Selecting a rear wheel hub is essential for ride quality, drivetrain reliability, and overall wheel durability. A well-chosen hub must fit your bike frame spacing, match your speed configuration, and support your braking system. Below are five popular options that center on 135mm rear spacing and 36‑hole hubs, plus a complete rear wheel and a hub motor option for broader versatility. This guide emphasizes compatibility, weight, and build quality to help you narrow down choices for upgrades, replacements, or new builds. Each choice is linked to its Amazon listing for quick reference and purchase.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 36-Hole Rear Hub (B085PWKKWH) | DONSP1986 | 36H, 135mm, 338 g, 3/8″ thread, rotary flywheel compatible |
| Black Double-Thread Rear Hub (B0DTJWKQMQ) | DONSP1986 | 36H, 135mm, 185mm axle, 3/8″ thread, rotary freewheel compatible |
| 700c Rear Wheel With 8-Speed Hub (B003RLA57C) | WheelMaster | Rim: Weinmann Zac-19; 8-speed cassette hub; 36H |
| Single Thread Rear Hub (B09ZKL1KX5) | DONSP1986 | 36H, 135mm, 338 g, 3/8″ thread, rotary flywheel compatible |
| Disc Brake Rear Hub (B0F5PYRKFZ) | DONSP1986 | 36H, 135mm, 2-in-1 hub and disc brake bracket |
DONSP1986 36-Hole Rear Hub, 135mm, Alloy
The DONSP1986 36‑hole rear hub is designed for 135mm spacing with a standard 3/8 inch thread. The alloy body keeps weight manageable at about 338 grams, making it a practical upgrade for aging wheels or budget builds. It supports a rotary flywheel setup compatible with 21 or 24 speeds, which covers a broad range of older mountain and hybrid drivetrains. Its 36‑hole configuration provides strong spoke engagement for durable wheel builds. This hub is suitable for riders seeking a cost‑effective replacement that preserves classic drivetrain compatibility while offering reliable performance for daily riding.
- Hole count: 36
- Rear width: 135mm
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Weight: 338 g (0.75 lb)
- Thread: 3/8 inch
- Drivetrain compatibility: Rotary flywheel 21/24 Speed
For retrofit projects or wheel builds using 36‑hole rims, this hub offers straightforward compatibility with common frames and older 21/24‑speed setups. It is best paired with rims that support 135mm spacing and standard 3/8″ axles. When installing, ensure your spoke length and nipple type align with your chosen rim to maintain tension and wheel true over time.
DONSP1986 Black Double-Thread Rear Hub, 135mm
The Black Double‑Thread variant from DONSP1986 adds a second threading option, which can simplify compatibility in certain retrofit scenarios. This hub shares the same essential specs as the standard version: 36 holes, 135mm width, alloy body, and a 3/8″ thread. Axle options include an axle length of 185mm, which may be needed for frames with thicker dropouts or for certain spoke patterns. With a weight around 338 g, it remains light enough for everyday use while offering flexible compatibility with rotary freewheels on 21/24‑speed setups. It is a solid choice for riders upgrading older wheels or building a versatile rear hub from the ground up.
- Hole count: 36
- Rear width: 135mm
- Axle length: 185mm
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Thread: 3/8 inch
- Compatibility: Rotary freewheel 21/24 Speed
When selecting this variant, verify whether your frame and derailleur layout benefit from the longer axle. The double‑thread design provides flexibility in some retrofitting contexts, particularly if you are matching a specific freewheel or motorized kit. As with any hub upgrade, confirmed spoke length and rim compatibility are key to achieving reliable wheel tension and long‑term durability.
Wheel Master 700c Rear Wheel With 8-Speed Hub
The Wheel Master 700c rear wheel delivers a complete wheel assembly focused on 700c road/hybrid use with an 8‑speed cassette hub. The rim is listed as Weinmann Zac‑19, and the hub is alloy, balancing strength and weight for everyday commuting or light‑to‑moderate trail use. Spokes are 14g stainless steel, which provides adequate strength for typical urban and light trekking loads. This option is convenient for riders seeking a ready‑to‑mount rear wheel that fits standard 700c frames and offers an 8‑speed drivetrain without needing to assemble individual components.
- Rim: Weinmann Zac-19 (Silver)
- Hub: Alloy
- Drivetrain: 8‑speed Cassette Hub
- Spokes: 14g Stainless Steel
- Wheel size: 700c
When considering this wheel, check your bike’s brake compatibility (rim brakes are assumed with this rim type) and ensure your cassette body matches the 8‑speed setup. Quick installation is a key benefit, especially for riders who want to replace a worn wheel quickly without adjusting multiple components. The article’s selection emphasizes compatibility with common road and hybrid configurations while offering a reliable hub and rim combination for daily riding.
