Stan's NoTubes Speedsync Freehub [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

Stan's has been around for a couple of decades now, so they know a thing or two about bikes and how to optimize them. Their Speedsync freehub drops right into their hubs for increased engagement, and who doesn't love better engagement? Our friend Abel recently treated his hubs and loves the upgrade. Read on for more!

My bike is fairly new as a 2019, but I was interested in upgrading my current drivetrain, so I did a lot of research regarding the new Shimano 12 speed. I looked at all the options and decided to go with an XT shifter and derailleur and an SLX cassette and chain as I prefer more durability for those 2 components as opposed to weight savings. I also upgraded my chainring to an oval as well in the process. When upgrading from my 11 speed to 12 speed Shimano, I also needed to upgrade my freehub from the old Shimano HG to the Microspline freehub in order to accommodate the new 12 speed Shimano cassette.

At first, I was going to order the standard Stan’s Microspline freehub which retails for $90 but then I proceeded to reach out to the staff at Worldwide Cyclery in order to see if the Ultimate freehub which retails for $140 would work with my existing Stan’s hub. I reached out via email and received a response within a day. They responded quickly and told me yes, the ultimate freehub has more engagement which will provide a benefit when riding, and will work with your current Stan’s hub. I went for it and purchased the ultimate freehub. 

I have been riding for around a month, I love the extra engagement and have had zero issues with the product.

In changing out the freehub it was fairly easy, Stan’s has a video of how to swap it out. I watched the video and took note of how exactly things will come apart and go back together in the same order. My old freehub was a little difficult to get off of the old hub, but after a few drives with the hammer, it was off. I would recommend anyone with a Stan’s wheel or hub go for the upgrade since I definitely have seen a benefit.

Final Thoughts

I have been riding my local trails that are somewhat technical in certain spots and having the extra engagement has helped me a lot especially in climbing very technical terrain. I have noticed the sound when coasting is definitely quieter than my old freehub. I will continue to test out the freehub on my local trails and look forward to it lasting a long time into the future.