ARC MT-116F/R Lightweight Carbon Spoke Road Hub

As high-performance road cycling continues to evolve, wheel manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on weight optimization, structural efficiency, and component compatibility. Carbon spokes have become an important option for premium road wheelsets, creating new requirements for hub design and spoke interfaces.

For wheel brands and professional wheel builders, choosing the right hub is not simply about reducing weight. It also involves finding a reliable engagement system, compatible spoke configurations, and materials that can withstand the demands of modern road cycling.

The ARC MT-116F/R Lightweight Carbon-Spoke Road Hubset is developed to address these requirements, combining an optimized aluminum construction, flexible carbon-spoke interfaces, and an advanced ratchet engagement system.

1. Lightweight Construction Without Compromising Structural Performance

Weight reduction is an important consideration when developing high-performance road wheelsets. However, an extremely lightweight hub must also maintain sufficient structural strength and reliability.

The ARC MT-116F/R features a forged AL6061-T6 aluminum hub shell, combined with AL7075 aluminum alloy for the axle, freehub body, and end caps.

This material combination helps balance structural performance and weight optimization.

With a listed complete hubset weight of 281.1g ±5g, the MT-116F/R offers an attractive solution for manufacturers developing lightweight carbon-spoke road wheelsets.

For brands targeting premium road cycling applications, this construction provides a practical foundation for lightweight wheelset development.

2. Designed for Multiple Carbon Spoke Configurations

Carbon spokes require dedicated hub interfaces. Unlike conventional J-bend or straight-pull steel spokes, their head and connection dimensions can vary depending on the spoke manufacturer’s design.

The MT-116F/R addresses this requirement with a specialized T-head and dual-strip compatible spoke interface.

Key configuration options include:

• 3.3mm and 5.2mm carbon spoke width compatibility.
• 1:1 spoke layout options.
• 2:1 spoke layout options.
• 20-hole and 21-hole configurations, depending on the selected layout.

These options give wheel manufacturers greater flexibility when developing different wheel structures and spoke tension arrangements.

For OEM and custom wheelset projects, confirming the exact spoke dimensions and interface requirements before production is essential.

3. 36T and 54T Ratchet Engagement System

The engagement mechanism directly affects how a rear hub transfers pedaling torque to the wheel.

The ARC MT-116F/R offers both 36T and 54T ratchet configurations.

Compared with conventional pawl engagement systems, a ratchet mechanism uses distributed tooth engagement to transfer drivetrain loads. This design can provide a more consistent engagement structure and help distribute contact forces across the ratchet interface.

The two configurations allow manufacturers to select a suitable engagement option according to their wheelset positioning and performance requirements.

For brands developing premium road wheelsets, this provides additional flexibility when balancing engagement characteristics, durability, and product positioning.

4. Patented One-Piece Ratchet Architecture

Another important feature of the MT-116F/R is its patented one-piece ratchet architecture.

Rather than relying on a more complicated multi-component engagement structure, ARC integrates the ratchet engagement structure into a single precision-engineered component.

The design focuses on:

• Improved structural rigidity.
• Reduced component complexity.
• More consistent machining accuracy.
• Optimized weight distribution.
• Simplified assembly and maintenance.

For wheel manufacturers, component reliability and production consistency are important considerations when evaluating hub suppliers.

A well-engineered engagement structure can help reduce unnecessary complexity during product development and long-term maintenance.

5. Multiple Freehub Standards for Different Drivetrain Requirements

Road wheelset manufacturers often need to support different drivetrain platforms.

The MT-116F/R offers several freehub body options:

• Shimano HG.
• Shimano Micro Spline Road (MS-Road).
• SRAM XDR.
• Campagnolo N3W.
• Campagnolo 11/12-speed.

These options provide greater flexibility for different road drivetrain configurations.

However, freehub compatibility should always be confirmed against the actual cassette model and drivetrain specifications before placing an order.

6. Technical Specifications at a Glance

7. Why Choose ARC MT-116F/R for Your Road Wheelset Projects?

For bicycle brands, carbon wheel manufacturers, and professional wheel builders, the MT-116F/R combines several features that are important for modern premium road wheel development.

Lightweight Engineering: An optimized aluminum structure keeps the complete hubset weight at approximately 280g.

Carbon Spoke Compatibility: Dedicated spoke interfaces support different carbon spoke widths and configurations.

Advanced Engagement: 36T and 54T ratchet options provide alternative engagement configurations.

Patented Technology: The one-piece ratchet architecture offers a distinctive structural design.

Flexible Drivetrain Compatibility: Multiple freehub standards support different road cycling applications.

These characteristics make the MT-116F/R a potential solution for manufacturers developing lightweight road disc brake wheelsets and customized carbon-spoke wheel products.

8. Looking for a Carbon-Spoke Road Hub Manufacturer?

Selecting a hub manufacturer involves more than comparing product weight and technical specifications. Material quality, machining accuracy, production consistency, and technical communication are equally important when developing a long-term supply relationship.

ARC specializes in bicycle hub manufacturing, offering products and technical solutions for different bicycle applications.

If you are developing a new carbon-spoke road wheelset, evaluating alternative hub configurations, or looking for a bicycle hub manufacturing partner, you can explore the ARC Bicycle Hub product range or contact the ARC team to discuss your project requirements.

ARC – Bicycle Hub Manufacturing for Your Wheelset Development Projects.