A hub gear is almost mandatory on low-maintenance everyday bikes. On mountain bikes, the thick hubs containing all the gears still have exotic status. And not without reason: there is no need for a front derailleur, cassette and possibly front derailleur and double or triple cranks. But the hub gears add around 1.5 kilos to the rear wheel. This makes the suspension on the fully more sluggish - and even on the hardtail with hub gears, the rear-heavy weight distribution takes some getting used to, at the latest when jumping.

However, this rear-heavy weight does not deter the Norwegian manufacturer Kindernay. With three components, the Norwegians surprisingly present a new concept for the modern hub gear.

The hub: naked

First up is the "K'ay XIV", a gear hub with 14 gears, a gear range of 543 percent and a design for various installation dimensions (135mm with quick release or 10 millimetre thru axle, 142 millimetres with 12 millimetre thru axle, 190 millimetres with 10 millimetre thru axle or 197 millimetres with 12 millimetre thru axle)

The gears are uniformly stepped, which results in a 13.9 percent shifting increase per gear. Compared to a 3x10 system, the Norwegian hub effectively offers 42/11 as the heaviest gear and 22/32 as the lightest gear. The hub is currently designed for chain operation, operation with a belt is not planned, but the hub makers are talking about possible updates that will enable belt operation.

The flanges: can be screwed on

A real special feature is provided by Kindernay with a removable hub flange structure. The black, CNC-milled frame is called Swap and can be screwed onto the hub body. The manufacturer cites the following advantages: Easy change of wheel sizes, as the fully spoked and wheeled wheel can be completely detached from the hub shell. The standard version is equipped with 28 holes for connecting the spokes to the rim.

The gear activation: hydraulic

Another unique feature is the "HYSEQ": this is a hydraulic shifter, the 14 gears are activated by oil pressure and not by cable pull. Similar to a hydraulic disc brake, the shifting system also has an expansion tank and nipples for bleeding and bleeding the system. The actuator, i.e. the slave piston that shifts the gears in the hub, is easy to install and remove and is positioned in such a way that it should not be damaged in the event of a fall.

As soon as the shift lever, the so-called operator, has made the shift, the gears are changed without delay. The system works with a gearshift, which is available for left or right. Individual gears can be shifted or several gears can be shifted at once by pressing the gearshift for a longer period of time. What is interesting for mountain biking is the system's potential to change gears when stationary - without moving the crank. It should also be possible to change gears under full load.