I am in the process of purchasing a set of Hope Pro 2 wheels from a mate as I wanted to go 142x12 through axle on my new frame, plus wanted awesome hubs. Did some researching and found that 1)The 142x12 axle on the non EVO hub was weak and prone to breaking 2) a metal axle was able to be purchased for added strength 3) it also may have been possible to convert the non EVO to an EVO with internal parts swapping.
After reading this thread I decided to bypass Bikesportz and went straight to Hope UK, asking about the 142x12 steel axle and also the possibility to convert the hub to EVO spec. After several days I had not received a reply so tried Hope US today. My mate who is selling me the wheels also tried emailing both and he got a reply from Hope US stating a steel 142x12 axle is available on special order only from LBS or online stores but they made no mention of being able to upgrade to EVO spec.
I didn't like my chances with a special order so I found this thread with a post from Gripo recommending justridingalong.com
I looked over their site and found exactly the item I was after, a kit that converts a Pro 2 to EVO spec. Bewdy! Only downside was that they had the alloy freehubs listed and I was interested in a steel upgrade for extra strength.
I shot JRA an email and low and behold, Jon from JRA got back to me within 10 minutes informing me that not only was my request possible but he had updated the website with the option for the steel freehub! They couldn't get my money any faster.
I have never received such awesome service from an online retailer. If anyone is after parts for their hubs, especially Hope, I urge you to check these guys out.
