Onyx MTB Hubs: Rider Review (Silent, Sturdy, Reliable)

So quick story... Going back a couple years now there was one thing that always bothered me as your standard and stubborn home mechanic... building wheels. Yep, it was the one thing that was always outsourced and unable to get accomplished within the compounds of my own garage. Don't get me wrong, I love the local bike shops as much as everyone but the 1-2 week turnaround on building a set of wheels never worked for my bike. OCD. I wanted them built to perfection and I wanted them that same day! Yeah, good luck with that.

Fast forward a few years now and probably 30 built wheelsets later for myself, friends, & family there's always the predominant question going into a build... 'so which hubs should I get'. My answer is always consistent. The budget builds go for the DT Swiss 350s or Hope's and for a premium build go for some I9's or CK's. However, if you want the raddest of the rad then hands down get some Onyx hub built wheels.

Onyx hubs offer a break from those noisy premium hubs that mimic a rattlesnake chasing you on the trail. Loud equals good is the prevailing theory upon hub engagement and quality and rightfully so, however, Onyx hubs not only offer a completely silent experience on the bike they also offer something very unique with their sprag-clutch... instant engagement! The sprag-clutch instead of the traditional pawls uses a non-rotating sprag that when turned the opposite way instantly locks. This application is used on high load applications such as helicopter rotors & car transmissions. It works brilliantly for a rear bicycle hub.

At the cost of a set of Onyx hubs, it should work brilliantly. Again it's a premium build. If you want the ultimate experience of instant engagement and silent trails being one with just the sounds of nature the Onyx is the way to go. Pro tip: if you're doing any POV youtube on the bike get an Onyx!