Chris King Introduces Generation 4 Hub System
PRESS RELEASE: Chris King
Chris King Precision Components has announced a switchover to a new hub system, referred to internally as Gen 4. The new hub system's main changes are universalized drivers and axles. This is not a performance-based evolution. King’s signature bearings and RingDrive system remain the same, but Gen 4 makes service and upgrades easier and less expensive, with the intention of lowering the overall cost of ownership and increasing the useful life of each hub.
The evolution from the previous hub designs to the new Gen 4 system marks a leap forward in performance and serviceability. The previous generation featured the legendary RingDrive system coupled with a needle bearing design, which was phased out in 2019. Although effective, it was complex to manufacture, heavier, and exhibited 20% more drag compared to what was to follow. The twin-bearing system notably reduced drag; however, this design necessitated multiple axle and internal driver body variations. With the introduction of their Gen 4 hubs, CKPC streamlined the approach, offering universal compatibility and enhanced efficiency without compromising on their hallmark precision and durability.
 | Previous iterations of our hubs needed to balance compatibility with evolving external technologies, like the SRAM and Shimano drive systems, with our patented internals and bearings. With those core systems having stabilized, it gave us an opportunity to rethink what was going on inside our hubs, and so we took the chance to simplify things for our riders and streamline manufacturing. |
Specific improvements with Gen 4 include:
- Brand new driver/axle system
- Improved compatibility/ease of changing Driveshell types
- Lower-priced conversion kits
- Better XDR user experience with threaded Driveshell end cap
- Easier assembly and disassembly (no axle wedge)
- Simpler preload adjustment (no spacer spring to compress)
- More versatility due to universal axle and internal parts
- More cross-compatibility due to common bearing sizes
- Backward compatibility with previous generations of King hubs
- Gen 4 R45D hubs utilize an updated adjusting clamp that allows for disc removal without the need to remove the adjusting clamp.
| For Gen 4 we undertook a holistic development process for each of the three hub products Boost CenterLock/6-Bolt, R45D, and R45, collapsing the specs into a design that allows for a universal axle and internal parts. In previous generations, we chased specs that led us to different bearing sizes, etc. Gen 4’s universal parts have allowed us to streamline manufacturing, and as a result, helped us reduce hub prices AND the cost of the small parts long-term riders will want for hub service and upgrades. |
Once outfitted with the Gen 4 system, transitioning to different drive systems will cost just $80. This represents a significant reduction compared to our previous conversion kits priced at $380 in 2023. Moving forward, Gen 4 R45D and Boost 6-Bolt conversion kits are priced at $275, which includes the axle, adjusting clamp, bearings, and driveshell. Similarly, Boost CenterLock conversion kits are priced at $250, inclusive of the axle, bearings, and driveshell.
The introduction of Gen 4 hubs underscores Chris King's commitment to sustainability by extending hub lifecycles and minimizing long-term ownership costs. Gen 4 hubs are shipping now along with being built into wheels.
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Which is it chaps?
CKAIBS Hubs
That's been my take since I first had one of their headsets in the 90s. I just stick to basics like i9 or DT. I don't need perfection... I just need the Toyota Camry experience.
And excuse me, but all the faults you are expressing above sound at least a bit vague. Your problems are that:
1. they were nothing special?
2. there was ”a clunk”, but not sure what it was?
3. they didn't sound good enough?
4. the headset is something you were always messing with, although you don't really tell why?
This is kindergarten stuff, honestly. The one with not soounding good enough is my absolute favourite. I will remember it for life, in the ”problems I have with my hubs” chapter.
Just for the record, King products have always been excellent to me, never ever had an issue with any of their stuff.
Some rides Id have to tighten the headset mid ride. Best case, id have to tighten it multiple times per week. I am certain this wasnt mechanic error. Both a CC40 and Wolftooth headset worked flawlessly on that same bike. And yes there is no doubt that a factor in buying CK hubs is for the sound, among other reasons. At least for me anyways. And no i didnt feel the need to reach out to chris king. I am a very tolerant person and made them work for me. Just sharing my experience, ive spent over 8k with this brand.
I love "desk art" pieces like these, I wonder if you could purchase them?
I did reach out to the guys at Cascade Components asking for any links that might not have passed QC, etc. They were great and hooked me up with a really cool piece of desk art that I covet to this day. Their links look like jewellery, and having it on my desk makes me smile.
I like parts that don't require my thought.
hope>dt>ck
but then again i'm often wrong so take that with a pinch
- Better XDR user experience with threaded Driveshell end cap ... nice ... I think currently it's just pressed on, meaning the cassette/Driveshell can literally fall off when handling the wheel.
- Simpler preload adjustment (no spacer spring to compress) ... nice.
- Backward compatibility with previous generations of King hubs ... that is quite impressive - if you need to change your axle, now it's cheaper and has these other benefits.
- Gen 4 R45D hubs utilize an updated adjusting clamp that allows for disc removal without the need to remove the adjusting clamp ... nice - this extra step of removing the axle clamp before removing the disc lockring is small irritation.