Hope release SRAM XX1 freehub and show us how their hubs are made

We like SRAM XX1 a lot but it’s got one big drawback, and it’s one that future 11-speed drivetrains are likely to share – the extra-wide cassette needs a special freehub body. That means wheel choice is currently extremely limited. If you don’t fancy SRAM’s own wheels, don’t worry – plenty of companies are working on aftermarket options. Hope Technology‘s is one of the first to hit the shops.

The good news is that Hope’s XX1-compatible freehub body isn’t just available with new hubs and wheelsets from the company – it’s also retro-fittable to older Hope Pro2 Evo and Pro3 hubs. Now that’s what we like to see – a bit of future-proofing! Check out some pictures below, along with a new video showing the aluminium alchemy that goes into creating a Hope hub.

Source: Hope Technology – Masters of the hubs from Hope Technology

The new XX1 freehub body fits Hope Pro3 and Pro2 Evo hubs - in this case the straight-pull SP version

Inside the XX1 cassette is an internal sleeve called the ‘Lock Tube’

This tightens onto the threaded freehub body, doing away with the need for the traditional splines

There’s no lock ring to worry about - instead the cassette tool slots straight into the end of the cassette

SRAM say this setup eliminates the gouging that can occur with splined freehubs

So, what's the advantage of Hope's hub over SRAM's? Well, it certainly looks prettier!