GW FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Components

Question 1

2025 Product Catalog

Accepted Answer

2025 GW Product Catalog

Question 2

Other Product Technical Issues

Accepted Answer

We do our best to include as much information as possible on the website, but we don’t always have all the information. If you have a technical question, please reach out to our technical desk: tech@gw-mfg.com

Question 3

Other Product and Sales Issues

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about samples, ordering, pricing or other sales related topics, you can send us a message through the website by clicking on the Contact tab above or email us at info@gw-mfg.com and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Question 4

Other Warranty and Service Issues

Accepted Answer

GW has a dedicated warranty and service unit that is responsible for resolving any issue that you may run into. If you have a problem with your order, a product quality issue or any other concern, please contact our service unit at service@gw-mfg.com.

Question 5

How to Measure an Axle?

Accepted Answer

How to Measure Your OEM Axle This section explains how to measure your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) axle. If your original axle is missing, you will need to contact your frame or fork manufacturer and ask for four key dimensions. To order a replacement axle, you need to know the following information: axle diameter, axle length, thread pitch, and thread length. Look for Markings Before attempting to measure your axle, check for markings on it. In many cases, the dimensions are laser-etched onto the axle. Your frame or fork manufacturer should also be able to provide these measurements. Find a Metric Ruler Thru-axles are measured in millimeters. Use a metric ruler or a set of calipers. Measure Axle Diameter Your axle diameter will be 12, 15, or 20 millimeters. Axles with 15mm and 20mm diameters are typically used for enduro and DH forks. Use a ruler or calipers to confirm the axle diameter. Measure Axle Length Measure the axle length, excluding the head or washers—only measure the axle itself. The replacement axle should be within 1-2mm of the original axle length. If your axle falls between two sizes, it's best to choose the longer threaded option. Measure Thread Pitch Thread pitch refers to the spacing between threads. To determine the pitch, count the number of threads within a 10mm section. 10 threads indicate a P1.0 pitch, approximately 7 threads indicate a P1.5mm pitch, and slightly less than 6 threads indicate a P1.75mm pitch. If you have difficulty counting, consult your frame manufacturer. Measure Thread Length Measure the total length of the threads on the axle. The replacement axle should have the same or a longer thread length. You should now have all the measurements needed to order a replacement axle. To accurately measure the thread, start from the beginning of the threads or the end of the axle, using the longer measurement. Is It a Syntace Axle? If your axle has a tapered washer, then it is a Syntace axle. These axles typically have a fine-thread pitch of P1.0.

Question 6

Hub Levels

Accepted Answer

Products in the Elite category are the best, most technically-advanced that GW produces. These created for riders who want the strongest, lightest and highest performance hubs on the market. Race level hubs are high performance products that can meet high expectations of the strongest riders. These hubs use high-quality parts and technology that’s been proven in the lab and on bikes. Sport hubs use proven technology which ensures they’re reliable and strong enough to handle regular use and even some racing. The technology may not be leading edge, but we’ve paid attention to the details, so they outperform similar products on the market.

Question 7

HUB Intended Usage

Accepted Answer

E-MTB E-mtb have the highest performance motors and batteries. They also come equipped with specially designed components to handle the higher weight and speeds that the bikes are capable of. We expect the bikes to be ridden hard, several days a week, in a wide variety of conditions. Hubs in this category will be used on rough singletrack and in dusty or muddy roads. Thanks to the strength of the parts, hubs in this category can be used on any bike. Chainring: 34t or larger Cassette: Up to 52 teeth Rider and bike weight: up to 135kg Motor power: up to 95Nm Maximum drop: 2m MTB Mountain bikes are used in a similar way to e-mountain bikes but aren’t equipped with motors. These bikes are lighter than e-mtb since they aren’t equipped with motors or batteries. We expect the bikes to be ridden up to 7 days a week, in a wide variety of conditions. Hubs in this category are not suitable for use on e-mountain bikes. Chainring: 34t or larger Cassette: Up to 52 teeth Rider and bike weight: 115kg Motor power: n/a Maximum drop: 1m Road / Gravel Bikes in this category are characterized by lower weight and higher speeds than mountain bikes. We expect them to be ridden up to seven days a week. Due to the nature of road riding, the hubs are not as robust as those on performance mountain bikes, but they are strong enough to handle all the forces that a riders subject the bike to. Hubs in this category are not suitable for use on e-bikes or mountain bikes. Chainring: 34t or larger Cassette: Up to 42 teeth Rider and bike weight: 110kg Motor power: n/a Maximum drop: n/a

