Project321 Launch Canadian-Made G3 Hubs

Apr 8, 2024
by Project321  
Full colour lineup of Project321 G3 Hubs
A full colour lineup of Project321's G3 hubs

PRESS RELEASE: Project 321


• The new Project321 G3 hubs are officially launched with a starting price of $650 USD and ready to partner with new dealers, distributors and OEMs

• G3 hubs offer instant, rock-solid engagement leveraging Project321’s proven M-Pulse technology

• 6-Lock is Project321’s patent-pending technology offering riders an enhanced version of six bolt with a simple conversion to centerlock, and will be included on all G3 Hubs

• G3 hubs are available in 12 vivid colors with the option to mix and match endcaps and 6-Lock colors to give you a new level of customization


MEET G3



photo
M-Pulse

ENGAGEMENT

G3 hubs use the same 72 tooth drive ring and three-step magnetically actuated pawls as our proven G2 hubs. Project321 wanted to increase engagement without compromising reliability. To do so, we added two additional pawls to increase engagement, instead of miniaturizing the teeth on the drive ring and pawls. A total of eight pawls work in teams of two, to give 1.25° or 288 points of engagement. Project321 believes this gives riders the ideal balance of instant engagement and rock-solid reliability.

Project321’s M-Pulse technology features magnetically actuated pawls that have been designed to keep drag to a minimum while coasting. The system also comes with the benefit of having fewer moving parts, and no easy-to-lose springs come maintenance time.

a step by step view of 6-Lock on and off a project321 g3 hub
A sutaway shot of the 6-Lock on a Project321 G3 Hub

6-LOCK

6-Lock is a new patent pending technology by Project321. 6-Lock is an enhanced six bolt design that features stainless steel bolt threads. No lockring is required, only T25 Torx hardware, giving the rider true six bolt rotor retention. 6-Lock easily converts to center lock, giving you unrestrained brake rotor optionality.

6-lock utilizes a stainless steel collet that locks into the channel behind the splines on a center lock brake mount. Stainless steel threads eliminate the risk of stripping and significantly improve bolt retention. A 7075 aluminum flange fits over the collet to support it while locking onto the centerlock splines, providing a strong brake mount interface for any six bolt rotor. The system also adds redundancy as it is completely modular.

A cutaway of the Axle and bearing layout of a Project321 G3 hub
A cutaway shot of the Project321 G3 Hub


AXLE AND BEARING LAYOUT

Project321 has updated our hub’s internal architecture as well, and G3 hubs showcase an entirely new axle and bearing layout. The new design features two double-row bearings to provide additional support at the highest stress point of the axle, with the intention of making broken axles a thing of the past. G3 axles are fully anodized 7075 aluminum, and Project321 have maintained preload adjustment on its rear hubs to allow you to achieve perfect bearing preload. We're so confident in the axle design (also utilized in Stan’s M-Pulse hubs since the beginning of 2022), we are giving customers a 10-year warranty on them.

SEALING

G3 hubs have Project321’s most robust sealing system yet, which was codeveloped with Stan’s during the development of Stan’s M-Pulse hubs. The system is comprised of a low-drag light-contact rubber seal that is pressed into the hubshell, and an aluminum dust shield pressed onto the driver body. This improved two-piece system keeps oil in, and contaminants out.


COLOUR AVAILABILITY

G3 hubs are available in 12 vibrant colours, and there is an option to mix and match endcaps and 6-lock brake flange colours to give your bike an added personal touch.


SIZING

Front
• Boost 110x15
• 100x15
• 100x12

Rear
• Super-boost 157x12
• Boost 148x12
• 142x12
WEIGHT

With 6-Lock and XD Driver: Front 175g, Rear 312g
Center Lock with XD Driver: Front 155g, Rear 292g

PRICE

Black: $650 USD / $875 CAD
Colour: $675 USD / $910 CAD
Custom mix and match: $700 USD / $945 CAD

A note from Bryden, Project321’s CEO

"Well – that was a little harder than expected! There is a lot that goes into making these hubs (and developing 6-Lock) and no one on the team would have guessed that it would have taken as long as it did. As original and revised timelines for G3’s launch lapsed, we took the time to get it right. The team is very excited about the processes they have developed and the quality of the product they are building. We did not just move a business, but rather, rebuilt the business on a brand-new foundation that will enable Project321 to grow over the decades to come.

