Wheels & Tyres
What is a Hub?
The bearing housing at the centre of the wheel that lets it spin freely.
Simplified schematic — not to scale.
In plain English
The hub sits at the centre of the wheel, holding the bearings the axle spins on and the flanges that all the spokes attach to.
A simple analogy
“It's the quiet, spinning heart the whole wheel is built around.”
How it works
Sealed or cup-and-cone bearings inside let the wheel spin with minimal friction, while a ratcheting mechanism (the freehub) lets you coast without the pedals turning.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Grinding or crunching feel when spinning the wheel by hand
- ⚠Play when you wiggle the wheel side to side
- ⚠Loud clicking freehub, or one that won't engage
Rough UK cost
£15 – £60 to service, £40 – £250 to replace
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region and parts brand.
Heads up: Bikeautonomy is for general guidance only. If your bike is behaving oddly or you're not confident, get it looked at by a qualified bike mechanic.