Freehub Types, Standards, and Compatibility for Road and MTB Wheels

    Posted at: Mar 22, 2023

    A summary of the different types and standards of freehubs used in road and MTB wheels, along with their compatibility with various cassettes.

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    Freehub Types, Standards, and Compatibility for Road and MTB Wheels

    Table of contents

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    Shimano

    Shimano currently offers five types of freehub bodies:

    1. Micro Spline (MTB, 12-speed)
    2. HG Spline L2 (Road, 12-speed)
    3. HG Spline L (Road, 8–12-speed)
    4. HG Spline M (Road, 8–10-speed / some 11-speed; MTB, 8–11-speed)
    5. HG Spline S (Cassette-type 7-speed)

    On the sprocket side, compatible models are generally designed to match the corresponding freehub. However, there are some exceptions with 10-speed and above, so be careful when installing.

    Sprocket / Freehub Body Micro Spline HG Spline L2 HG Spline L HG Spline M HG Spline S
    MS 12-speed Sprocket ◎ - - - -
    HG-L2 12-speed Sprocket - ◎ ◎ - -
    HG-L 11-speed Sprocket - - ◎ - -
    HG-M 11-speed Sprocket - - ◎
    with 1.85mm spacer    		 ◎ -
    HG-M 10-speed Sprocket - - ◎
    with 1.85mm spacer    		 ◎ -
    HG-M Old Road 10-speed Sprocket - - ◎
    with 1mm + 1.85mm spacers    		 ◎
    with 1.0mm spacer    		 -
    HG-M 9-speed Sprocket - - ◎
    with 1.85mm spacer    		 ◎ -
    HG-M 8-speed Sprocket - - ◎
    with 1.85mm spacer    		 ◎ -
    HG-S 7-speed Sprocket - - - - ◎

    For a detailed explanation of Shimano’s freehub bodies and sprockets, see the article below:

    Shimano Sprocket and Wheel Compatibility Explained

    It is easy to get confused about which wheels are compatible with which Shimano sprockets, as there are many different combinations. In this article, we will explain sprocket and wheel interchangeability in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-remember manner by looking at the evolution of wheels and sprockets.

    SRAM

    SRAM initially released only sprockets compatible with Shimano’s HG spline standard, but introduced its own standards when moving to 12-speed systems.

    However, considering users of traditional HG spline wheels, SRAM continues to offer 12-speed sprockets compatible with HG spline in addition to its proprietary XD and XDR driver systems.

    XD Driver

    When SRAM moved to 11-speed systems, it introduced its proprietary freehub standard: the XD Driver. While older SRAM sprockets were compatible with Shimano HG spline, XD Driver sprockets have a completely different shape and mechanism.

    One of the defining features of the XD Driver is support for a minimum top gear of 9T. This was developed in response to the needs of the MTB scene, where wide-range cassettes became essential due to the growing popularity of 1x (single front chainring) setups.

    However, a downside is the limited number of complete wheelsets available with XD Drivers. Once locked into this SRAM-specific standard, upgrade options can become quite limited.

    XDR Driver

    The XDR Driver is a road-oriented version of the XD Driver, extended by 1.85mm. Since both are SRAM standards, an XD sprocket can be mounted on an XDR driver using a 1.85mm spacer. However, due to the shorter length, XDR sprockets cannot be used on XD drivers.

    Although it’s a road-specific standard, it has become increasingly common on gravel bikes equipped with SRAM components.

    Campagnolo

    Campagnolo uses a proprietary freehub body standard, often referred to as the “Campy Freehub.”

    Known for its uniquely designed ergonomic shifters, Campagnolo has seen a decline in road bike market share in recent years. As a road-specific component brand, its Campy Freehub is about as rare as SRAM’s XD driver in today’s market.

    Freehub Compatibility

    Freehub / Sprocket HG Spline M HG Spline L XD Driver XDR Driver Campagnolo
    HG Spline M ◎ - - - -
    HG Spline L ◎
    (with 1.85mm spacer)    		 ◎ - - -
    XD Driver - - ◎ - -
    XDR Driver - - ◎
    (with 1.85mm spacer)    		 ◎ -
    Campagnolo - - - - ◎

    Frequently Asked Questions about Freehub Bodies for Road and MTB Wheels

    Q.

    Are all Shimano 12-speed cassettes Micro Spline?

    A.

    Shimano 12-speed cassettes use either:

    1. Micro Spline
    2. HG Spline L
    Q.

    Can I replace just the freehub body on my wheel?

    A.

    If the wheel manufacturer or hub manufacturer offers a replacement freehub body, it is possible to replace it.

    If not, you will need to either purchase a new wheel or prepare a cassette that matches the freehub body of your current wheel.

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