Hub Service

Hub servicing is one of our core specialties at Pedal Passion. We genuinely enjoy working on high‑end hubs, and we take pride in treating every one of them with the care and precision they deserve. We service nearly all major hub brands, including Carbon TI, Chris King, DT Swiss, Enve, Extralite, Onyx, Tactic, USB (Fulcrum), White Industries, Zipp, and many others.

To achieve a truly high‑quality hub service requires far more than just the right tools. It demands deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and most importantly – passion. That’s why our workshop is equipped with an extensive range of purpose‑built, precision tools designed specifically for hub work.

Back in the days hub servicing was done with just three basic tools: a mallet, a punch, and a blind puller. Those days are long gone. Thanks to modern tool innovation, we can now perform almost all bearing pulling and pressing with total control and accuracy—no hammer swings required at all. This approach protects the tight tolerances and structural integrity of your hub and bearing, ensuring it performs exactly as it should.

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Bearing Selection

We only use high-quality bearings because a good bearing doesn’t only feel smooth—it also reduces long-term maintenance costs. We primarily use Enduro, SKF and Jtekt for bearings replacements. If you’re unsure which bearing grade or type best suits your setup, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to guide you toward the ideal choice for your wheels and riding style.

Grease Selection

We stock over a dozen types of grease specifically for bearing servicing. The right grease can dramatically extend bearing life and optimise performance, but choosing it depends on several factors — including bearing quality, material, riding conditions, and maintenance frequency etc.

FAQ’s

What Riders
Ask

Selecting the appropriate grease for is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and longevity, particularly in Australia's hot summer conditions where temperatures can regularly exceed 35°C.

The right grease choice significantly affects bearing smoothness, durability, and maintenance intervals, making this an important decision for serious cyclists. Various brands recommend different greases, let's use DT Swiss as an example.

DT Swiss hubs typically use two distinct grease applications: bearing grease for the main hub bearings and a specific grease for the ratchet mechanism (the star ratchet system that DT Swiss is famous for). These two applications may require different grease types depending on your riding conditions and climate.

For hub bearings in hot Australian conditions, you need a grease with several key characteristics:

High temperature stability (won't break down or become runny in heat)
Good water resistance (for occasional wet weather riding)
Appropriate viscosity (thick enough to stay in place, thin enough for low friction)
Long-lasting lubrication properties
Compatibility with DT Swiss bearing materials

DT Swiss typically recommends their own DT Swiss Special Grease, which is formulated specifically for their hubs and performs well across a wide temperature range. However, for Australian heat, many riders and mechanics prefer alternatives with better high-temperature performance. Marine greases (like those used in boating applications) often excel in hot conditions and provide excellent water resistance, though they can be slightly thicker than optimal for maximum efficiency.

Several quality options for Australian-specific conditions include:

DT Swiss Special Grease: Good all-around performer, readily available
Finish Line Premium Grease: Excellent high-temperature stability, good water resistance
Park Tool Polylube 1000: Versatile, performs well across temperature ranges
Marine-grade greases (like those from Bel-Ray or Maxima): Superior in heat and wet conditions

For the DT Swiss star ratchet mechanism, the requirements differ slightly. The ratchet needs a grease that lubricates the engagement teeth without becoming so thick that it slows engagement or causes drag. DT Swiss provides specific ratchet grease that's optimized for this application. Using the correct ratchet grease is important—using bearing grease here can cause sluggish engagement or premature ratchet wear.

Climate considerations are crucial. If you're in northern Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory) where temperatures consistently stay high, prioritise high-temperature stability. In southern Australia (Victoria, Tasmania) where conditions are milder, you have more flexibility and can prioritise low-friction properties. Coastal riders should prioritise water resistance in addition to temperature performance.

Riding style also influences grease selection. High-mileage riders or those who put out sustained high power (racing, serious training) generate significant hub heat through friction and may benefit from greases with superior temperature stability. Casual riders or those with lower power outputs can use lighter greases that prioritise low friction.

Application technique matters as much as grease selection. When servicing DT Swiss hubs, clean all old grease thoroughly before applying fresh grease. Apply grease liberally but not excessively—you want complete coverage without creating drag. For the ratchet mechanism, apply a thin, even layer to the engagement teeth. Too much grease in the ratchet can cause it to slip or engage slowly.

