When it comes to bike components, the hub often takes a backseat to the focus on rims and tires.
However, the Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road is a game-changer that demands attention. Known for their exceptional performance and reliability, Industry Nine hubs, including the Torch Rear Hub Road, offer a perfect balance of affordability, durability, performance, and quality.
In this comprehensive review, we will discuss the features and benefits of this top-tier hub that has garnered a reputation for excellence.
Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road Key Features
Here’s a table describing the key features of the Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road:
| Key Feature | Description |
| High Engagement | The Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road offers exceptional engagement, providing riders with quick power transfer and boosting confidence on challenging terrains. |
| Innovative Torch Hub Mechanism | The Torch hub mechanism delivers low drag and low weight, ensuring a smoother and more efficient ride. |
| 120 Points of Engagement | With an impressive 120 points of engagement, this hub surpasses its competitors, resulting in instant power transfer when pedaling. |
| Unique Dual Pawl Design | Unlike traditional hubs, the Torch Rear Hub Road incorporates a dual pawl design with two sets of three offset pawls, doubling the engagement points. |
| Meticulous Craftsmanship | Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Torch Rear Hub Road boasts high-quality construction and durability. |
| Made in Asheville, USA | Industry Nine takes pride in manufacturing their hubs in Asheville, USA, ensuring superior craftsmanship and supporting local production. |
| Versatile Axle Compatibility | The Torch Rear Hub Road offers unparalleled compatibility with various axle standards, providing flexibility for different bike setups. |
| Exceptional Performance | This hub delivers exceptional performance, enhancing riders’ ability to navigate technical sections and accelerate with minimal delay. |
| Sensory Experience | The distinct click sound produced by the high-engagement hub adds to the overall riding experience, creating a sense of exhilaration. |
| Aesthetically Pleasing Finish | The Torch Rear Hub Road features a stunning finish that rivals renowned brands, adding a touch of visual appeal to your bike. |
Reviewing the Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road
Now, let’s have a good look at the road hub and understand why it’s a good product:
Craftsmanship and Quality
Industry Nine is synonymous with top-notch bike components, and the Torch Rear Hub Road lives up to the brand’s reputation.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these hubs are proudly made in Asheville, USA. With a stunning finish that rivals renowned brands like Chris King, the Torch Rear Hub Road stands out as a hub that combines performance and aesthetics seamlessly.
Cyclists can trust the quality and durability of Industry Nine’s products.
Low Drag, Low Weight, and Versatile Compatibility
At the core of the Torch Rear Hub Road lies the innovative Torch hub mechanism. This mechanism sets the hub apart from its competitors by offering low drag, low weight, and unparalleled axle compatibility.
Riders can experience a smoother and more efficient ride, thanks to the reduced friction provided by the Torch hub’s design.
Whether you’re into all-mountain riding, endurance racing, or cross-country adventures, the Torch Classic hub is designed to meet your needs and elevate your performance.
Power Transfer and Confidence Boost
One of the standout features of Industry Nine hubs, including the Torch Rear Hub Road, is their exceptional engagement.
Engagement refers to the number of “clicks” riders hear when the rear wheel freewheels. In this regard, the Torch Classic hub surpasses its competitors with an impressive 120 points of engagement.
Comparatively, well-regarded brands like Chris King offer 72 points, and DT Swiss provides up to 54 points using their Star Ratchet system.
The Science Behind Engagement – Doubling the Advantage
Industry Nine achieves its high engagement by employing a unique design approach.
While most hubs use a standard 3-pawl system, Industry Nine goes a step further by incorporating a second set of 3 offset pawls. This configuration ensures that when one set of pawls disengages, the other set immediately engages with the ridges of the hub.
As a result, engagement points are effectively doubled, delivering instantaneous power transfer when you pedal. This advantage is particularly beneficial in challenging terrains and when accelerating after coasting.
Performance and Confidence – Pushing Boundaries
The high engagement and fast 3 degrees of engagement in Industry Nine hubs provide quantifiable advantages for riders.
When faced with technical sections or the need for quick acceleration, immediate engagement gives riders confidence, allowing them to navigate these obstacles more efficiently. This advantage is especially evident during slow and technical features, where precise control is crucial.
Furthermore, in racing situations, the ability to quickly connect power to the wheels enables riders to make the most of pedal strokes while maneuvering through choppy sections or accelerating out of corners with minimal delay.
The Joy of the Click – A Sensory Experience
Apart from the performance benefits, Industry Nine hubs, including the Torch Rear Hub Road, provide a sensory experience that enhances the joy of riding.
The distinct click sound produced by the high-engagement hub is akin to hearing a sports car with a satisfying exhaust pass by. This auditory feedback adds to the overall riding experience, making it more enjoyable and injecting a sense of exhilaration.
And the click of the hub becomes a signature feature, completing the look and feel of a high-end bike build and leaving a lasting impression on riders.
FAQ
#1. How many points of engagement do industry nine hubs have?
Ans: The Industry Nine Hydra hubs provide an impressive 690 points of engagement, meaning the drive mechanism engages 690 times for every full rotation of the freehub body.
#2. What is good hub engagement?
Ans: Higher-end hubs usually have a starting point of around 36 points of engagement (POE), while lower-end hubs typically fall in the range of 18-24 POE.
#3. What is a 3 Pawls hub?
Ans: A hub with a 3 pawls design ensures that 3-pawls are constantly engaged, resulting in a responsive 3 or 3.75-degree engagement, enabling faster and more efficient power transfer.
#4. Which is better ratchet or pawls hubs?
Ans: Ratchet systems are widely regarded as superior to traditional pawl systems, offering increased strength, reliability, and reduced maintenance. The power transmission from the drivetrain to the wheel is distributed over a larger surface area in ratchet hubs, resulting in enhanced durability. Additionally, hubs with more engagement points tend to produce a louder sound.
Our Thoughts
With its 120 points of engagement and fast 3 degrees of engagement, this hub provides riders with the confidence and power transfer needed to conquer challenging terrains and excel in racing situations.
On top of that, the distinct sound of the high-engagement hub adds to the overall riding experience and completes the look of a high-end bike build.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, the Industry Nine Torch Rear Hub Road is a reliable and high-performing choice that will undoubtedly enhance your riding experience.