The 15mm thru axle interface has truly changed how riders understand fork/hub stiffness, and now moving to the 100mm wide Boost standard, the gains are even bigger. Greater control and consistency from the hub improves every riding experience As you build a new wheel or look to upgrade your hubs to the new standards, you have to consider the options. When quality, performance, and budget are driving your decision, choose Shimano XT M8000 series hubs. The M8010-B Front Hub is a terrific 15/110mm thru axle design that is stiff, rolls smoothly, and delivers excellent connection to the fork. The disc brake mount is the Centerlock spline design. With the release of the M8000 series 11 speed group, Shimano refined the weather protection, as well as managing to reduce the weight from the M785 series by 22 grams, and offering Boost frame and fork compatibility.

Labyrinth and Contact seals have seen a quality upgrade to better keep mud and water out of your hub assembly. Shimano employs angular contact bearings, which best the handle radial side loads that impact the axle, bearing, and shell interaction. With all hubs that use cartridge bearings and the much stiffer 15mm fork/axle interface, you can feel the side loads and counter forces of your front hub as you hold the line. That force puts immense stress on the bearings, axle and shell. Angular contact bearings carry that load freely into the concave-shaped bearing race of the XT hubshell, meaning this design and execution basically eliminates the counter-rotational force that even the best rolling sealed cartridge bearings can't avoid. The cup and cone system is adjustable, serviceable, and durable. Proper hub adjustment and service will ensure many years of optimal performance. The forged alloy hub shell carries the bearings and the 110mm wide, oversized 17.5mm OD alloy axle.

The Centerlock disc rotor mount is simple, clean, and easy to use. Even if you choose to run a 6-bolt rotor with a converter, installation and removal takes only a few seconds. The interface is solid, fully stabilizing the rotor and delivering stopping force immediately across the hub. XT hubs have always been among the best values on the market, and the M8000 series is no different. With the improvements, and great price, there is no reason to expect that to change. If you need to build up a quality front wheel for your Booost 110mm fork that won't break the bank, start from the center, and choose the XT M8010-B.