Our approach with G3 was to build a hub that strikes the ideal balance between strength, weight, reliability, and efficiency. G3 is not the lightest hub on the market. It also does not offer the highest number of points of engagement, and that was by design. Our belief is that to chase these extremes you must make undesirable compromises elsewhere in the hub. The result of this design philosophy is a robust and efficient hubset with instant, rock-solid engagement.

While G3 is our first Canadian product, we are working on more products that will improve performance and inspire confidence, and we intends to reinvest heavily in research and development, and growth of our manufacturing capacity. At the end of the day Project321’s goal is to earn the reputation of being an enterprise in which you can place your trust."


Hubs Available Now @ PROJECT321.COM

Behind the scenes look at manufacturing of Project321 G3 Hubs


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Project 321


Author Info:
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Member since Sep 20, 2022
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110 Comments
  • 64 1
 We have a (admittedly pretty cool) promo video that DOESN'T feature the hub sound?! That's like the most important thing to most people? Will I sound like a pack of angry horseflies terrorizing everone on my way to my KOM? Or calmly shred the trails in blissful silence?
  • 23 0
 First thing I was wondering as well. How loud are these? Then I realized that the question is purely academic as these are way beyond my budget
  • 6 2
 Probably sounds a lot like the M Pulse hub: youtu.be/a8r6hGFw5oc?si=LzF8gLZlb0_VAid4
  • 9 1
 Hmm... looks like they got rid of the option to choose standard or quiet pawls. I liked the quiet ones.
  • 7 2
 Horseflies? Never heard a hub described using that analogy for the buzzing sound. Rolleyes

Must be a Canadian thing.... Ya'll got some mad Flies there!
  • 9 0
 @likeittacky: they Skeeter's, Deer and Horseflies in this part of the country are apex predators. They don't bite... They tear chunks off you. Somedays it aint worth going out if in ain't windy. Them f*ckers lay in wait for their literal pound of flesh.
  • 2 0
 @OlSkoolJake: like the midges in scotland
  • 1 0
 They used to depend on how packed the hubs were with grease. You could kind of choose how much noise you had. I had some and they were awesome
  • 2 0
 I got to test these hubs last year (still have them on my bike) and you might be able to hear that they sound like any other hub here; youtu.be/xe7HexLE-34?si=fQLjhP-0IdWHiY7m
  • 5 0
 @jubs17: Sounds like you got free-hubs instead. Pun intended
  • 6 0
 @FaahkEet: Thanks for the useful link! I know hub sound is completely subjective, but for me, there is something about the Stans and i9 Hydra sound that I just can't stand. It's so shrill. It's like that scene in Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd asks, "Hey, wanna hear the most annnoying sound in the world? ....Aaaaghghghghg!!!!"
  • 5 2
 Not if you peddling son
  • 4 1
 For 650 big ones it better sound like a guy is simultaneously blowing a bees nest with leaf blower while sucking up a yellow jacket nest with a vacume cleaner.
  • 1 0
 Childs care about the superficial stuff, adults think that 900$ is ridiculous
  • 16 0
 Does the green front hub match the green rear hub? There's a reason so many companies have dropped green as an option.

Cool it's Canadian. If it's any good I'd love to see these on a WaO. A truly Canadian wheelset.
  • 1 0
 where would spokes be from and rubber? Damn, sealant and tape I guess as well... is Gorilla tape CAD or USA made?
  • 2 0
 @valrock: WPL makes their products (e.g. sealant) in Canada. Michelin is the only tire manufacturer that produces any tires in Canada, however I think it's only passenger and commercial vehicle tires, not cycling. That being said, better to support them than a manufacturer with no manufacturing presence in Canada.