Maintenance intervals depend on grease quality and conditions. With quality grease appropriate for your climate, DT Swiss hubs typically need servicing every 2,000-4,000 kilometres in normal conditions. In harsh conditions (coastal, dusty, or extreme heat), more frequent service every 1,500-2,500km may be necessary. Riders who notice decreased smoothness or increased resistance should service sooner rather than later.

What are the specific maintenance requirements for Enve hubs compared to other premium brands?

Enve hubs represent a distinctive approach to high-performance hub design, and their maintenance requirements differ from other premium hub brands in several important ways. Understanding these differences helps Enve owners provide appropriate care and maintain optimal performance from their investment.

Enve has historically partnered with various hub manufacturers for their wheelsets, but their current generation hubs are designed in-house with specific engineering priorities. These priorities influence maintenance requirements and differentiate Enve hubs from competitors like Chris King, DT Swiss, and Industry Nine.

The most notable difference is Enve's focus on lightweight design and minimal maintenance. Enve hubs use cartridge bearings that are designed to be replaced rather than serviced in situ. This contrasts with some premium hubs (like Chris King) that feature serviceable bearing systems where the bearings can be cleaned and repacked multiple times. Enve's approach simplifies maintenance—when bearings wear, you replace them rather than attempting to service them.

Bearing life in Enve hubs is generally good but varies significantly by conditions. In clean, dry conditions, Enve hub bearings often last 3,000-5,000km. In harsh conditions—coastal salt air, frequent wet riding, or dusty environments—bearing life may be reduced to 1,500-2,500km. Riders in these challenging conditions should inspect bearings more frequently and be prepared for earlier replacement.

Enve's freehub engagement mechanism is another distinctive feature. Unlike Chris King's RingDrive or Industry Nine's pawl system, Enve typically uses a more traditional pawl-style freehub. This design is reliable and relatively quiet but requires different maintenance considerations. The pawls and springs should be periodically inspected for wear and proper lubrication.

Grease selection for Enve hubs differs from some other brands. While Enve provides specific recommendations, many mechanics find that quality bearing grease from reputable manufacturers (like Finish Line, Park Tool, or Chris King) works well. Unlike Chris King hubs where using the proprietary grease is strongly recommended, Enve hubs offer more flexibility in grease selection, though staying within Enve's specifications is still advisable.

Water resistance is a particular strength of Enve's hub design. The bearing seals are quite effective at excluding moisture, and the hub design minimizes water ingress points. This makes Enve hubs particularly suitable for Australian coastal riders or those who frequently ride in wet conditions. However, this water resistance isn't perfect—water can still work past seals under pressure, so regular inspection remains important.

The disassembly and reassembly process for Enve hubs is generally more straightforward than some competitors. Enve provides excellent documentation for service procedures, and the hub design doesn't require specialised proprietary tools beyond standard bearing removal tools.

Maintenance intervals for Enve hubs should be based on bearing condition rather than arbitrary mileage or time periods. Signs that bearings need attention include decreased smoothness, roughness when spinning, increased resistance, or audible noise during rotation. Visual inspection of seals can also reveal contamination—rust or debris around seals indicates water or dust intrusion.

For Australian conditions, several specific considerations apply:

Coastal riders: Increase inspection frequency due to salt air corrosion risk. Consider more frequent bearing replacement.
Dusty environments: Pay particular attention to seal condition. Dust can work past seals and accelerate bearing wear.
Hot conditions: Ensure grease is appropriate for high temperatures. Standard bearing greases generally perform well, but extremely hot regions may benefit from high-temperature formulations.
Wet riders: The good water resistance of Enve hubs is beneficial, but regular riding in wet conditions still requires increased inspection frequency.

The cost of Enve hub maintenance is generally reasonable compared to the hub's value.

For riders who want to minimise maintenance, Enve hubs offer a compelling balance of performance and practicality. The cartridge bearing design means less frequent service intervals than some competitors, and the simplified maintenance procedures make DIY service more approachable. Regular attention to bearing condition and timely replacement when needed will ensure years of reliable performance.