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13 Best BMX Rear Hubs (In 2024)

bmx rear hubs

Welcome to my collection of the best BMX rear hubs that you can use for any riding style.

Some of these I tested personally and some I asked my friends to provide their feedback and why they’d recommend it to another rider.

Here are now the ultimate freecoaster and cassette hubs that’ll keep you rolling smoothly.

For a VERY long time!

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As always, if you have any questions and need help with picking the right hub, just shoot me a message.

Note: You may also be interested in my review of the best BMX front hubs.

Best BMX Freecoaster Hubs

1. Odyssey Clutch V2 Hub

odyssey clutch hub
The Odyssey Clutch rear hub is an extremely popular amongst street riders. I’ve talked with many dudes and all said they enjoy all its perks.

The external slack adjustment is a very handy feature that requires a 2.5m hex key to fit it according to your needs. (There’s no need to remove the wheel to adjust it.)

Another cool thing about the Clutch hub is the female axle instead of the male.

Plus, Odyssey also treats you with a non-drive side hub guard, including in the package.

I really like seeing that every new Clutch version comes with cool new features, making riding more enjoyable.

Clutch specs:

  • Weight: 22.5oz
  • Price: $179.99 (may vary)
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2. Cinema FX2 Hub

cinema fx2 hub
Many of the biggest pros run the Cinema FX2 hub, which tells more than enough. Yes, it works!

First, FX2 has a dual threaded clutch, which allows you to quickly change the drive side, so if you change your mind – NO problem!

Second, you get this BMX rear hub with drive and non-drive side nylon hubs.

It also comes in a bunch of cool color options (but you need to act fast because they sell out quickly).

FX2 specs:

  • Weight: 25.3oz
  • Price: $199.99 (may vary)
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3. Colony Swarm Freecoaster

colony bmx swarm planetary freecoaster hub

The Colony Swarm Freecoaster hub marks a revolutionary step in BMX technology, skillfully blending the characteristics of cassette and freecoaster hubs. Its cutting-edge design incorporates a planetary-style mechanism and the exclusive Free Night’s technology.

This hub provides a smooth and responsive cassette-like feel when pedaling forward, transitioning effortlessly to a fluid freecoaster mode during backward motion, all thanks to its innovative planetary clutch system.

This design effectively reduces axial forces, allowing the use of standard-sized bearings and achieving a lighter hub, similar to a cassette hub.

Colony has further augmented its appeal by equipping it with sturdy nylon hub guards on both sides, offering added protection and longevity.

The Swarm freecoaster hub features a seamless engagement system and a strong 14mm chromoly axle, positioning it as a prime choice.

Note: Preferred by Alex Hiam.

Swarm specs:

  • Weight: 18.06oz
  • Price: $229.99 (may vary)
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4. BSD Revolution Hub

bsd revolution hub
If you like a cassette but thinking of switching to a freecoaster than I cannot recommend BSD’s Revolution hub more.

It’s light and has a similar pedal gap to a cassette but with all the features of a freecoaster that you need.

Also, their unique planetary clutch system removes all the traditional freecoaster clutch inconveniences.

Note: Yup, this one is pricier than the rest but it’s so worth every $.

(It’s actually the only BMX rear hub that keeps me thinking about making the switch.)

Revolution specs:

  • Weight: 16.5oz
  • Price: $249.99 (may vary)
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5. Eclat Cortex Freecoaster

eclat cortex hub
Eclat team riders all wanted a simple, strong and reliable freecoaster and after a lot of testing and trying released the Cortex freecoaster.

It’s available in RHD and LHD, comes with adjustable slack and a plastic (Viper) hub guard.

What’s unique about the Cortex hub is the relatively large slack, which is done on purpose (but you can configure it).

Cortex specs:

  • Weight: 27.25oz
  • Price: $201.99 (may vary)
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6. Primo Freemix Freecoaster

primo freemix freecoaster
Primo’s Freemix freecoaster hub is bold, strong and long-lasting. It features KHE internals and internal bearing to reduce drag.

It also includes plastic hub guards for both sides and extra washers for slack adjustment (small, medium and large options).

Note: Guys at Source BMX can pre-set the slack for you!

I actually highly recommend asking Source to do it for you because Primo’s Freemix isn’t the most user-friendly.

But the hub balances things out with its strength, capable of handling all sorts of abuse you’d like to put it through.

Freemix specs:

  • Weight: 25oz
  • Price: $222.95 (may vary)
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7. Cult Crew Freecoaster

cult crew freecoaster
The Cult Crew freecoaster is pretty traditional, also featuring the KHE internals like Primo.