I'm sure you could get custom drawn spokes (bespoke spokes?) and most aluminum used in North American is Canadian (I think). It seems alloy spokes tend to be made overseas. Berd is a US company. I assume the Dyneema isn't made in North American as they make no claims as such.

Apparently 3M 3939 duct tape is made in London Ontario. They likely have something more suitable made in NA, but I can't be bothered to research that.
  • 14 0
 I have the G2's form 2017, still rolling perfectly on the original EZO bearings. Would not hesitate to buy these G3's based on my experience. Compared to my Hydra's which the original Enduro bearings were toast in less than a year. I replaced 3 of the 6 total bearings with Phil Wood's, but the rest of the bearings are a proprietary size and fail on the regular. Would not buy again.
  • 4 0
 EZO bearings are superb for the money. Enduro bearing not so much , they really are just playing at it, relying on the "bikey" name to sell lots. My frame went through a set of Enduro bearings every 4 months ( I ride about 500,000ft a year) so I changed to a full set of Stainless EZO bearings..... still on em 1 year later . Unreal Yes expensive outlay at beginning, but a year in I've now saved 30% on what replacing the Enduro with more Enduro would have cost , never mind the hassle and downtime. "EZO SS" all the way
  • 2 0
 Has someone confirmed that these G3's use non-proprietary sizes and not Enduro brand?
  • 11 1
 Finally, TRUE 6 bolt retention! Next PB survey:

centerlock vs 6 bolt vs TRUE 6 bolt!

While people were prepared to lose their shit on anybody over something as pointless as rotor retention I'm sure this new "standard" will be able to up the arguments to new highs. Who's willing to kill a man because they still like 6 bolt now that this is out?
  • 20 0
 They should have gone 8 bolt
  • 9 2
 @Compositepro: are you saying you want to fight me?
  • 73 1
 @warmerdamj: no im too busy shitting in my own hands and clapping
  • 9 5
 Everybody please upvote that last comment by @Compositeproso it wins comment of the year.
  • 5 0
 @Compositepro: I want a 12 bolt option, so I can more precisely choose what angle to mount my rotor and align the text on my rotor arm with my rim sticker. That's why centerlock will always be superior!
  • 8 0
 @showmethemountains: i want world peace and to win miss world , failing that id like to be a footballers wife
  • 2 0
 @Compositepro:

7700 Package, including plow mount and skid plates
  • 11 2
 "Project321 believes this gives riders the ideal balance of instant engagement and rock-solid reliability."

I think this should not be a matter of faith, but science.
  • 7 0
 I went to church yesterday if the vicar had led with that id be on that holy spirit tip like a boss
  • 5 1
 Hey Project321 can you do a run of the lefty adapters....Got a few lefty's lying around and no cannondale frames that work with them would be nice if your adapter was an option again. They are like unicorns in the used market.
  • 7 0
 Are those prices for individual hubs, or for a set?
  • 17 0
 Never mind, I just used my brain and went to their website. It's for a set. Looks nice. Looking forward to a long-term review on these.
  • 3 0
 Those are set pricing, you can buy them now on their site. ~450 USD for a rear only depending on color
  • 2 0
 I think its a pair.
  • 1 2
 @marshallthewolf: So that's quite a bit for a hub, more expensive than Onyx.
  • 1 0
 @sanchofula: Onyx Vesper is $460-$485 depending on who you buy it from.
  • 4 1
 "A 7075 aluminum flange fits over the collet to support it while locking onto the centerlock splines, providing a strong brake mount interface for any six bolt rotor. The system also adds redundancy as it is completely modular."

