3 rear hubs on 2015 Kona Process 111 in 600km

Today's ride ended at the bike shop again. The Kona Process 111 is a great bike, but it's seen just over 600 km of singletrack and been through 3 rear hubs already (the third failed/seized today). Kona has replaced the first two on warranty and I expect they will the third as well. But, anyone else out there having issues with these hubs? Or rear hubs on 29ers generally?

A hub is a hub, doesn't matter what the wheel size is.

My Devinci atlas 29er came with some Easton XC wheels…the hub was absolute garbage. I went through 3 hubs in probably 20 rides. Picked up a used set of roval traverse wheels and never looked back.

My 29er has a Chris King hub. I bought it in 2003 and it's been cleaned and greased a couple times and runs brilliantly. So, no, I doubt it's because of the wheel size.

I dunno, I figured maybe there's more stress/torque on a hub in a 29" wheel than 26 or 27.5? It's a Nova tech 142x12mm hub btw.

Get a new rear wheel with a quality hub. Problem solved.

I dunno, I figured maybe there's more stress/torque on a hub in a 29" wheel than 26 or 27.5? It's a Nova tech 142x12mm hub btw.

more then likely the same hub that was on my 167 , i switched to a Hope Pro EVO after 2 rides so i have no idea if that is a bad hub design or a rim dia related issue . either way kudos to kona for taking care of you

Get a new rear wheel with a quality hub. Problem solved.

My 29er has a Chris King hub. I bought it in 2003 and it's been cleaned and greased a couple times and runs brilliantly. So, no, I doubt it's because of the wheel size.

That's quality, experience based, advice.

Dt Swiss,Chris King, Hope. Those are few to start with.

A lot of OEM hubs are crap, even if they bear the name of a renowned brand. Went trough three rear hubs (and two front hubs) on my new bikes last year. Front and rear on one bike were finally replaced by DT240s, the other rear hub's internals were replaced by 240 internals (don't ask me how, the shop did it). It's been all quiet (well, apart from the freewheel noise) since then.

What gear ratio? 28-42?
I'll bet lower quality hubs can't take the torque you are applying when climbing

I'm not a gear ratio nerd but wouldn't 22/32 or so be pretty similar, and that's been used on cheap hubs since the early 90's. Sounds like the hubs are just shit. Bet the bike has an awesome rear derailleur though! :facepalm:

i have been told as well that even some of the best hubs from DT SWISS and the likes will fail when used with a 42/44 cog on the back and combined with a high tooth count engagement free-hub i just ordered a pair of DT SWISS 350,s and was recommended i get the 18t due to the added drive train torque load . the others tooth count will work they just won,t have the longevity

one of my coworkers has had a similar issue with his 111's rear hub- big guy who rides hard.

he's for sure on his second and possibly en route to a third.

Novatech hubs are generally junk. I went through several in short order also and finally rebuilt with DT Swiss. No problems at all since then.

Great advice fromo @Tazzmenn with those hubs choices. They're solid choices and will last a long time.