How to Choose the Right Hub Flange Geometry for Your Build
When building a custom wheelset, hub flange geometry is a critical yet often overlooked factor that directly affects wheel stiffness, spoke length, and overall performance. Understanding the differences between low flange, high flange, and other variations will help you make an informed decision.
1. Low Flange Hubs
Description: These have smaller diameter flanges, meaning the spoke entry points are closer to the hub’s center.
Advantages:
Slightly lighter due to less material.
Marginally more aerodynamic as there’s less hub surface area in the wind.
Longer spoke length can add comfort by offering a bit more vertical compliance.
Best for: Riders seeking a lightweight, comfortable build—often preferred for endurance road bikes.
2. High Flange Hubs
Description: These have larger flanges, pushing spoke entry points farther from the hub’s center.
Advantages:
Increased lateral stiffness for better power transfer.
Shorter spokes can increase strength and reduce wheel flex.
Can create a more “classic” look for track or vintage-style builds.
Best for: Sprinters, track riders, or anyone prioritizing stiffness over weight savings.
3. Asymmetric Flange Spacing
Description: Many modern hubs use different flange spacing on the drive and non-drive sides to balance spoke tension.
Advantages:
Improves tension balance, enhancing durability.
Reduces the chance of broken spokes from uneven load distribution.
Best for: Disc brake wheels, deep-section carbon builds, and rear wheels with wide cassette spacing.
4. Flange Cutouts and Weight Considerations
Description: Some high flange hubs use cutouts to reduce weight.
Advantages:
Keeps much of the stiffness benefit while shaving grams.
Caution: Cutouts can slightly reduce hub strength, so they’re not ideal for heavy riders or aggressive off-road use.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right hub flange geometry comes down to your priorities:
Low flange for weight and comfort.
High flange for stiffness and strength.
Asymmetric for balanced spoke tension and modern drivetrains.
A skilled wheel builder can help fine-tune these choices to match your riding style, frame clearance, and performance goals.