How exactly to those correlate? Modular does not mean redundant. In fact, it's not "redundant" at all, since the flange only prevents it from spinning but doesn't hold the rotor on, and the bolt carrier only holds the rotor on but doesn't prevent spinning. It's literally the opposite of redundant: if either part is missing/broken then the whole thing is broken.
  • 2 1
 The only thing in terms of redundancy I can think of is that even if one of these six bolts fall out, the torque is still being transferred by those six bushes. That said, I'm pretty sure that one empty tube (once the bolt has fallen out) will probably be ovalized after the ride. I wonder how thin these are in the first place. If they take a regular brake rotor bolt and work with regular brake rotors, these tubes must be pretty thin and are still threaded. I definitely wouldn't dare to overtighten these bolts!
  • 5 1
 I think they probably mean that you can easily replace a single part if there is a failure? which is poor wording if that was their intent.
  • 1 1
 @vinay: hmm, perhaps. The spider thingy is definitely going to take _some_ force even without a bolt. But yeah, between the thinness of the walls and likely flex in the carrier, I wouldn't really want to rely on it, definitely still wouldn't consider it "redundant" since redundant systems usually perform identically to the main system.
  • 3 0
 @Spencermon: Yeah, def poor wording, since that's not "redundant", that's "repairable".
  • 1 1
 @justinfoil: Hm, not too sure a redundant system performs identically to the main system. A brake cable could be considered redundant as it doesn't snap at once. Typically one or a few strands snap and you'll immediately feel increased lever throw, less brake force etc. It is your warning that you'd better be careful and should replace that cable ASAP. Obviously most of us ride with hydraulic brakes now so even tough they rarely fail completely, our redundancy is that we have two brakes on our bikes. Having to make do with only one (when the other has failed) definitely isn't the same.

There sure must be redundant systems where the function isn't being compromised but without any alternative feedback, I'm not too sure whether these really are that much safer. You need some kind of warning that you're losing one level of redundancy.
  • 3 2
 Having a modular design means there's built-in redundancy. If I mess up a bolt and ruin the collet, it's replaceable. The 6-bolt part is also easily replaced if damaged. In contrast, with a regular 6-bolt system, if you mess up a bolt, you're stuck drilling it out or losing its use. Additionally, if you cross-thread your lockring, it can be replaced. Essentially, if something is repairable or replaceable, it's redundant.
  • 3 0
 @dustyduke22: Yeah, but that's not what redundancy is. Redundancy is that if a component with a certain function fails, the function is still being performed by (a combination of) other components.
  • 2 4
 @vinay: centerlock lockring strips out, throw on a 6 bolt. You are overthinking this waay too much.
  • 1 0
 @dustyduke22: I too carry xtra 6 bolt rotors in my pack when I ride.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: "not strictly necessary to functioning but included in case of failure in another component."

All the parts of that clamp/adapter are needed for full functionality.

A brake cable is 100% necessary for full functionality. That it can handle more force than is usually required and thus sometimes can fail gracefully, is not redundancy, it's over-provisioning. If that one component, the brake cable, does fail completely, then the whole system is gone, that's by definition "zero redundancy".
  • 1 0
 @dustyduke22: That makes the centerlock threads redundant (unneeded) when using 6-bolt, and the whole modular thing redundant (unneeded) when using centerlock. But neither adds "redundancy" (protection against total failure) to the other during use.
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: I just love how pedantic us all can be. I didn't expect to get a class on the definition of redundancy today, but I appreciate it none the less.
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: Yes, if a brake cable is considered a single component then sure. And obviously I agree that it is considered a single component. However, a brake cable doesn't suddenly snap completely. It fails strand by strand. So when a few strands fail, you'll usually notice and are able to adapt your riding and make it home safe. So yeah it is pedantics as we consider a cable a single component. If we call it a bunch of strands in parallel, it is redundant.

