When you are track cycling, the most important part of your entire bicycle is the wheel. A good wheelset can make or break the deal for you. And what better way than to invest in a hub to upgrade your wheelset? A hub is the middle part of a wheel, to which the inside ends of the spokes attach. A hub consists of an axle, which attaches to the fork ends; a shell, to which the spokes attach. And bearings to connect the axle to the shell, permitting the shell to revolve around the axle. In the case of a Rear hub, the shell would also have a provision for attaching the rear sprocket.

Naturally, there are several types of Hubs that respond to various environments differently. Track riding requires short exclusive efforts and is very tactical. They need a heavy focus on positioning. Some track racing events are longer and require sustained hard efforts. While sheer speed is vital, the technique is also key in this riding as riders must get off the line quickly from a standing start. They need to rapidly get into a tight and efficient formation, and race as close together as possible to maximize drafting. Hence you need a hub that provides you with the best ability to transform smoothly.

Track cycling hubs are available as single-side fixed gear hubs or double-sided fixed gear hubs. In a single-sided fixed hub, only one side of the hub has a thread for mounting a sprocket. In a double-sided fixed gear hub, both sides of the hub have a thread for mounting a sprocket and they are sometimes referred to as a flip flop hub. 

Hours of brainstorming has resulted in this explicit research. With such a choice of hubs, it is easy to become confused. Each hub is different and they are designed for different riders and for different purposes. We have highlighted the key differences in each hub to provide a little insight. All the hubs that we have picked are great in their own unique way. But out of all these, we have chosen DT Swiss 370 Front Track Hub with their proven Swiss bearing technology for Track racing as the “Overall best choice”. 

A quick view of our selected best track hubs in the market for track cyclists:

10 best track bike (fixed gear) hubs that you can buy today

Are you searching for the best track bicycle hub? Our team of experts is constantly researching the latest and best models on the market and making their comparison. Our review currently focuses on 10 of the best track cycle hubs that money can buy for your ultimate racing experience. Our main target is to help you find the model that best suits your riding style and budget. But with an overwhelming amount of options in the market, it’s easy to get lost and forget your main objective. After spending countless hours in research we have evaluated each and every specification of the hubs. Hope our unbiased review will help you for the better.

Please take a look at the comparison table at the fixed gear hubs from our selection. With all the specifications written, we believe it will be easier for you to compare in case you are in a hurry. In order for your better understanding, we have kept this very simple. You will find the weight, axle, and spoke interface of each hub with many other important criteria to suit your needs. 

But please note that this table is only for a quick review. To read about the detailed summary of each product, please go through the article. 

1. DT Swiss 370 Front Track Hub: Comes with proven DT Swiss bearing technology  | Overall best choice

DT Swiss is renowned for its development of some of the finest and most durable bike components around the world. When it comes to hubs, you will not find a better combination of strength and affordability than the DT Swiss 370 Series track hubs. Our team of hard-working and honest researchers has voted this one of the best for track hubs after hours of testing and exploration. 

It is next to impossible to beat its price to a weight standpoint. The manufacturers believe in the art of engineering and strive for sophistication during the product development process. They are readily available for track cycling. They are lighter and easier to maintain – the strength of the 370 front track hubs are further enhanced by their threaded axles and DT Swiss bearing technology. They will allow you to build great wheels with a rock-solid performance. 

The ultra-reliable freehub system transfers the highest pedaling loads resulting in indirect power transmission. The smooth running Swiss bearings is the reason behind the extremely low rolling resistance. You also have the liberty to upgrade it; you can change their axle anytime. 

DT Swiss 370 Front Track Hub

2. SHIMANO Dura-Ace Front Track Bicycle Hub: Superior design with a high polished finish

SHIMANO Dura-Ace Front Track Bicycle Hub – HB-7600 is one of the best hubs for track cycling. Sealed bearings for long-lasting performance, these powerful hubs are suitable for use in any fixed gear wheel for Track. Investing in this hub will mean no more frequent maintenance or instant changing after cycling. They don’t create much noise and work in silence. 

In recent years, the market has flooded with many front track bicycle hubs. But it’s always safe to invest in the ones which are recommended by professionals such as this one. Track cycling requires a lot of strength, both for the rider and the bicycle. So it’s obvious you want a trustworthy wheelset that will provide you with their valuable service through thick and thin. The gaps between the gears are reasonably evenly spaced. 

You don’t need to waste a lot of energy behind pedaling because of their high precision bearing races Maintaining a lightweight, they did not compromise with their quality. The axle dimensions are also suitable for that needed strength and stiffness. This is a good solid hub with standard features. 

SHIMANO Dura-Ace Front Track Bicycle Hub

3. SHIMANO Dura-Ace Rear Track Bicycle Hub: Durable axle and the high-quality bearings provide smooth running characteristics

SHIMANO Dura-Ace rear track bicycle hubs are precision engineered for ultimate performance and durability. System engineering is at its peak during the manufacturing process. Each of the components magnifies its qualities for an unparalleled level of performance. The manufacturers are successful in optimizing input to maximize output. And that is the reason how they achieved supremacy over other products in the market.

