matthewlegs

Are Formula hubs the same as Origin8? That is to say, does anyone know if they are made the same/same specifications and are just branded differently?
Thank you

Soil_Sampler

joytech/novatech/dimension clones

matthewlegs

thank you Soil. So is that a yes? I only ask because i ordered Formula hubs off a web site and they are sending me origin 8s saying they are the same.

mihlbach

If soil is correct, than the answer is no. Formula hubs are not the same as Joytech/novatech/dimension hubs. They are made by different manufacturers and both are sold under a large number of brands. However, the Novatec (etc.) hubs look similar to Formula hubs, are of similar quality, and for all intents and purposes are the same thing. Formulas have a stronger reputation, but that is because many people confuse the two, even people selling these hubs don't often understand that they are not formulas. Half the time when people refer to formula hubs, they are really referring to these. I would use either without hesitation. Both are equally good hubs.

edit: OK, I looked it up. They look like Novatec (etc.) hubs to me. Not formulas, but basically the same thing. Still, whoever you are ordering these from needs to be more honest with you.

edit (again). I just remembered, the Novatec (etc.) hub has a hollow axle, which makes it somewhat lighter than Formulas, and would make it much easier to use a skewer and quick release if you wanted to (though you would still need to cut the axle shorter)...other than that, basically the same.

Nightdiver

What mihlbach said.

Also, many companies that source from Formula or Novatech will spec their own bearings/grease/hardware, so that they are slightly different from the stock hubs. It doesn't sound like Origin8 does this (or they have no idea if they do), but it might be worth asking. For instance, Milwaukee hubs (Novatech) spec the same bearings that come in American Classic track hubs, and IRO hubs (Formula) spec slightly better quality bearings in their more costly hubs.

Soil_Sampler

Origin 8 are the Joytech/Novatec/Dimension clones.

A lot of places mislead their customers by saying "Formula Hubs" using it as a almost generic term.

https://www.novatec.com.tw/

matthewlegs

thanks guys.

this is the response i got from the bike shop I ordered from:

"Basically all of these items are produced at the same place, and are branded differently based on how they are distributed.

For example, Origin8 hubs are made by Formula. The only difference between them is whether there is an Origin8 on the hub. Everything else is the exact same."
he also said this is a "running change" and he "expects to see more origin 8 branded hubs showing up."

i received the hubs and there is no branding on them at all! so now i don't know whats what.
i mean, i don't want to smear, but has anyone had any bad experiences ordering from bell's bike shop in Philly?

muckymucky

i saw these gold formula looking ones on a set of gold velocity deep v's and it was branded "velocity"~

how to tell formulas from joytech/etc hubs?
are all formulas branded "formula" for example?

Nightdiver

Velocity uses Formula hubs. You can sometimes tell which brand it is by the mold of the hub shell, particularly the cutouts.

These cutouts mean it's a Formula hub.
These mean it's a Novatec.

However, both companies offer alternative hub shells, and if a company orders in enough quantity, or is willing to pay machining costs, Formula/Novatec will make a unique hub shell for them.

hammerdown48/13

anyone play around wth an ENO? just had one ordered... kinda excited to toy around with it.

matthewlegs

thanks very much, Nightdiver. the hubs i received seem to have the formula cutouts, but with no branding. i hope they have guts that are at least as good.

day1si

Ghost thread

Searching the deep interwebs about hubs and I found this thread...
Just thought I would throw this out there.

From Origin 8

Now I'm going to have to go find every thread on the net and set it straight.