If you are looking for a new set of wheels for your mountain bike, you might be wondering which hub is better: Onyx Vesper or Industry Nine Hydra.
Both hubs are high-end products that offer instant engagement, durability and performance. However, they also have some differences that might affect your preference.
Onyx Vesper
The Onyx Vesper is the latest version of the Onyx hub, which uses a sprag clutch mechanism instead of pawls. It has no moving parts and no noise, making it completely silent and smooth.
The Vesper is also lighter than the original Onyx hub, weighing around 360 grams for the rear hub and 150 grams for the front hub. It has 0° of engagement, which means that there is no lag or slack when you pedal. The hub also has very low drag and friction, making it efficient and fast.
The Vesper is compatible with most axle standards and drivetrains, and comes in various colors and finishes.
Onyx Vesper: Advantages
Some of the advantages of the Onyx Vesper are:
Silence: It makes no sound at all, which can be relaxing and enjoyable for some riders. It also eliminates the need for a bell or a horn when riding on crowded trails or roads.
Smoothness: It feels very smooth and responsive, with no clunking or skipping. It also reduces vibration and shock to the bike and the rider.
Instant engagement: It engages as soon as you pedal, giving you an edge on technical climbs and tight corners. It also prevents chain slap and ghost shifting.
Low maintenance: It requires very little maintenance, as it has no moving parts or springs that can wear out or break. It also has sealed bearings that keep out dirt and water.
Onyx Vesper: Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of the Onyx Vesper are:
Price: It is quite expensive, costing around $445 for the rear hub and $195 for the front hub. This might be out of budget for some riders who are looking for a more affordable option.
Availability: It is not very widely available, as it is made by a small company in Minnesota. You might have to order it online or wait for a long time to get it from your local bike shop.
Compatibility: It might not be compatible with some frames or forks that have tight clearance or specific spacing requirements. You might have to use adapters or spacers to make it fit properly.
Read Also: 35mm vs. 50mm Stem: Compared
Industry Nine Hydra
The Industry Nine Hydra is the successor of the Industry Nine Torch hub, which was already known for its fast engagement and loud sound. It uses a pawl mechanism with 6 pawls and 115 teeth, resulting in 690 points of engagement and 0.52° of engagement angle.
Industry Nine Hydra engages almost instantly, with very little lag or slack. It weighs around 366 grams for the rear hub and 136 grams for the front hub.
The Hydra is compatible with most axle standards and drivetrains, and comes in various colors and finishes.
Industry Nine Hydra: Advantages
Some of the advantages of the Industry Nine Hydra are:
Speed: It is very fast and responsive, with almost no delay or hesitation when you pedal. It also has low drag and friction, making it efficient and fast.
Durability: It is very durable and reliable, as it has a strong aluminum shell and steel axle. It also has oversized bearings that can withstand high loads and impacts.
Serviceability: It is easy to service at home, as you can remove the freehub body without any tools and access the pawls and springs. You can also adjust the sound level by applying different types of grease to the pawls.
Customization: It offers a lot of customization options, as you can choose from different colors, finishes, spoke types and rim options.
Industry Nine Hydra: Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of the Industry Nine Hydra are:
Noise: It makes a loud buzzing sound when coasting, which can be annoying or distracting for some riders. It can also alert other trail users or wildlife of your presence, which might not be desirable in some situations.
Price: It is also expensive, costing around $425 for the rear hub and $225 for the front hub. This might be out of budget for some riders who are looking for a more affordable option.
Weight: It is slightly heavier than the Onyx Vesper, adding some extra grams to your bike. This might not be noticeable for most riders, but it could matter for those who are weight-conscious.
Read Also: Crankbrothers M19 vs. M20: Compared
Conclusion
Both Onyx Vesper and Industry Nine Hydra are excellent hubs that offer instant engagement, durability and performance. However, they also have some differences that might affect your preference.
The main difference is the noise level, as the Onyx Vesper is completely silent and the Industry Nine Hydra is very loud. The other differences are the weight, the price, the availability, the compatibility, the serviceability and the customization options.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal taste and budget. You can’t go wrong with either hub, as they are both high-quality products that will enhance your riding experience.
