I’ve started explaining it as random engagement v. consistent engagement.
The difference between 5° and ~0° engagement doesn’t feel that big because while with the 5° hub (say a King) you’re maximum a 5° rotation from engagement and regularly closer (0° to 5°) and either way the pick-up doesn’t really feel that random because it’s always within a short ratchet motion.
Jump to a 10° and it’s more notable. Then 20° engagement and sometimes you’re within a short ratchet to engage and sometimes there’s significant float. So for a technical uphill move, or minor downhill correction you need to ratchet backwards to find the next engagement point in order to prime the drivetrain.
I can very much see wanting to decouple the drivetrain from the suspension, especially for DH bikes or even pedal and plunge riding, but riding random-engagement hubs drives me nuts in technical terrain.
June 15, 2021, 9:22 a.m. - Andrew Major
I’ve started explaining it as random engagement v. consistent engagement. The difference between 5° and ~0° engagement doesn’t feel that big because while with the 5° hub (say a King) you’re maximum a 5° rotation from engagement and regularly closer (0° to 5°) and either way the pick-up doesn’t really feel that random because it’s always within a short ratchet motion. Jump to a 10° and it’s more notable. Then 20° engagement and sometimes you’re within a short ratchet to engage and sometimes there’s significant float. So for a technical uphill move, or minor downhill correction you need to ratchet backwards to find the next engagement point in order to prime the drivetrain. I can very much see wanting to decouple the drivetrain from the suspension, especially for DH bikes or even pedal and plunge riding, but riding random-engagement hubs drives me nuts in technical terrain.