Chris King R45D Hub

Unlike traditional pawl systems that rely on small, spring-loaded teeth, the RingDrive uses two large, interlocking stainless steel rings. This design engages all teeth simultaneously, providing near-instant power transfer and the ability to handle significantly higher torque loads.

While the hubs are designed to be user-serviceable, you will need Chris King’s specific hub service tools to properly disassemble the axle and adjust the bearing preload. These tools are designed to ensure you don't damage the precision-engineered components during maintenance.

These bearings are designed to wear in rather than wear out. As you ride, the bearing surfaces polish themselves against each other, which reduces friction and actually makes the hub spin smoother over time, provided you keep them clean and lubricated.

Yes, the R45D is modular. You can swap the freehub body between Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, and Shimano Micro Spline standards without needing to replace the entire hub shell.

Absolutely. A 32-spoke lacing pattern provides a robust, stable wheel build that is well-suited for the demands of gravel riding, offering excellent durability and impact resistance on rougher terrain.

For most riders, a full service once a year is sufficient to keep the bearings running smoothly. If you frequently ride in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions, you may want to perform a quick clean and re-lube more often to maintain optimal performance.