Question 8

Hubs - internals

Accepted Answer

RCS - Hub Drive System Rachet Cassette System is GW’s Patented ratchet drive system. There are several advantages to using the RCS including being extremely reliable, low drag and an ability to handle heavy torque loads due to the load being spread across a large area. The RCS is ideally suited to someone looking for a reliable and low maintenance hub. To make maintenance easier and ensure performance, our Patented Design; The ratchets and springs are captured on a sleeve as a cassette. The hub is equipped with standard size bearings to make sourcing replacements easier. Compatible EndCap with OP System, allow easy service and warranty. HEP - Hub Drive System High Engagement Pawl rear hub system houses 60T ratchet ring and 3x2 / 6x1 offset pawls arrangement to achieve 3°/ 120 points or 6°/ 60 points of engagement. OP - Hub Drive System Original Pawl is GW’s first hub drive system, since 2013. When launched, it was considered the best in its class. The hub has been ridden by countless professional riders and won many UCI races both in Road and Mountain. The OP system is our lightest pawl system and it’s been optimized for use on road bikes. It has a wide range of brake type, bearing, cassette body options. Tool-free end cap removal makes maintenance easier and the use of standard size bearings makes it easier to source replacements. Replacement parts are easily available in most major web-stores. OPM - Hub Drive System Original Pawl Mega is GW’s Updated pawl driven system. The OPM system has the same basic configuration as the OP system, Updated large Mega axle; has been increased from 15 to 17mm to provide significantly more strength and stiffness. By using this hub with a standard 12mm thru axle, the system is able to handle high torque loads on modern mountain bikes. It is also well suited for use on e-mountain bikes. Thanks to the increased strength and stiffness of this hub, bearing longevity is increased so this hub enjoys lower service requirements. GW uses standard sized bearings so finding replacements is quick and easy. We expect that these hubs will be used in less than ideal conditions, so the engineers paid careful attention to the seal design. Our Patent Pending Flex Seal; Prevent water and dust entering to the engagement chamber without added friction. Also allow rider to service the hub regularly without damaging the function. There are a wide range of internal options available for this hub so it can be modified to suit most weight and durability requirements. TP - Hub Drive System Tri-Pawl is GW’s newest entry level pawl Driven hub system. It is designed and made specially for All purpose use, highly suitable for OE application. The TP system is equipped with alloy forged hub shell provides low weight without compromise in strength, it also runs straight up with an oversize 17mm diameter axle provides significantly more strength and stiffness. Thanks to GW’s unique Patent Pending Bridge Bushing System (BBS), acts as a support and between Hub and Cassette; increase the lifespan of bearings. With the help of BBS, it improves overall system strength and ensures correct pawl alignment under heavy load. TP hub system is Your most cost-effective option. With 1 SKU, it services both Mountain and E-Mountain bike requirement. It’s being designed without compromise to be strong, reliable and low-maintenance.

Question 9

Hub Options

Accepted Answer

Revo - Hub Bearings Like the NB bearings, our Revo brand bearings are standard size but the races and balls have custom dimensions which are different than those found on NB bearings. The design of these bearings allows them to better withstand being sideloaded and thus makes them more durable and wear resistant. We also upgrade one side of the Revo bearing seals to make them more resistant to water entry meaning they have a longer lifespan. OP - Axle Options There are three axle options available for the OP system – alloy, steel, and steel lite Alloy axles are standard for this hub since they are the lightest and sufficiently durable to stand up to use on the road. Steel axles are optional and can be used as standard or replacements for riders who are heavy or ride aggressively. Steel LITE axles are steel axles with a reduced inner diameter which allows their weight and performance to slot between alloy and steel axles. These are ideal for adding strength without a significant weight penalty. Below is a chart which shows the strength and weight comparison between the axles. Weight Savings If saving weight is vital, you can choose the option of the LITE version which lowers the rear hub weight but does not affect strength or durability. The LITE option consists of a cassette body with extra milling and bearing spacers that have their center sections reduced in diameter. The LITE version saves about 7 grams over the standard version. Finish Options Ano black or ano color The standard finish for GW hub shells is anodized black to give it a slightly shiny look that’s easy to clean. This good-looking and durable finish will match any bike on the market. If you prefer something unique, the hubs can be anodized in a range of standard colors. BB matte black BB matte black is a slight variation on the standard anodized black finish. Before anodizing, we bead blast the hub shell. BB matte black hub shells have a slightly matte look that makes them stand out from other hubs but still allows it to match any bike on the market. Single or dual laser logo GW offers single or dual laser logos as standard options on hubs. This is a popular way to add logos thanks to low cost and good looks. Our high-quality laser machines allow us to etch designs that would be a challenge for other companies. Single or dual black laser logo By changing the manufacturing process, we are able to offer the option of black laser logos on hubs. Black laser logos have the same durable finish as white logos but due to lower contrast, they have a stealthy look. Circular Logo Most logos are only found in a narrow range on a hub but circular logos wrap around the hub shell allowing designers much more freedom to create interesting logos. Circular logos are available in standard or black. If you have technical questions, would like to know more about customizing the hub or can’t find a specification you require, please get in touch with your sales contact or email the technical desk at tech@gw-mfg.com. Freehub Chart On the chart below, you can see which replacement freehub bodies are available for our hubs.

Question 10

Thruaxle Overview

Accepted Answer

Thruaxle Overview