If you’re building a solid rear wheel on a budget but still want something that performs like a pro-level part, the Odyssey C5 cassette hub might be your best bet.
This hub is packed with features you’d usually expect on higher-end models.
You get a 9T driver, sealed cartridge bearings, chromoly hollow axle, and non-drive-side plastic hub guard – yet it comes at a price that won’t blow your bike budget.
It’s also right-hand (RHD) and left-hand drive (LHD) compatible (this is so handy!), so you’ve got flexibility depending on your setup.
Odyssey C5 Cassette Hub Review
1. C5 Cassette Hub Key Features
The C5 BMX cassette hub is a solid example of how Odyssey manages to combine smart design with affordability.
Whether you’re building your first bike or refreshing your current one, this hub offers everything you need without any fluff.
It’s designed to take real-world abuse while delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from higher-end models.
Yes, really!
- 36H, 6061 T-6 aluminum hub shell for lightweight durability
- 14mm chromoly hollow axle with 6mm hex broaching
- 9T driver with 3-pawl independent spring design for fast engagement
- Three 6802 sealed cartridge bearings in the driver
- Two 6903 sealed cartridge hub shell bearings
- Right and left-hand drive switchable
- Replaceable plastic hub guard included
- Weight: 16.6 oz (471.7 g)
- Price: $149.99
2. C5 Cassette Hub Specs That Matter
This section breaks down the numbers that actually impact how the hub performs in the real world.
From axle size to flange spacing, these measurements affect everything from how your wheel builds up to how it handles under pressure.
- Spoke Count: 36H
- Axle Size: 14mm
- Tooth Count: 9T
- Drive-side flange diameter: 49mm
- Non-drive flange diameter: 49mm
- Drive-side flange to center: 27mm
- Non-drive flange to center: 30mm
But honestly, I never really bothered much about these specs. For as long as I had the right spoke length – well, that’s all that mattered to me.
3. Real-World Performance
For a mid-priced hub, the C5 performs WAY above expectations.
Engagement is snappy and smooth thanks to the 3-pawl setup, and the sealed bearings keep things spinning clean – even after plenty of hard landings or crusty street sessions.
It’s not quite as refined as Odyssey’s top-tier Antigram V2, but if you’re not pushing your bike to absolute destruction every day, the C5 holds up impressively well.
And that built-in compatibility with hub guards is a major bonus.
You won’t need to worry about protecting your spokes from grinds – it’s ready for that straight out of the box.
Well, not fully – if you run all four pegs, you still need to get the drive-side hub guard.
GET YOUR ODYSSEY C5 CASSETTE HUB NOW4. Real Rider Feedback
- Mason T.: “Honestly wasn’t expecting much for the price, but this hub surprised me. It’s been taking abuse for months and still feels brand new.”
- Dylan J.: “Engagement is quick and it rolls smooth. The fact that it comes with a guard at this price is a steal.”
- Sasha K.: “I’ve run this on both RHD and LHD setups – it’s easy to switch. Perfect for learning and progressing.”
- Troy M.: “Built a street wheel with the C5 and it’s holding up great. Solid clicks and dependable. Would recommend it to anyone on a budget.”
- Javier L.: “Hub guard was a huge selling point for me. Great value, and I haven’t had a single issue since I laced it up.”
5. Bonus Tip
Don’t want to lace a fresh wheel from scratch?
Odyssey also offers the C5 cassette hub laced up in their complete Quadrant cassette wheel.
This allows everyone to get a solid rear wheel setup easily without the hassle of building it from scratch.
6. Maintenance & Replacement Parts Availability
Another huge plus with the Odyssey C5 Cassette Hub is how easy it is to maintain or refresh.
Odyssey offers a full line of replacement parts, so you don’t need to swap the entire hub when something wears out.
Available spare parts include:
- Hub Guards (available in both plastic and alloy versions)
- Drive Side Collar
- Non-Drive Side Collar
- 6802 Sealed Bearings
- 14mm Chromoly Axle
- 9T RHD/LHD Switchable Driver
This makes it easy to keep your hub rolling smooth for the long haul, without the stress of finding obscure or overpriced replacements.
GET YOUR ODYSSEY C5 CASSETTE HUB NOW7. Potential Downsides
- Limited color options: The C5 is currently only available in black, which might not suit every rider’s bike build or personal style. While black is clean and classic, it’d be awesome to see some color variety for those who want to match their setup or stand out more.
- Not as smooth or refined as premium hubs: The C5 delivers great value, but it won’t have the ultra-refined feel or long-term precision of high-end models like the Antigram V2. That’s a trade-off some advanced riders might notice during intense sessions.
Conclusion: Should You Get The Odyssey C5 Cassette Hub?
If you want a dialed, dependable BMX rear hub that won’t wreck your budget, the Odyssey C5 cassette hub is a seriously smart choice.
It brings together the key things riders actually care about: smooth performance, tough construction, and a setup that’s ready for street, park and trails right out of the box.
You’re getting reliable sealed bearings and fast engagement – all in a package that feels way more premium than its price tag suggests.
Add in the right/left-hand drive compatibility and built-in hub guard, and it becomes even more obvious that this hub punches way above its weight.
Bravo, Odyssey!
If you want gear you can trust without spending top dollar, don’t overthink it.
The C5 delivers big performance for a fair price, making it perfect for street/park/trail riders, budget-focused builders, or anyone looking for a reliable upgrade without compromise.
Get it, shred it, and thank yourself later.
GET YOUR ODYSSEY C5 CASSETTE HUB NOWNote: You can also get a matching Odyssey C5 front hub.