DONSP1986 Rear Hub, Single Thread, 135mm
The DONSP1986 single‑thread rear hub mirrors the standard 36H, 135mm configuration but uses a single thread design. Weight remains around 338 g, maintaining a lightweight profile for everyday use. The axle still follows a 3/8 inch thread, and the hub is compatible with rotary flywheels for 21/24 speed systems. This variant can be appealing for riders seeking a straightforward, reliable hub replacement within classic hardware standards, particularly on projects using rims designed for 36 spokes and 135mm spacing.
- Hole count: 36
- Rear width: 135mm
- Thread: 3/8 inch
- Axle: Standard (compatible with common frames)
- Speed compatibility: Rotary flywheel 21/24 Speed
For retrofit builds, ensure your rim supports 36 spokes and that your dropout spacing is 135mm. The single‑thread design favors straightforward compatibility across a wide range of frames, making it a sensible choice for replacement hubs in spare wheel builds or budget upgrades where the goal is dependable performance without specialized hardware.
DONSP1986 Disc Brake Rear Hub, 135mm
The DONSP1986 disc brake rear hub is a 2‑in‑1 design combining a rear hub with a disc brake bracket. This configuration is particularly valuable for riders who want to add or upgrade disc braking without replacing the entire wheel. The hub uses aluminum alloy and supports 36 spokes with 135mm rear width and a 3/8″ thread. This option is well suited for riders who want braking performance from discs while retaining compatibility with existing 21/24 speed drivetrains. The disc brake bracket integration can simplify installation on compatible frames and forks.
- Hole count: 36
- Rear width: 135mm
- Disc brake bracket included
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Thread: 3/8 inch
When planning a disc brake upgrade, confirm whether your frame, fork, and rotor mounting standards align with this hub’s bracket. You may need compatible rotors and calipers, plus a rotor mounting pattern on your frame. This hub provides a practical pathway to upgrade braking performance without a full wheel replacement, maintaining compatibility with a broad range of 21/24‑speed drivetrains.
Buying Guide
For most riders, the primary considerations when selecting a rear wheel hub come down to compatibility, braking needs, and drivetrain configuration. The five options above are centered on 135mm rear spacing and 36‑hole rims, though there are variations in axle length, thread design, and braking compatibility. Here are key factors to weigh as you compare these hubs and wheels:
Most of the hubs shown use 135mm rear spacing and 3/8″ threaded axles. Verify your frame’s dropout width and whether you use a quick‑release (QR) or solid axle. Some bikes, especially newer models, use 142mm or 148mm spacing, which would require a different hub or adapter. If you plan a retro upgrade or a mixed‑system build, choosing a hub with a compatible axle and spacing is essential. The 21/24‑speed compatibility noted for some hubs aligns with older mountain and hybrid setups. If your bike uses a modern 9/10/11‑speed cassette, you’ll want a hub designed to fit a cassette body or, in the case of 8‑speed hubs, ensure you have the appropriate freewheel/cassette interface. A hub described as “rotary flywheel compatible” generally targets older systems with a freewheel rather than a modern cassette. The disc brake hub option and the standard rim brake variants present distinct considerations. If you plan to upgrade to discs, confirm rotor size, mount type (6‑bolt vs centerlock), and caliper compatibility with your frame. For rim brakes, verify that your rim type and braking surface are suitable for your caliper system and tire width. Aluminum alloy hubs are common for their light weight and corrosion resistance. At 338 g approximate weight, these hubs offer a practical balance between strength and portability. If you’re building a weight‑sensitive bike, you may weigh options across brands and 36‑hole configurations to optimize stiffness and spoke length. Sealed bearings and quality cup/ball interfaces influence long‑term smoothness and maintenance. While the product descriptions focus on material and size, consider maintenance access (bearing serviceability) and availability of replacement parts when planning a long‑term build or upgrade. If you choose a complete rear wheel (like the Wheel Master 700c option), ensure the rim, hub body, and freehub/cassette interface match your current drivetrain. A complete wheel simplifies installation but may require wheel truing or tensioning after mounting to a frame with nonstandard dish or asymmetry. The 2‑in‑1 hub with a disc brake bracket is a convenient upgrade for frames that support rotor mounting but don’t yet have a dedicated disc brake hub. Check rotor mounting compatibility with your rotor size and ensure the bracket lines up with your frame’s brake caliper location.
In practice, the best choice depends on your current bike setup, desired future upgrades, and maintenance considerations. For classic 135mm, 36H frames, a reliable alloy hub with a standard 3/8″ thread and compatibility with 21/24 speeds is usually sufficient. If you plan to convert or upgrade to a disc system, a hub with a disc brake bracket or a dedicated disc hub will simplify the process. For riders who want a ready‑to‑ride option, a complete rear wheel designed for your wheel size (700c or 26/29 in mountain setups) offers straightforward installation with fewer compatibility concerns.