What are INDUSTRY NINE SOLiX Hubs that you're becoming more and more curious about?
Hello, this is Ikeda. There's a hub that I can't stop thinking about lately.
It's the INDUSTRY NINE SOLiX hub.
Industry Nine, manufactured in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, is a brand you should definitely check out when considering your next wheel upgrade. Not only are they durable and long-lasting, but they also offer a distinctive "zzz" ratchet sound and a lineup of 11 color options.
The recently released SOLiX series is from Industry Nine.
While they have offered hubs before, the road-standard hubs, in particular, have been completely revamped.
Beyond their cool appearance, the finish is so impressive it's exciting!
The SOLiX series has just been announced, so very few people actually have them installed, but Grumpy has just received two sets for the first time.
I've also placed an order and can't wait for them to arrive.
I'd like to tell you about the highly anticipated SOLiX hub, which is gradually gaining popularity at Grumpy.
Industry Nine hubs have always been popular for customization due to their durability and wide range of colors, but the newly announced SOLiX hubs have revised internal structures, resulting in lighter rotation and even lighter weight.
At its core, it's the latest version of the traditional ratchet mechanism used in bicycle hubs. Its simplicity and ease of maintenance are also appealing features.
Feature ① Flange structure
The flange is the part around the spoke holes. I was amazed by the craftsmanship that meticulously carved away unnecessary parts while retaining what was essential for extreme weight reduction.
Another key point is that SOLiX hubs are available in 28 and 24 spoke counts. They don't offer the conventional 32-spoke option common for touring or MTB, focusing only on lighter options with fewer spokes.
With the evolution of rims and hubs in recent years, the standard spoke count might be changing.
The wavy flange, also adopted by ENVE hubs, is a sign of an absolute commitment to weight reduction. The flange size also differs between the left and right sides of the hub, allowing for a balanced wheel build.
Above all, the unique appearance is really cool!
Feature ② Very high number of engagement points.
The number of engagement points refers to how many times the hub "clicks" for every full rotation of the wheel. It's that "click, click, click..." sound the rear wheel makes when you stop pedaling while riding your bike.
While most hubs have around 20-30 engagement points, the SOLiX hub boasts 605 engagement points.
A high number of engagement points allows for immediate power transfer when you start pedaling, enabling lossless pedaling. This is especially beneficial when climbing hills, riding off-road, or starting from a stop.
The ratchet sound is like this.
Since there is almost no play before pedaling, power is transferred immediately even at very low speeds or when starting on steep climbs, making it easier to maintain balance.
This is especially useful for gravel biking, mountain biking on trails, or in cities with many traffic lights and stop-and-go situations, so please keep it in mind.
Feature ③ Rich color lineup.
Industry Nine hubs are available in 11 different color options.
They are easy to match with other brands and allow for customization to match the color of your frame or other parts.
Feature ④ Numerous optional choices.
You can change the hub specifications to suit your current bicycle.
For example, you can convert the hub from a thru-axle to a QR specification, or match the free body to Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo depending on your cassette.
Feature ⑤ Headsets and stems are also available in matching colors.
Industry Nine also produces stems and headsets in the same colors as their hubs, with 11 color options to choose from.
Many of the stems are shorter, which is highly recommended for MTB and gravel road bikes, or for urban riders who want to shorten their reach.
Since anodized colors can vary slightly between manufacturers, if you want to match colors as closely as possible, be sure to check these out.
Industry Nine is gradually gaining popularity at Grumpy.
The prices for each item are as follows:
SOLiX hub set (front and rear) from 115,000 yen (tax included).
Stems from 24,000 yen (tax included).
Headsets from 24,800 yen (tax included).
Please note that prices may vary slightly depending on the color and option chosen.
Finally, I found a video that clearly shows how Industry Nine parts are made, so I'd like to share it with you.