Eurobike Mtbr

The new Pro 4 hub.

The new Pro 4 hub (click to enlarge).​

Pro 4 hubs

As a direct development of the successful Pro 2 EVO hub, the Hope Pro 4 hubs bare a lot of attention to detail. The freewheel now has a 44 tooth ratchet mechanism which provides a 10% quicker hub engagement over the Pro 2 EVO. The flange diameter has been increased, adding more stiffness to larger wheel builds - even with non Boost with hubs. The new Shimano compatible freehub will be prepared to accept 11 speed cassettes. A lot of effort has been spent to guarantee compatibility, both on axle, but also on freehub possibilities. You can switch between the different conversions without needing complicated tools.

This spiderless chainring has been adapted to the more outboard placed chain line of a Boost drivetrain.

This spiderless chainring has been adapted to the more outboard placed chain line of a Boost drivetrain (click to enlarge).​

Boost

Specific hub shells are available for this wider standards, but there's also the possibility to convert an existing hub with disc spacers and endcaps. Since the drivetrain is moved 3 mm to the right, boost specific spiderless chainrings and spiders are needed. The chainrings are Hope crank specific and available in 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36T.

The finalized high range cassette is split into a steel (smaller sprockets) and an aluminum part (larger sprockets).

The finalized high range cassette is split into a steel (smaller sprockets) and an aluminum part (larger sprockets). (click to enlarge)​

High range cassette

Finally available as from January 2016, the new Hope cassette offers 10 or 11 speed gear ranges. The smaller 7 speeds are made out of a one piece hardened stainless steel cluster (which is the same as the short DH cassette). Depending on being 10 or 11 speed, the larger 3 or 4 sprockets are made out of a one piece aluminum billet. The steel cassette should last longer, as you can replace the aluminum sprockets. Sizes: 10-40 10 speed (250g), 10-40 11 speed (273g) and an impressive 10-44 11 speed (284g). All versions are claimed to have 20% ratio changes.

Continue to page 2 for more Hope products and a photo gallery »

The R21 front light has 2 high power LEDs.

The R21 front light has 2 high power LEDs (click to enlarge).​

New and updated lights

The R21 front light has either an integrated battery or a loose battery, attached to the light with a cable. The power button changes colour depending on the power mode being applied at that moment. The mount has a banjonette attach as the R4 light. The R4 front light now has a 1500 Lumen output (coming from 1000 Lumen).

A 7 speed specific downhill hub makes stiffer wheel builds possible.

A 7 speed specific downhill hub makes stiffer wheel builds possible (click to enlarge).​

Downhill rear hub

Using short 7 speed cassettes, the new downhill hub will be available as from January 2016. The DH hub has been influenced by the usage of 7 speed cassettes by many DH riders. The drive side spoke flange has been moved more to the outside, so the flange spacing is a lot wider. This leads to stiffer wheel builds. Compatibility with the Hope 7 speed cassette, custom 7 speed cassettes build up from individual sprockets or a SRAM 7 speed DH cassette. Available widths: 150/157 or 135 (demo 8).

New carbon seatpost

Available in 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, this new carbon seatpost is made out of a high strength carbon fibre construction with aircraft grade aluminum seat rail clamps. The internal surface has been smoothened, so there are no unnecessary resin high areas. Together with varying wall sections, weight has been optimised. On the other hand, this strengthens areas of high stress concentrations. The ø 27.2mm version is claimed at 195g.

The Tech SD rim has been made to optimize the balance between light weight and maximum strength.

The Tech SD rim has been made to optimize the balance between light weight and maximum strength (click to enlarge).​

Downhill rims

The new Tech SD rim addresses the issue of combining a minimal weight with maximal strength. The rim profile has a triple chamber design and has been designed to give the maximum strength, without adding additional weight. An inner width of 33mm and a weight of 600g make it possible that the rim can be punished on multiple practice runs and still run true on the final race run.

For more details visit www.hopetech.com.

This article is part of Mtbr's coverage of the 2015 Eurobike trade show in Freidrichschafen, Germany. For more from Eurobike CLICK HERE.