HOW TO install MICRO SPLINE Freehub on Bontrager Wheels - Works on Any Rapid Drive Hub

This is a guide to how to swap your Bontrager Micro Spline hubs from Shimano HG or Sram XD driver. This is pretty easy and only requires very basic tools/parts to make happen.
Freehub Parts List:
Micro Spline Freehub Body: 600718
Micro Spline Axle Endcap: W586894
Pawl Upgrade Parts:
3-Pack Pawls: 552414
3-Pack Springs: 552415
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[@danstanley9341]

Yep I did the 108 POE upgrade when I bought my 2018 Fuel EX 7. BTW, the Bontrager Line 30 Comp rear wheel may be the best deal out there. For $175 you get an excellent Rapid Drive hub and an 29mm internal width wheel that I have never needed to true. Wait until the annual Trek Days event and you’ll get another 25% off that price. Hard to believe people spend crazy money on wheelsets when there are wheels like this available for cheap.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

What are Trek Days? I don't think they have that promotion in my area but sounds like a good deal

[@danstanley9341]

Jamesthebikeguy It’s a national event but some shops may not participate I guess. Typically $100-200 off bikes and 25% off components on the web site. Typically it is April but was cancelled this year due to the pandemic. It’s usually just one week long.

[@tambouyahia8716]

@@Jamesthebikeguy The outer cover is the same, was it reused with the new cassette holder, or does it change with the change of the cassette holder

[@tomroetman1657]

If you’re changing from an XD freehub you will also need a new drive side end cap. It’s due to the way Sram vs Shimano cassettes thread onto the freehub body.

[@theanimaster]

Looking to get this upgrade for my ProCaliber 9.6... that freakin’ endcap was on back-order and Trek cancelled my order without so much a reason! Had to wait on hold for over an hour to get more information - apparently they didn’t have any stock to begin with! Or rather all the stock was in one warehouse in California, their NJ warehouse ran out and boom - sorry not sorry we cancelled your order you are number 13 in the queue your wait time is “28 minutes” ... an hour and 20 minutes later...... I was told I’d receive a tracking email tomorrow. Let’s see. I have $1500 in carbon wheels waiting to be installed and a stupid $20-40 part is holding up the whole process. Anticipation and Excitement over what the new carbon wheels would feel like have turned into Frustration and Regret. It’s like being told Santa has an awesome present waiting for you on Christmas - but you’ll have to wait till Easter to get it!

[@theanimaster]

Update: ok, so shipping problems confirmed and they didn’t send an email at the expected time, but fortunately I didn’t have to wait an hour when I called back. It was being handled in the background anyways, and I today I received the part. Geezuz. I can’t believe this was what was holding up such a huge upgrade.

[@jonest-e393]

hi, i want to see/know how to remove that microspline.

[@sawyerrides8467]

Not mentioned in the video or in the comments here but the drive side MS end cap is quite difficult to get off as compared to the XD and HG hub body end cap, not to mention, its nearly impossible to find online or at trek stores. Just my two cents

[@Mtbdiyshedpage]

Hi James, I have a shimano microspline freehub is it possiple to change back to a HG freehub? What will it involve?

[@rubensenriquez3604]

James I already upgraded my trek Farley 7 to microspline 12spd thank you for the info.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sweet!

[@zenofthemoment]

Did you do the 108t upgrade right away as well?

[@rubensenriquez3604]

@@zenofthemoment yes I enjoyed the ride and the sound of freehub

[@lisabeck3963]

Hey James. Have you got a similar video for Bontrager hubs originally fitted with SRAM XD converting it to Shimano micro-spline? Thanks if you do.

[@zenofthemoment]

You missed the most valuable clip you could've added...the sound while riding! Let's hear it!

[@alexcartier4162]

Can you really change ANY Rapid Drive 54t hub to microspline? About to pull the trigger and am nervous haha.

[@ariskardas]

Did you pull the trigger? I am also debating that. The quoted cost at the local shop was close to 150€ and with 220€ I can get a whole new Dt-Swiss rear wheel that is MS already. Hmmmmm

[@MichalBudzik_]

Thank you...as always Amazing content!! Just added 3 more paws on mine. Can't wait to ride it. Quick question :Would you recommend to put any grease on the outside of the hub splines when you slide te cassete on? Cheers

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I wouldn't. That's not a friction interface. Possibly if your concerned about corrosion you could do very very light anti-seiz but dry is just fine

[@tambouyahia8716]

The outer cover is the same, was it reused with the new cassette holder, or does it change with the change of the cassette holder

[@jongieabrera4702]

Hi! I have trek marlin 6 2019, & want to upgrade to shimano deore m6100 12s casette 10-51t, I've just bought the rapid drive 108 shimano microspline freehub boby plus the 3 pawls/spring. Question: is the rear stock freehub body already have the 3pcs of pawls & spring on it attached? just like that on your video then i just need to add those new ones equivalent to 6 pawls & spring right..