The freehub body is speed-ready and turns your wheels into a beast on the track. The hubs have an understated quality to them and run very quiet which many cyclists prefer. They are supplied with gorgeous locknuts and lockrings. It also comes at a great price of quality Shimano Dura-Ace hubs. The hub body is light and prevents the cassette jamming on. The improved freehub body design is great for quick pawl engagement for instant power transfer. The nutted axle has increased rigidity torsionally and laterally removing axle flex when under compression from the quick release. Thus improving rotational smoothness and durability. The dust cap sealing, low friction seals effectively shut out water, mud, and dirt without affecting rotational smoothness. CBN polished bearing races with a super mirror finishing, reduce friction providing silky smooth and precise bearing rotation. 

The hub shell and the alloy axle combine to keep the weight of the wheel at a bare minimum. Quick and easy assembly bearing maintenance is a dream for every rider which is made possible in this hub. 

SHIMANO Dura-Ace Rear Track Bicycle Hub

4. Formula Rear Track/Freewheel TH31 Hub: Sealed mechanism prevents mud and grime to get inside

Have you ever fancied of a fixed gear rear hub that makes your Track cycling extremely smooth without you putting more force while pedaling? Well the Formula Freewheel TH31 Hub is built to let you do just that. They will make your wheel lighter, stiffer, wider, more aerodynamic, and more impact resistant. You will feel the difference as soon as you upgrade them to your wheelset. A good quality set of hubs can outlive several rims and even several bikes. So be wise in choosing the right one like this one which we have selected for you after vigorous research. Always remember that there is going to be no other option than to scrap your wheels if the hubs are shot. So don’t take chances by buying any random cheap hubs that you find in the market. 

You must be thinking that despite there being good and well-designed hubs out there, why did we suggest you this particular one. Well for starters their fixed gear high flange makes them reliable and trustworthy. They have maintained their standard against all odds. 

This Formula TH31 hub can be reused if you ever decide to rebuild your wheelset. A hub of good quality can make a difference between a wheelset worth riding forever, and a one that’s better off forgotten. 

Formula Rear Track/Freewheel TH31 Hub

5. Formula Rear Track/Track TH32 Hub: Straight pull spoke interface and thru-axle enables them to be strong

Formula Rear Track TH32 Hub has many other competitors in the industry. They all equally possess the potential to last through seasons of hard riding and many sets of the rim. But what sets them apart from their competitors is engagement. Engagement is essentially how many clicks you hear when the rear wheel is freewheeling. Your bicycle’s cassette is mounted to the hub on a freehub, which houses a mechanism that allows the hub and the wheel to continue spinning freely when you are not pedaling.

There are many different approaches that manufacturers can take to increase hub engagement. But Formula owners have gained this through spring-loaded pawls. These pawls are little arms that pass over ridges that are machined inside the hub. As the hub spins forward, the ridges pass smoothly over the backside of the pawls. These are the clicks you hear when you are pedaling and the pawls spring up and bite the ridges to transfer power. 

These classic hubs offer famously long-lasting performance and that too without facing any issues. The thru-axles make it easy to change wheels with just your bare fingers. The high flange fixed-gears are evenly spaced. The weight and ration gaps make it best suited for Track cycling.

Formula Rear Track/Track TH32 Hub

6. Virtue Bicycle Rear Track Hub: Spins pretty smoothly giving you an edge over other riders

Virtue Bicycle Rear Track Hub with 32 holes, the high flange is a durable and economical option for the track, fixed gear, as well as single speed wheel, builds. Flip-flop design with dual threading for a fixed-gear cog on one side and a freewheel on the other. Thus allowing you to flip the wheel around to switch between the two. 

Flange to flange spacing is 62 mm, which is 31 mm center to either side. Virtue hubs solve a big problem with a regular flip flop and fixed hubs. Instead of taking out your wheel, all you need to do is simply push and turn the clever outer ring on the hub to engage or disengage the fixed option. This makes the job complete within a few seconds instead of several minutes. We know with your busy schedule you are reluctant to do that sort of job and that’s why we came up with this hub which is among the best in the market. 

And since the ring, which is the size of a disc rotor, is away from the sprocket and chain, your hands won’t become dirty too. The bearing is fully sealed and has stayed smooth and free spinning. The clutch mechanism and disc switch do add weight but it’s worth it.

Virtue Bicycle Rear Track Hub

7. Joytech Sealed 32H Black Fix/Fixed Hub Rear Track: With precision Japanese sealed cartridge bearings

In terms of performance, Joytech sealed fixed rear hub has made a special place in our hearts. It’s smoother, has a higher quality feel, and looks to be robust enough to go for years. There is a certain beauty about fixed gear hubs. They might be heavier but they are easier to live with nature. This hub is successful in making us impressed. But it is so much more than just being smoother and quieter.

Shifting is buttery and it feels like each gear is delivered with a rounded edge rather than a definite clunk. Under heavy pedal load, the mechanism shifts and does a very good job. Its robust stature makes them perfect for Track cycling with their precision Japanese sealed cartridge bearings that will make your bicycle riding efficient. The hub comes with the option of fixed gear or freewheel and is worth every penny. With its price and performance ration, this hub deserves to be invested in.

Joytech Sealed 32H Black Fix/Fixed Hub Rear Track

8. Dia-Compe Gran Compe Front Track Hub: Ensure maximum safety with optimum performance