What are BMX Front Hubs and Rear Hubs?

BMX hubs are found at the center of the front and rear wheels of a BMX bike. They are connected to the wheel rims through the spokes and the BMX frame by the axles. The purpose of the front hub is to allow the front wheel to spin freely, but the BMX rear hub consists of a few more parts, such as a driver and pawls and springs. These parts are added to make the rear wheel spin when the rider pedals.

Difference Between Freecoaster Hubs and Cassette Hubs

When you are choosing a new rear hub for your BMX, you will need to decide between a freecoaster and cassette hub. One system isn’t better than the other, but once you take into account your style of riding, it may help you decide what would be better for you.

BMX Freecoaster Hub

The main point to mention here is that freecoaster hubs allow you to roll backward without having to pedal. This is a must-have if you want to practice lots of fakie tricks and ride backward. The downside is the “slack” that freecoasters have. This means that when you pedal, there is a small delay before the hub is engaged.

BMX Cassette Hub

Immediate engagement from pedaling is what you get from a cassette hub. This allows you to accelerate faster and makes it easier for beginners to learn basic tricks such as bunny hops and manuals. The disadvantage is that you have to pedal when you are rolling backward, and your feet have to be level before jumping back around.

Right Hand Drive VS Left Hand Drive Hubs

Lastly, rear hub models can be produced in right hand drive, left hand drive or both. Which one you choose is another personal decision, but many riders choose a left hand drive if they grind mostly on the right side and a right hand drive if they grind mostly on the left side. Grinds are done with pegs attached to the axles of the hub, but most BMX bikes don’t come with them.

If you would like pegs to perform grinds on your BMX, then check out BMX Pegs.