We do agree that the series of components to transfer the torque from brake rotor to hub shell is all but redundant.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: then maybe it goes to intention: brake cables aren't stranded for redundancy, they're stranded for flexibility. If one strand breaks, you would usually consider the whole thing done for, not that the redundant backup strands are doing their thing. The over-provisioning of being able to handle reasonable braking forces with some broken is a nice by-product of the need for flexibility, but if a single cable could be made as flexible it would definitely be used immediately despite the perceived lack of redundancy, because it would also be over-provision and just wouldn't without forces that would also completely destroy a stranded cable.
  • 5 2
 I’ve run nothing but 6 bolt in all the years of riding bikes. I’ve never lost a rotor bolt on the trail or stripped a bolt head at install. A dab of blue locktite and proper use of a torque wrench. Is this really a common thing if 6 bolts are installed correctly?
  • 2 0
 Your last sentence says it all. If done properly, I've never seen any problems. Stripped bolt heads, depending on the screws *cough* Sram *cough* can be somewhat common, but the threads are usually good. Then again, from what I've seen from customers with other things, I can see someone going ham with a drill and destroying the alloy threads in the flange no problem.
  • 6 0
 8 pawls sounds like a lot of drag
  • 13 7
 drag is a lie created by the deep state to prevent you from being the coolest guy at the trailhead
  • 4 0
 Look at it this way, now you have an excuse for being so slow.

"Sorry everyone, it's those damn 2 extra pawls that are slowing me down today."

I tore down my old P321 hub to replace pawls a couple times and the action is super light with the magnetic pawl system vs traditional springs. That's why they run on freehub oil only vs grease.
  • 3 0
 Goes to 10
  • 4 0
 If it was a traditional spring and pawl set up there would likely be additional drag when compared to other 6 or 4 pawl freehubs. But that where one of the subtle benefits of a magnetic pawl system comes into play. In a magnetic system like this, the pawls have the least amount of friction when disengaged between the freehub teeth because at that point they are not aligned with the magnetics.
Whereas in a traditional sprung system when the pawls are disengaged the springs are being compressed, forcing the pawls to essentially drag along the freehub teeth due to the spring tension.
But sure at the end of the day this could still be a negligible amount of difference.

TL;DR: magnetic freehubs have the most amount of tension/friction in the system when engaged (pedalling), where you’d want it. Verses sprung pawls which have the most amount of tension/friction in the system when disengaged (coasting), where you don’t want it.
  • 1 0
 @WasatchEnduro: Also read /heard a few places the magnets work better in oil that with grease. That may be a factor as well.
  • 2 0
 that’s just cuz it sounds like RuPaul
  • 3 0
 I have had G2 hubs since 2019 and they actually feel like they accelerate while coasting there's so little drag. I've had 3 set of King hubs over the years and these are on par quality wise but far superior on the trail. It's really noticeable how little drag these have.
  • 1 0
 @brycepiwek: data source?
  • 5 0
 I am still rocking my G2's and love them. Changed the bearings in the rear once in the last 5 years. Great company
  • 1 0
 Have you attempted to quiet them a bit? I’d like to but I haven’t cared enough to find the .pdf for disassembly
  • 1 0
 @itslightoutandawaywego: I tried to quiet them, just for kicks when doing a regular teardown service, but it wasn't very successful.
The way I have got Hopes, WTB, American Classic hubs to run quiet is to run heavier (or more) grease in with the pawls but with the Project 321 hubs that messed up the pawl engagement so I reverted to a lighter grease and less of it to ensure good engagement.
  • 2 0
 Its been super fun helping in the testing/development of these hubs over the past 15 months. These guys have been incredible to work with and take any feedback we offered seriously. I feel very lucky to have helped identify a few points early on that make the hubs and disc interface even more durable and strong.

