Hello to all our Bike Lovers, If you’re into mountain or road cycling and have been eyeing high-performance drivetrains, you’ve probably heard of SRAM XD and XDR hubs. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from traditional freehub systems? Let’s break it down.
📌 What is a Freehub Driver?
A freehub driver is the mechanism on your rear hub that connects to your cassette and allows it to rotate freely when coasting and engage when pedaling. Different drivetrain brands and setups use different freehub standards.
🔴 What is the SRAM XD Driver?
The SRAM XD driver body was introduced for mountain bikes to accommodate cassettes with a smaller 10-tooth cog — something traditional freehubs couldn’t support. It allows for:
Compatible with:
🔵 What is the SRAM XDR Driver?
The SRAM XDR driver body is essentially an extended version of the XD, designed for road bikes and gravel setups. It allows for the same secure cassette fit and 10-tooth cog compatibility but with an extra 1.85mm width to fit road disc and thru-axle hubs.
Compatible with:
Pro Tip: You can use an XD cassette on an XDR hub with a 1.85mm spacer.
⚙️ Why It Matters
Understanding freehub standards like XD and XDR ensures you:
📌 Final Thought
SRAM’s XD and XDR drivers are game-changers for achieving a wide gear range and lightweight drivetrain setup across both mountain and road platforms. Whether you’re a bike shop mechanic, a custom bike builder, or an enthusiast upgrading your ride — knowing your hub driver standards is essential for a hassle-free, high-performance setup.
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