lets the hub roll more freely, contributing to a smoother, faster spin. I recall a conversation with Chris King’s president, Kirby Bedsaul, last summer, where he hinted at ongoing work to extract a bit more rolling speed from the wheels. The Syndicate team has embraced the idea, backing it with data. In their world, where every millisecond counts, these refinements are meaningful steps toward that goal. Jackson’s wins last season came on the prototype 36T hub, which noticeably reduced hub drag and noise.
The new Buzzworks 36T RingDrive is ready for riders who want a tunable experience. Replacing the engagement deadband from 5° to 10° won’t suit every rider or every course, but it opens a path for enthusiasts who enjoy dialing in their feel. Portland-based King’s RingDrive offers a compelling blend of tuning flexibility, durability, and serviceability that has earned its devoted following.
Backwards compatibility remains a strong point: the 36T RingDrive is compatible with all prior ISO, Classic, and Boost Chris King hubs dating back to the 1990s. RingDrive kits are priced at $150 USD and can be purchased directly from Chris King or through authorized retailers.
In addition to the updated internals, Chris King is reintroducing 6-bolt hubs in their SuperBoost spacing option, aligning with the more common standard in their complete Mountain Hub lineup alongside Centerlock options. After removing 6-bolt hubs for a period, King has resumed offering them to meet demand. The SuperBoost 6-bolt rear hubs start at $590 USD.
If you’d like to explore all available options and current pricing, you can visit Chris King’s website at chrisking.com.
And this is the part many readers may debate: do these internal refinements justify the cost, or are they niche gains that only matter at the very highest levels of racing? Share your take in the comments: would you invest in a 36T RingDrive and SuperBoost 6-bolt setup for everyday riding, or is this a race-focused upgrade for a specific use case?"}
