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Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub launched for Berd spokes: UK-made Pro 5 hubs built for textile spokes

Hope has launched a new hub variant that targets a very specific (but growing) corner of high-end wheel building: the Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub designed specifically for Berd spokes. If you’ve seen “string spoke” wheel builds popping up more often, this is a significant step because it brings a UK-made hub brand into an area that has typically relied on specialist hub options. For Electric MTB UK readers, the story isn’t just weight or novelty. It’s the idea that wheel feel, compliance and long-term serviceability can be tuned in ways that matter on modern UK trail riding—especially when eMTBs make it easier to do longer rides, more repeats, and more descending in one session.

If you’re already researching new bikes for 2026, this is an easy internal link opportunity into your broader buyer guides, such as the best eMTB 2026 and the best full-suspension eMTB 2026, because hub and wheel upgrades typically follow once a rider is settled on their bike choice and riding style.

What the Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub actually is

The Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub is a version of Hope’s Pro 5 hub platform that uses a redesigned flange shape intended to interface correctly with Berd’s textile spoke design. Hope describes the hook flange system as being licensed by Berd, with the goal of creating an “approved” spoke interface rather than a workaround. In practical terms, it’s aimed at making Berd wheel builds more straightforward and consistent, while keeping the typical Hope strengths—parts support, rebuildability and long-term durability—front and centre.

The most important nuance here is that this is not “a new Pro 5 hub for everyone”. The Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub is specifically for riders building with Berd spokes, but it’s still useful news because it normalises the concept and makes it easier for custom builders and UK riders to explore that style of wheel build.

How the hook flange interface works with Berd spokes

Berd spokes use a textile construction rather than steel, and the way they connect at the hub end is different to a typical J-bend metal spoke. The whole point of the hook flange concept is to provide the correct seating and spoke angles for that design, reducing the need for improvised solutions and aiming for more repeatable, dependable builds. If you want the clearest overview of what’s been launched, the enthusiast-first coverage on Pinkbike explains the positioning well, while the product launch summary on Vital MTB mirrors the official “what it is and how it fits” messaging.

Key specs, compatibility and pricing

Hope is offering the Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub in both gravel and MTB fitments, including MTB Boost spacing (110mm front / 148mm rear). The MTB version is listed as a 28-hole option, and a key detail that will matter to a lot of riders is that these hubs are described as Centrelock only. Hope also lists multiple freehub options, including XD/XDR and Shimano Microspline, so the hub can suit a wide range of modern drivetrain builds.

Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub

On pricing, the figures being reported for the Hope Pro 5 Hook Flange hub are £125 for the front hub and £255 for the rear hub (RRP), with availability stated as from 1 February. For additional background on the wider Pro 5 platform, Hope’s own Pro 5 hub pages are the most direct reference point, including the general Pro 5 MTB hub range on Hope’s site.

Why this matters for eMTB riders in the UK

It’s easy to assume this is a pure “weight weenie” story, but the more interesting angle for eMTB and MTB riders is ride feel. Many riders who’ve tried textile-spoked wheels talk about a more damped, less harsh sensation compared to traditional spokes, which can translate into reduced trail buzz and less fatigue on long, rough descents. That may appeal to eMTB owners in particular because an eMTB can turn one lap into two, and two into three—meaning small comfort and control gains can matter more over the course of a ride.

The other eMTB-friendly angle is serviceability and ownership. Hope hubs have long had a reputation for being rebuildable rather than disposable, which is exactly what many UK riders want when winter grit and year-round riding are part of the plan. If you want a location-based internal link to make the story feel “UK real”, this kind of component post pairs neatly with your bike parks location hub, because wheel durability and feel are easiest to understand when tied to where people actually ride.

Availability and where to read more

For the clearest external coverage, start with the launch coverage from Bikerumor and the press-style summary on Vital MTB. Pinkbike’s first look is also useful for context and rider interest: Hope’s Pro 5 hubs specifically for Berd spokes.