[@mal3292]

Did it work im trying to install on my marlin 8?

[@jeremiahclarin]

I like your contents. Learning a lot from your channel.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Glad I can help

[@marcoantoniodiaz9822]

Good afternoon. I currently have cranck brothers cobalt 3 wheels. Does the microspline fit on them? thanks for your reply

[@willothewisp988]

I have tried to fit an SLX 12sp 10-45 to my Trek Powerfly instead of the Deore 12sp 10-51, but the fit is different and the spider beam appears to contact the wheel, locking the freewheel. I thought all these micro spline cassettes were cross compatible, but it appears not.

[@alanfabricio_]

Hi, did you need to change the crank in order to use shimano’s chainring?

[@gregstinson5725]

Have you had any issue with the Shimano cassette lockring wanting to strip when tightening to torque? The threads are very fine & barely make contact to bite once the cassette is mounted on.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I have not.

[@abmvt]

Thanks man. I got a Roscoe 7 2020 and was able to get the line 40 with rapid drive upgraded to 108 for free ! But can we do this with the XD free hub to use the GX and up rear cassette ? Would prob need diff end caps as well

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice 👍. You can do it to a XD as well. I believe the XD and the HG freehub bodies both use the same end cap. Just a different one for the Microspline

[@feronious]

Was this a Formula DC-22 hub? If not, which hub did you have?

[@Jack-kj2pc]

Hello, I have a question whether such a barrel fits my Trek X Caliber 8 2022 BOOST 141 x5 QR. I have Bontrager hubs on my bike. thank you in advance for your help. Regards 

[@carlosthomen8139]

Thank you and Great Video, I have a 2021 Trek X caliber 7 and would like to do a 12 speed upgrade. But trying to figure out exactly which wheels I have is driving me nuts, the description from Trek is REAR HUB " Formula DC-2241, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, Boost141, 5mm QR " and REAR 29 INCH WHEEL " Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 32-hole, 23mm width, presta valve " if you can help Thanks Carlos.

[@snat6299]

Hi do you know what part I need to remove the SLX cassette? Looks like a little nut driver that you put the wrench on also do need a chain whip to hold the cassette when removing? Thanks

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Cassette tool: www.landrys.com/product/park-tool-cassette-lockring-tool-282335-1.htm Chainwhip: www.landrys.com/product/park-tool-sr-12.2-sprocket-remover-chain-whip-357850-1.htm

[@cecilleacosta6911]

Is it applicable to fh-MT510 that is already microspline? It is 3pawls only that's why i want it to be 6pawls.

[@wojak2466]

Nice P-51 D Mustang T- shirt.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Thanks

[@pilomybike1737]

Thanks for sharing.. I did and i follow these steps on my Wheelset Kovee Comp 29 Rapid drive 54T on my bike 2021 Fuel EX5. Everything upgraded on my Kovee comp the hubs,change to micropsline ,pawls,end cap.Install everything on my bike.I just notice and dissapoint it fails on my kovee wheelset,The Bike would move forward something pressuring the hubs to move freely.,But if i realease my thru axle for the safe turn lock.the bike moves freely,but if put my Thru axle in safe a mode lock. The bike won't move freely.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Something wasn't either installed correctly or you got the wrong endcap. The Kovee wheels have an identical hub to this

[@slatergoli3998]

My free hub body dosent just come off as easy as that not sure what to do

[@ricardotsukamoto1912]

this freehub fits in a road bontrager wheel paradigm comp?

[@dominicwalker9947]

Thanks for the heads up. Learn something new everyday.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You bet!

[@chrisazzopardi4104]

Hi, James , must say your clips are awesome , would really need your help with a farley 5, 10speed to 12 speed convertion wish to contact you

[@smeekteek]

If all of the pawls are engaging the hub at the same time, how is that raising the points of engagement on the hub?

[@andrewmeggait4504]

It should work if there is an offset and not all six engage at the same time.

[@mattsmith2051]

Are they good hubs in your experience?

[@darkriverracing22]

Would that possibly fit other branded hubs?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Very unlikely as the "Rapid Drive" freehub here is specific to Bontrager only.

[@THSimagery]

What’s the benefit of adding the additional pawls? And how is the engagement of the 54?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Higher engagement means it reacts better/faster in tricky situations. The 54t is good. The 108 is twice as good.

[@Tonkmaster]

Will this work with either a marlin 6 2020 or marlin 7 2021?

[@oldmatelinc]

I have a 2021 trek fuel ex8 in Australia. It has the sram gx set-up which i dont want/need 2 change..... but could I do the pawl upgrade on it??sounds like a cheap/ trick upgrade 🤟😎

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Yes you can

[@alwaysblunted3961]

So I just installed the free hub and end cap, but the free hub has some play after I put in the ms 12mm end cap. Is this normal to have play before installing the cassette?

[@petej96]

I'm having the same issue, did you resolve this?

