Bike Component Reviews

I9 is best known for wheels using straight-pull spokes, but the company also offers these hubs for J-bend spokes. The three-degree freehub engagement is the quickest on the market and instantly delivers power to the rear wheel, a benefit when crawling in the granny gear or maneuvering over dicey obstacles. Once the bearings break in, they roll smoothly behind effective seals. Though relatively heavy at 547 grams per pair, the I9 hubs can be converted to match most axle formats, front and rear.