I'm stoked to finally be able and build these for customers!!
  • 2 0
 Hubs are so impressive these days.... The HOPE PRO 4's I bought in 2017 are still going STRONG.... Never needed a service or anything (I live in the desert).... I always want to buy a new hub, but I think I have another decade or two left in my PRO4's.
  • 5 0
 that's a lot of work for center lock rotors
  • 2 1
 It blows me away that anyone cares about the hub sound. In theory, more noise is more friction. Shouldn't we care more about weight, durability, and how well the seals actually keep junk and moisture out of the hub? Any hub is loud and obnoxious if you run it dry or with light oil. Plus, why is nobody talking about low-engagement hubs for higher-travel bikes with a lot of chain growth for somewhat of an "O-Chain" effect to free up the suspension and keep that derailleur clutch from cycling a million times per ride on bumps.
  • 1 0
 *I just read comments that someone already mentioned O-Chain...I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking this!
  • 3 0
 Only shipping to US and Canada for now? International market needs some love too!
  • 3 0
 Im still rolling on 6 year old DT 350's, I do like the look of these though.
  • 3 1
 what is the lifespan of the magnets on the pawls? does it lose magnetism over time?
  • 7 0
 Ive had magnets fall off the pawls and get ground up in the hubshell.
  • 1 0
 @onespeedbrian: what brand(s)?
  • 1 0
 @onespeedbrian: Didn't stop to figure out what the extra resistance/grinding was about...?
  • 1 0
 @RBalicious: then went to his lbs and said "i was just riding along.."
  • 3 0
 @p0rtal00: He probably was.
  • 2 0
 What about the pawls themselves? Am I reading right that only two pawls are engaged at time?
  • 4 0
 I heard that if you get magnets wet they don’t work anymore.
  • 3 0
 Nice to have a Canadian option for hubs. They look great.
  • 3 0
 I just wanted to hear how they sound... Lost opportunity
  • 2 0
 I got to test these hubs last year (still have them on my bike) and you might be able to hear that they sound like any other hub here; youtu.be/xe7HexLE-34?si=fQLjhP-0IdWHiY7m
  • 1 0
 @jubs17: didn't I ride with you in Savona a few years ago?
  • 3 0
 @dfbland: Oh yeah! I vaguely remember that that now. Your wife was with you. And a dog I think?
  • 1 0
 They sound great.

Not much different than any other quality high engagement hub really.

I came off well used 10 year old Kings that had been rebuilt several times. They likely quieted down a bit.

After the boy racer stage of my life I’m good with less noise.

They Zzzzzzzzz more than tick tick tick tick
  • 1 0
 @jubs17: heck ya... Gave you guys a ride up only to find Bonecollector wasn't running.
  • 3 0
 Im just nerding pout on the Zeiss CMM.
  • 1 0
 The pricing quoted is for 2 hubs, correct?
Best of luck with your business!
  • 2 0
 Love the modularity. May need to try these!
  • 2 0
 I have a Stan's wheelset with the M-Pulse hub, imho it works great
\m/
  • 2 0
 Now 6 bolt mount has rotational play, yay
  • 1 0
 Very very happy with my M-Pulse / P321 rear hub. Trouble free for 400 miles

10/10 would daily

10/10 will buy again.
  • 1 0
 So the question is since the rear hub uses the same ring can you use the freehub on a G2 hub?
  • 2 0
 nice, de risk China
  • 1 0
 I just here for the silence.
  • 3 4
 one more hub that will increase ochain sales........i would think by now most people know too much engagement isn't a good thing.
  • 2 0
 i run Dt swiss 18 poe on my Bikepark wheelset for that reason
  • 1 0
 So, could a rider say... Take half the pawls out.....?
  • 5 7
 I like bougie bike parts as much as the next guy, but that's pretty steep. Someone should start a GoFundMe to buy a set and send them to Hambini.
  • 8 2
 Hambini can afford them. Please send me a set and I'll gladly swear at them with caliper in hand.
  • 13 2
 It’s in line with the going rate for most high end North American made hubs.

A pair of Kings is $890usd and I9 Hydras are $695usd.
  • 1 8
flag joebiden FL (2 days ago) (Below Threshold)
 @noapathy: Send me a set and ill build a jump near my house, get a car tow in, and do a backflip.
  • 10 2
 Yes because being endorsed by an utter nobhead is as good a PR move
  • 6 7
 Onyx!
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