I know we’re in the era of freecoasters, but so many still requested to create a list of the best BMX cassette hubs.
I also ride a cassette (and don’t have any plans on switching to a BMX freecoaster hub).
This collection came about after involving 20 of my BMX buddies, sharing their reviews and collecting information from others.
I couldn’t recommend any of the below rear hubs MORE.
Even though I’m right now still riding the Animal Javelin hub, the others are equally epic.
I don’t care what you say, but the SOUND of a cassette is THE BEST.
Enjoy.
This post covers:
- Best BMX cassette hubs
- How to make your cassette hub last longer
- How to make your cassette hub louder
- FAQs about BMX cassette hubs
Note: You may also like my collection of the best BMX front hubs.
Best BMX Cassette Hubs
1. G-Sport Roloway Cassette Hub (Strongest!)
Whenever there’s a chance to mention the G-Sport Roloway hub (either front or rear) I need to say that it’s a hub that’s the most beautiful.
It’s a bit bulkier (but light!) with a clean design and female bolts.
G-Sport also went one step further and made it RHD and LHD compatible, keeping things simple.
Extra tough shell, driver and bearings will keep you shredding all the time.
(And the addition of the non-drive hub guard is also cool.)
Note: Here’s my G-Sport Roloway cassette hub review with all the ins and outs.
G-Sport Roloway hub specs:
- Weight: 15.3 oz (433.7 g)
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
2. Cinema VX3 Rear Cassette Hub
Even though the Cinema team is more about freecoasters, their cassette hub is equally amazing, strong and long-lasting.
It has a beautiful shell that uses 6061 aluminum with a 9t driver.
What’s unique about the VX3 hub is that it’s compatible both with RHD and LHD.
This hub allows you to test things out if you’re figuring out which side fits you better. (I run LHD because my regular grinds are on the right side.)
PLUS, you get CR and DR nylon hub guards!
Note: Don’t miss my extensive Cinema VX3 cassette hub review.
Cinema VX3 hub specs:
- Weight: 19.6 oz (555.7 g)
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
3. Alienation Illuminati Cassette (Cheapest)
The Alienation Illuminati cassette hub excels in both street and park BMX.
Its robust 14mm nickel chromoly axle intersects a 6061 aluminum shell and chromoly driver, all supported by sealed bearings.
Key features include options for both RHD & LHD, a 36H alu shell, and a 9T driver.
It boasts a 4-pawl system with leaf springs ensuring sharp engagement, a 24-tooth ratchet ring offering 15 degrees of engagement, and a protective plastic guard on the non-drive side.
What’s also essential to mention is that it’s one of the cheapest cassettes on the market.
Note: Read my in-depth Alienation Illuminati cassette hub review for more info.
Alienation Illuminati hub specs:
- Weight: 19.4 oz (549.9 g)
- Price: $139.99 (may vary)
4. Odyssey C5 Hub (Budget-Friendly)
Coming from the same family than G-Sport, Odyssey’s C5 is another exceptional cassette hub.
This one has a slim design (male bolts) that comes with the a hub guard compatible with other Odyssey and G-Sport hubs.
RHD and LHD switchable, 4130 chromoly axle, 9t driver and forged aluminum hub shell – that’s what’s up when it comes to C5.
Enjoy street, park and trail riding with absolute confidence!
Note: Don’t forget to check my extensive Odyssey C5 cassette hub review for more info, pros and cons.
Odyssey C5 hub specs:
- Weight: 16.6 oz (471.7 g)
- Price: $149.99 (may vary)
5. Colony Wasp Cassette Hub (Loudest, Best-Sounding)
The Colony Wasp cassette, with its sleek 6061-T6 aluminum shell adorned with etched Colony logos, merges style with performance.
It features a 14mm hollow chromoly axle, female axle bolts, and a chromoly driver supported by three sealed bearings.
Its standout 6 pawl system provides almost instantaneous power transfer and gives it a great sound.
Available in left or right-hand drive, it includes a non-drive side hub guard and comes in six vibrant colors.
I’ve spent months talking to my dudes globally and many reported that the Wasp rear hub is their FAV.
This is also one of the best sounding BMX hubs.
Colony Wasp hub specs:
- Weight: 16.5 oz (467.8 g)
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
6. Flybikes Magneto Cassette Hub (Magnetic!)
Fly’s Magneto cassette hub is a really cool option if you want a cassette that feels smooth and fast, without the usual spring setup.