However, what’s important to know is that many of the Cult riders prefer it over other freecoaster – probably because of it’s simplicity.

Unfortunately, slack adjustment is also possible by removing the wheel (with washers).

Cult Crew Freecoaster specs:

  • Weight: 26.1oz
  • Price: $179.99 (may vary)
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8. Fiend Cab V2 Freecoaster

fiend cab freecoaster hub
If it holds Colin Varanyak then I’m 100% certain it’ll hold you, too.

What I like about the Fiend Cab V2 freecoaster hub is its minimalist look (the black-on-black makes the hub EPIC!).

By getting this one you also benefit from drive and non-drive side nylon hubs.

You’ll also notice that Fiend’s freecoaster is on the light side, making it more cassette-like.

Cab V2 specs:

  • Weight: 20.75oz
  • Price: $179.99 (may vary)
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Best BMX Cassette Hubs

9. G-Sport Roloway Cassette

gsport roloway rear hub
Still, out of all the cassette and freecoaster hubs released, the G-Sport Roloway is my best looking one.

Sadly, I have never tried it, but asked many of the riders who have and everyone’s pleased with how well it performs. Not just that, but some ride it for years without a single issue!

Just by holding the hub in your hands, you know that it’s tough. And the female axle system makes everything even better!

Roloway cassette is an all-around rear hub preferred by street, park and trail riders.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Roloway specs:

  • Weight: 15.3oz
  • Price: $209.99 (may vary)
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10. Cinema VX3 Rear Hub

cinema vx3 cassette

The Cinema VX3 cassette hub is a true masterpiece in durability and versatility.

It boasts a robust floating axle system and a 14mm heat-treated chromoly male hollow axle, promising exceptional resilience.

Its standout feature is the innovative SDS (Switch Drive System) driver, allowing for a hassle-free switch between left and right-side drive, no extra parts needed.

The hub’s 9-tooth driver houses ceramic bushings for smooth, bearing-blowout-free performance.

VX3 hub, encased in a 6061-T6 aluminum shell, also comes with protective nylon CR and DR hub guards, ensuring your hub stays safe during those daring grinds.

VX3 specs:

  • Weight: 19.6oz
  • Price: $189.99 (may vary)
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11. Alienation Illuminati Cassette

alienation illuminati cassette hub

The Alienation Illuminati cassette hub is a versatile gem, ideal for both street and park BMX riding.

It’s built to last, with a sturdy 14mm nickel chromoly axle, nestled within a durable 6061 aluminum shell.

This hub features a chromoly driver with sealed bearings for smooth operation. Key features include availability in both right and left-hand drive, a 36-hole design, and a 9T chromoly driver.

Its 4-pawl system with individual leaf springs ensures precise engagement, complemented by a 24-tooth ratchet ring providing 15 degrees of engagement.

The Illuminati hub is a reliable, affordable and high-performing choice for serious riders.

Illuminati specs:

  • Weight: 19.4oz
  • Price: $139.99 (may vary)
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12. Odyssey C5 Hub

odyssey c5 cassette hub

The Odyssey C5 cassette is a marvel of BMX engineering, offering both reliability and flexibility.

It features a 9-tooth driver supported by three precision sealed cartridge bearings, ensuring a smooth and enduring ride.

Crafted with a 14mm chromoly male axle, this hub is compatible with both right and left-hand drive setups. Its design includes a replaceable plastic hub guard, adding to its durability.

The hub is encased in a 36-hole, 6061 T-6 aluminum shell, and utilizes a 4130 chromoly hollow axle with 6mm hex broaching.

The 9T driver boasts a 3-Pawl independent spring design for efficient power transfer.

Enjoy street, park and trail riding with absolute confidence!

C5 specs:

  • Weight: /oz
  • Price: $149.99 (may vary)
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13. Colony Wasp Cassette Hub

colony wasp cassette hub

The Colony BMX Wasp cassette hub is a fusion of style and performance for the modern rider.

Its lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum hub shell houses precision sealed bearings for a smooth ride.

The Wasp hub features a 14mm hollow chromoly center axle and female axle bolts. Its standout component is the 1-piece chromoly driver, equipped with 3 sealed bearings and a 6 pawl engagement system.

Each pawl has 3 teeth, offering near-instant power transfer for a responsive ride – plus, an epic sound. Available in both RHD and LHD drives, it also includes a non-drive side hub guard.