[@nategagner]

There shouldn't be any play. This is a common issue with the end cap when new. You just have to put something soft over the cap, and tap it with a hammer until the play is gone.

[@Tatravel]

How wide is the rear tail of this bike (135 or 142mm) ?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

This was done on a Boost 148mm wheel.

[@jeremiahclarin]

Just got a 2021 fuel ex 5 and it has a bontrager 148 boost rear hub. Will this upgrade work on it? Thank you!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Unfortunately not. The EX5 doesn't come with rapid drive hubs

[@lloyd2010]

Hello Does this work on Xcaliber 7 2020 wheel?

[@davefstein]

What about for a 142x12mm conversion to microspline for the m7100 gearset? Anyone ever done this?

[@mrjonnykrebs]

I'm trying to do the same thing, rapid drive microspline with 142 old. I don't think it's compatible yet. Have you figured out a way to do it?

[@XtopherMartin]

I have a 2011 X-Cal. Will this work with the Deore hub currently installed?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

no

[@wgnwheels333]

Am buying a 2022 trek rail 7 ebike with 12 speed I want go from micro to hg so I can fit a new linkglide ebike 11 to 50 drive train

[@jonest-e393]

will that microspline also pop off to remove same as rapid drive?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

All Bontrager rapid drive freehubs (regardless of standard) come on and off the same way

[@dawiddybol9587]

it will be fit on Trek Procaliber 8 from 2018 ?? Wheels Duster Elite

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No it will not. Check with your Trek dealer to see if there is a option for your Dusters.

[@overexposurevideo]

very clear video thnx !

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Glad you liked it!

[@juanjosebautista9408]

Can I put this one on my Syncros XR 2.0 29 2017 BOOST wheels?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

no

[@tomginnelly5981]

Will this work in marlin 5

[@Marlonvelas94]

Where can I get the freehub body microspline?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Your local bike shop

[@山崎雄二-z3d]

I have TREK Dual sport 2. Can I put SLX M7100 on my bike with this upgrade?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I don't think your hub is compatible with this.

[@山崎雄二-z3d]

@@Jamesthebikeguy Thank you!! I almost buy it.

[@jeremiahclarin]

Can you do this upgrade without removing the cassette?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No

[@jeremiahclarin]

I'm so sorry, I meant upgrading/ adding more pawls without removing the cassette. 😁

[@robertmilner855]

Does this work with Formula CL-3248 / Boost 12x148mm hub. Thanks

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No.

[@robertmilner855]

@@Jamesthebikeguy is there any other micro spline adapter that works with the formula hub. Thanks

[@sanchez714]

How do I know that the microspline would fit on my bike🤔

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Figure out what hub you have on your bike, then google or ask your local bike shop if there is a microspline available.

[@phlr]

Does this only work on Bontrager wheels?

[@chrispierdominici3891]

Nope, it'll work on others if they have the RapidDrive on it. I have done this on my 2020 Farley 7's Sunringle's wheels, which have the Bontrager 108T freehub

[@wrongsend7106]

Awesome

[@73vdub]

Does this work on a 2021 Trek Roscoe 7?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No, needs a rapid drive hub to work

[@zenasgilmorales9224]

Where to buys these stuffs?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Your local Trek dealer.

[@MartinTeerly]

Paws and springs sold separately ?

[@chrispierdominici3891]

Yes, they are. And they're not cheap either. $17.99 for a 3pk of the pawls, $8.99 for 3pk of the springs and $14.99 for the end cap. Gets pricey fast if you're buying 2 sets of the springs and pawls to do a clean, fresh install and need enough for the 108 engagement. IMO you should get all the parts with the freehub body when you're paying $100 for it.

[@MartinTeerly]

@@chrispierdominici3891 every company does this to us. They sell everything separately and charge top £££

[@ernestocazares4065]

What grease is that?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Bontrager hub grease

[@yourfatson8262]

I’m pretty sure they only made microspline to get people to spend more money notice how SRAM uses hg for 12 speed but I prefer Shimano and my team is sponsored by them so

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

They do Micro Spline for the 10t cog. You can't go down to 10t w/o a new freehub. Hence why higher end SRAM uses a XD driver instead of hg.

[@yourfatson8262]

Jamesthebikeguy oh I never understood why but now I get why SRAM has the 11 tooth small on the lower end ok thanks

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

u need allso a different endcap for the microspline. This aint right.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Yes I am aware of that. That part is both shown in the video and in the parts list in the description. I am guessing you didn't watch the video?

[@aljaynoces93]

Is it compatible to speedone 8 pawls?

[@ドミニク-w9s]

Hello Does this work on the marlin 6 2021 wheels?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It does not

[@ドミニク-w9s]

Is there an micro spline hub for marlin?

[@jaimebalgoa2321]

Is this gonna fit to sram eagle 12 speed?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

If you run a Shimano cassette.

[@jaimebalgoa2321]

So change the cassette then the bontrager rapid drive hub fits? Thanks for the reply. Great video's.