If you’re going to go down the custom built wheel route then it’s hard to beat a set of Hope hubs as the starting point, and for 2011 they’ve got even better. These new Pro II Evo hubs have pinched the high quality stainless steel bearings and the freehub body from the Pro III hubs, which now means even longer service intervals and easier 12mm bolt thru conversion on the rear. The one thing that stays the same though when you buy a pair of Hope hubs is that you get the best customer service and backup imaginable (they even offer complete wheel builds). With everything made right here in the UK getting hold of spares and advice is never an issue, and for that reason alone they deserve a place in the Dirt 100.

Price: Front £60, rear £145
hope 01282 851 200
www.hopetech.com