Technical Questions

Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

OPM hub manual

Accepted Answer

Below is the instructions manual that explains how to remove a GW OPM hub bearing and put it back together.

Question 7

TP hub manual

Accepted Answer

Below is the instructions manual that explains how to remove a GW TP hub bearing and put it back together.

Question 8

Switch thru axle system installation

Accepted Answer

Below is the instructions manual that explains how to operate Switch System thru axles and levers.

Question 9

Chain guide installation

Accepted Answer

Below is the instructions manual that explains how to install and adjust the Flip Guide.

Question 10

UDH installation

Accepted Answer

Below is the instructions manual that explains how to install a UDH hanger on a frame.