Faster, Smoother, and More Durable? Industry Nine Hydra2 Review

Is more engagement always better, or does it create more resistance? With the launch of the new Hydra 2, Neil explores these questions, breaks down the changes, and shares his thoughts on Industry Nine’s flagship hub.

Outline:
Intro: 0:00
Who is I9: 0:19
Hub History: 2:24
Is more engagement better: 3:54
Hydra 2: 5:29
In use: 8:27
Sound differences: 12:11

#bikepacking #pedalfurther #industrynine
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::About The Host::
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam, +2.5" Ape index

[SDmountainbiker]

Awesome review and overview! Have a custom set on order for my new Crestline S180!

[twowheelsintokyo]

A few wraps of dental floss will hold in the pawls. Wrap the floss around the pawls tight enough to hold them down, slide in the free hub, then pull one end of the floss to remove it.

[aaronchyea]

IIRC there was an updated version of the Hydra part way through production to reduce drive side bearing wear. I didn't know people were having issues with axle failure though. The drag on my Hydras did seem to reduce once i got about 100km on them. Super cool to see I9 continuing to improve their already amazing products 🤟🏻

[esims]

Id love to see a review of the project 321 g3 hubs.

[michiganstate]

Hopefully that solves the main issues. Have seen a lot of broken axles and creaking panels from wallowing out. Hopefully that lip seal and a larger bearing also helps bearings last longer than a season.

[huck]

Thanks for the sound comparison at 12:18. They are all too loud for me, I prefer my bike to be near silent, both coasting and pedaling.

[antoinedoinell]

I love I9 but I'm more or less realizing in my own riding that POE is pointless after 54 and I want a silent hub.

[roadsareoptional]

After dealing with 1000's of I9 hubs over the last 6 years, I can say that the Torch drive system was more robust than the Hydra - not to say that there were many issues w/Hydra, but there were zero issues with Torch. Hopefully The Hydra II will solve that with it's hardier parts choices as it may have been The lighter axle flexing and misaligning those tiny engagement teeth.

[Jinedan]

How difficult will it be to replace that lip seal?

[waldowsxxghostxx]

I currently have project321 g3 hubs i wonder if the drag is comparable?

[ArisaemaDracontium]

Did they also strengthen the spoke flanges on the traditional spoke hubs? I’ve seen a couple of those break on bikes among friends and acquaintances. A considerably bigger PIA than a broken axle.

[hammertime]

Sort of. People in to technical climbing love them.

[chef]

They are not out yet. i ordered 4 weeks ago and still no hubs

[Stockfish]

Hydra 2 sounds more like chris king now. Ill hold of buying though till reviews get out. 9 hydra was very prone issues and problems. Hopefully it wont be with this one

[weeringjohnny]

Am I alone in thinking we can chalk up quicker hub engagement as a first-world problem only?

[flyingsquirrel]

Another hub appropriate only for 2% but pushed to the masses. For the vast majority of riders, even many very good ones, stuff like this yields bragging rights at the pub and no more.