Originally published at esk8.news
Let me start with this…
I have about 400 miles on the drive train now and have literally not had to turn a screw once.
This drive system is $800, if you’re not looking to buy a fault-free and bullet proof drive train with as easy an installation as I’ve ever seen, then just move along as this is not for you.
This drive system is for the builder that has very specific requirements that include (singularly or in combination) zero downtime, limited experience, wants zero ‘discovery’, wants proven performance, and ease of installation. This gear also begs the question…do you want to buy and install multiple drive trains over a span of time, or just one?
Let us begin with the understanding that this not just a drive train, it is a drive system. Its a traditional Caliber II 10″ truck with motor mounts, motors, pulleys, wheels, belts, etc. It comes pre-assembled and ready to ride. I choose the term “system” because all you have to do is plug up the motor cables and bolt the base plate to the deck.
The components separately are thought provoking and impressive.
The Hoyt Pocket Rocket Motors are the best sub 6374 that I’ve ever seen. It is the best 50XX power-plant I’ve ever seen. I would put the motors against any 6355 as far as longevity and performance are concerned. The are built by a US brushless motor manufacturer whose primary function is supplying the US military. The ‘Mil-Spec’ philosophy can be seen in the construction of these motors.
I am not a huge fan of caliber trucks, but I think Hoyt must be getting a custom run as these do not have the tell-tail defects that Calibers almost always have, in my experience. The tolerances are relatively tight, no nerf’d threads and the axles are perfectly straight and symmetrical. I would recommend precision bushing washers be included, I think the cost justifies that.
The anodized CNC 6160 aluminum mounts are genius, once mounted you can set/reset the belt tension at will with the spring-loaded auto-belt tensioners. Belt replacement and wheel swaps take very little time, it’s measured in minutes.
The wheel pulleys and mounts are precision manufactured with the quality that implies. The belt cover on the motor pulley is simple yet solves the issue of debris intake. The drive train uses a 16/38 pulley count (2.38:1 gear ratio). The higher count on the motor pulley gives a speed boost while being regulated by the higher tooth count on the wheel pulley which smooths out the drive ticks that many complain about.
Put it all together, and it’s easy to see the justification for the cost.
With trepidation I broach the subject of Hoyt’s Zoobomb 97mm Urethane Wheels. I have ridden the Espresso 75A wheels, I was not impressed. They aren’t bad, they just aren’t that good either. I ended up swapping to 97mm ABEC Flywheels and the improvement was immediate and substantial.
Hoyt’s designation of 75a as the hardness level is more of an idea than a mathematical certainty, it feels more like 78-80a to me. The 52mm contact patch is adequate but the harder duro combined with the lack of footprint makes for a less than impressive grip experience. They are stone-ground, which is great for skipping the crack and chunking that happens with most thane. These wheels are better than most ABEC clones I’ve ridden, but the quality of this drive train deserves a better wheel.
In closing, I would definitely recommend this drive system to someone looking for a traditional and damned near perfect drive train. The Hoyt St Drive Train is likely to be cost-prohibitive to many builders, but you get what you pay for. I believe the cost is justified by the quality of the components and the lifetime of the gear.
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