Instead of springs, it uses a magnetic engagement system, in which two magnets push the ratchet ring into place for clean, straight engagement.
That even magnetic force helps reduce friction, so the hub can feel more consistent over time.
Fly also uses neodymium magnets, which keep their magnetic strength for basically the long haul.
The hub is built around a strong 7075-T6 aluminum shell with sunken spoke holes and uses a heat-treated CrMo 14mm male axle.
You also get heat-treated CrMo caps (instead of alloy) to keep things stiff and help prevent wobble as the hub ages.
One thing to note: it works best with 6mm+ thick dropouts, and the female version isn’t meant for drive-side peg use.
At about 16.7 oz (475g) and made in Europe, it’s a premium cassette hub that stands out for its unique feel and loud, distinct sound.
Note: for more ins and outs, check out my in-depth Flybikes Magneto cassette hub review.
Fly Magneto hub specs:
- Weight: 16.7 oz (475 g)
- Price: $319.99 (may vary)
How To Make Your Cassette Hub Last Longer
Maintaining a BMX cassette hub is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.
Here are several steps and tips you can follow to make your cassette last longer:
1. Regular Cleaning
Remove dirt & grime: Use a brush and a degreaser to clean the hub, freehub body, and cassette regularly, especially after riding in muddy or dusty conditions.
Clean the bearings (unsealed hub)*: If possible, disassemble the hub to clean and inspect the bearings. Remove any dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated.
* This isn’t necessary if you have a sealed cassette.
2. Proper Lubrication
Use quality lubricants: Apply high-quality grease to the bearings (unsealed) and a light oil to the pawls and springs in the freehub mechanism.
Lubricate regularly: Ensure all moving parts are well-lubricated, but avoid over-lubricating as this can attract more dirt.
3. Check For Wear & Tear
Inspect regularly: Regularly inspect the cassette, freehub body, and hub shell for signs of wear, damage, or any abnormalities.
Replace worn parts: If you notice any worn-out parts, replace them promptly to prevent further damage. But I usually replace the entire hub for safety.
4. Avoid Harsh Riding Conditions
Stay away from extreme conditions: Avoid riding in extreme wet or muddy conditions, as these can accelerate wear and damage to the hub.
Ride Smoothly: Try to land jumps and tricks smoothly to reduce the impact on the hub. Not only that, but your riding style will look more effortless once you learn to land smoother.
5. Proper Storage
Keep it dry: Store your bike in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion. If your bike does get wet, dry it off as soon as possible.
Further reading: How to store a BMX bike.
6. Upgrade If Necessary
Consider higher-quality hubs: If you find that you are frequently having issues with your cassette hub, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality hub.
7. Pay Attention To Noise
Listen for unusual sounds: Any strange noises coming from the hub could indicate a problem. Investigate and address any issues promptly.
By following these steps, you can significantly extend the life of your BMX cassette hub, ensuring that it performs optimally for as long as possible.
Remember that regular maintenance is key, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about any aspect of the hub’s care.
Don’t forget to check my complete BMX bike maintenance guide.
How To Make Your Cassette Hub Louder
To make your cassette or freewheel louder, open the hub and clean the mechanism to remove any grease that’s dampening the sound.
Some riders leave it completely dry for maximum noise, but this will cause faster wear and shorten the hub’s lifespan – so I do not recommend it.
For a safer approach, apply a very light coating of thin oil or mix a small amount of grease with something like WD-40.
This will keep parts protected while still letting the sound shine through.
But if you really want that loud cassette hub sound that will turn heads, go dry (but at your own risk).
FAQs About BMX Cassette Hubs
What is a BMX cassette hub?
A cassette hub is part of your BMX’s rear wheel. It allows you to pedal forward, but you can also roll backward by engaging the hub’s pawls into notches with springs. This means that you need to pedal when you do a fakie.
What is the difference between freecoaster and cassette hubs?
The main difference between a freecoaster and a cassette BMX hub is that the former allows you to do a fakie without the need to pedal backward. This technology started in BMX flatland but now spread into other styles, like street and park riding.
What is the loudest BMX cassette hub?
One of the loudest BMX cassette hubs on the market is the Profile Elite Rear hub. Remember that this hub is also handmade in the USA.
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Note: This article was originally published on June 1, 2022. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
