Project321 XD / XDR Driver Body

Product Description

By using magnets as a pull spring (opposed to mechanical or magnetic push springs) to move pawls into the drive ring, we are able to achieve less drag and less noise than other high speed ratchet mechanisms.  By using magnets in this configuration the pawl force against the drive ring is at its strongest when the pawl is fully engaged. As the pawl climbs the drive ring teeth during freewheeling the force (and friction) is reduced as the pawl magnets get farther away from the drive ring. This is the exact opposite of traditional mechanical push springs where the weakest point of the spring is at full engagement and the spring force gets stronger (creating more friction and drag) as the pawl is pushed up over the drive ring teeth during free wheeling.

By carefully placing the correct strength magnet in the precise location it gives us plenty of force to quickly move the pawl into location as it clears a tooth but minimizes drag and friction during free wheeling.  It seems like a small detail that wouldn’t amount to much but our test numbers are showing a substantial decrease in drag. Read below for more detail on the benefits of this new system.

Product Highlights

Patent pending drive mechanism. All Project321 rear hubs are now equipped with our new magnetically actuated, 6 pawl, ratchet drive system. This new system gives you a combination of options and features like no other drive system on the market. Click here (link to drive page) to read more about this innovative drive system!

Faster. Our standard 6×2 driver (6 pawls with 2 pawl engagement) boasts 216 points of engagement (1.66°). You may also choose our 6×3 driver (6 pawls with 3 pawl engagement) and get 144 points of engagement (2.5°). 6×3 system only recommended for tandems, e-bikes, and riders over 275lbs.

Simplicity. The only moving parts in our system are the 6 pawls. No mechanical springs to wear out or fail and no tiny springs to shoot across the room during disassembly and maintenance. Just 6 pawls and oil. The magnets are bonded to the pawls.

Sound Options. Choose quiet or loud pawls. Through careful pawl design, increased oil capacity and patent pending placement of the magnets that actuate the pawls we are able to produce a quiet ratchet mechanism that is almost inaudible while riding. If you love the louder precision sound of high end, fast engaging hubs you can still choose our loud pawls that have a similar sound volume to the Industry Nine drivers we previously used.

Industry leading warranty. 3 years on pawls and driver body.

Outstanding Customer Service. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and our availability. A real person still answers the phone and we have a team of knowledgeable sales and technical advisers available to help you over the phone or via email. Our response times are normally very fast, often same day and our shipping team works hard to get your product as quickly as possible (often same day).