The Wasp hub isn’t just a hub; it’s a statement of your BMX identity.

This is also one of the best sounding hubs.

Wasp specs:

  • Weight: 16.5oz
  • Price: $165.99 (may vary)
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How To Make Your BMX Rear Hub Last Longer

Taking care of your BMX rear hub can prolong its life and maintain optimal performance.

Here are several tips to help your rear hub last longer that I know work after riding BMX for 20+ years:

1. Regular Cleaning

Remove dirt, sand, and other debris that can get inside the hub and cause wear.

Use a gentle brush or cloth and soapy water. Ensure to dry it thoroughly after cleaning.

You may also be interested in my complete guide on BMX bike maintenance.

2. Lubricate Regularly

Use a good quality bike grease or specific hub lubricant. Avoid using too much; a light coat is often enough.

One mistake I kept making in the past was using too much grease. Trust me, your hub really only need light coating.

Re-lubricate after riding in wet conditions or if you hear any grinding noises.

3. Check Spoke Tension

Loose spokes can put uneven stress on the hub shell (rim, too) and potentially cause damage.

Make sure they’re evenly tensioned and replace any broken or damaged spokes/nipples as soon as possible.

4. Avoid Water & Mud

Try not to submerge the hub or ride through deep puddles. If you do get it wet, take time to dry it out and re-lubricate if needed.

I always wipe it with a dry cloth when I get home in case of riding in the rain or accidentally end up in a puddle.

5. Regular Inspection

Check for any play in the hub bearings. If there’s movement, it might be time to adjust or replace them.

Listen for any unusual noises or grinding sounds.

6. Replace Worn Parts

If parts of the hub, like the pawls or bearings, start to wear out, replace them. This can be cheaper than replacing the entire hub and can prolong the life of your hub.

7. Adjust Hub Properly

Ensure that the cones and locknuts are adjusted correctly. They should not be too tight or too loose.

Having the proper adjustment will ensure smooth rotation without excessive play.

8. Store Indoors

When not in use, try to store your BMX indoors or in a dry area to avoid moisture and corrosion.

9. Avoid Harsh Impacts

While BMX riding often involves tricks and jumps, try to land smoothly and avoid particularly harsh impacts, which can strain the hub.

And most importantly, don’t throw your bike!

By following these guidelines and conducting regular maintenance, you can ensure the longevity of your rear hub. Remember, maintaining a hub is always cheaper and more efficient than replacing it entirely.

FAQs About BMX Rear Hubs

What is a BMX cassette hub?

A cassette hub is a more traditional hub that modern BMX bikes use. It has a clutch mounted to the body, locking when you’re pedaling and going in the “free” mode when you’re not.

The only downside is that you need to learn how to pedal when going into fakie, whereas with a freecoaster hub, you don’t have to.

What is a BMX freecoaster hub?

A freecoaster hub is an incredible invention that started in the BMX flatland world, allowing you to go backward without pedaling (like you need to with a cassette hub).

Note: If you’re coming from a cassette, you’ll need to get used to it because it feels a little weird in the first place. But it can unlock so much more options trick-wise.

Which is better, cassette or freecoaster hub?

None is better than the other. These are just two entirely different BMX rear hub types that riders use depending on their riding type.

A freecoaster hub is excellent for technical street and park riding. Also flatland, of course!

But cassette is for everything else. Still, many riders prefer a cassette and do a lot of technical stuff, like Courage Adams.

How do I maintain my BMX rear hub?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the hub, checking for loose or damaged parts, and lubricating the bearings and moving parts. For cassette hubs, periodically disassemble and clean the driver and springs. For freecoasters, it’s important to maintain the clutch mechanism.

Can I switch from a cassette hub to a freecoaster hub on my BMX bike?

Yes, you can switch from a cassette to a freecoaster hub. You may need to adjust the chain length or wheel spacing. Be aware that this switch will change your riding experience, as freecoaster hubs behave differently during backward motion.

What should I consider when buying a new BMX rear hub?

Consider the type of riding you do (street, park, dirt, etc.), as this affects the hub choice (cassette or freecoaster). Look at hub material and construction for durability, hub shell design for spoke compatibility, axle size for frame and peg compatibility, and the number of engagement points for performance preferences. Also, consider if you need a specific drive side (right or left) based on your riding style.

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About Author

Rok has been riding BMX for 20+ years, and when he's not having a session, he binges on videos, new product drops and works on creating the best content (sharing tips, tricks & more to make riding bikes easier for you) for The BMX Dude.