In 2013, Industry Nine changed the landscape of top-spec wheel builds by introducing the Torch Series, a hub driver with lightning-quick 3 degrees of engagement. Never a team to be satisfied with the status quo, I9 set to work creating the next benchmark. After 2.5 years of planning, prototyping, and testing in labs and the real-world trails of Asheville, Hydra rewrites the rules with a monstrous leap to 690 points of engagement, or 0.52 degrees between each engagement. Using an independently-phased six-pawl, 115-tooth drive ring, Hydra's drive system pushes the boundaries of hub technology to achieve something monumental.
The trick behind Hydra's insanely quick engagement is an innovative new design that utilizes a continually phased system, creating a procession of engagement points between the pawl and the drive ring. By utilizing the inherent flex of the axle, I9 was able to create positive second, third, or fourth pawl contact for even load force distribution. Another benefit of the Hydra design is its ability to temper uncontrolled axle and bearing movements, thus improving bearing life and decreasing resistance. Hydra provides a consistent, reliable engagement without overloading bearings, axles, or hub shells.
Engagement: 690 points - .052 degrees - 6-pawl freehub
Rotor Style: Centerlock
Freehub Options: SRAM XD, Shimano HG (11sp), and MicroSpline (12sp)
Axle Options:
Spoke Holes: 32
Spoke Type: Classic J-Bend
Published Weight: weight varies depending on the bearing, endcap, and freehub spec
Improved internal layout:
