The use of the integrated 7-speed driver or new Mini-HG driver option allows the drive side hub flange to be moved further outboard, resulting in near symmetrical spoke bracing angles on the wheel. This creates a stiffer, stronger, more reliable, and better riding wheel. The wheel can also use the same length spokes on both the drive and disc side which simplifies service and spoke needs. 

Typical DH hubs were adopted from bikes using 10, 11, or 12 speeds, but modern DH bikes only use 7 speeds. This means there is space between the drive-side hub flange and the largest cassette cog that is typically "wasted" and not being used to improve the structural design of the wheel. We decided to develop a system to utilize that space and our integrated 7sp drivers have now been World Cup proven for nearly a decade under riders like Aaron Gwin, Dakotah Norton, and Rónán Dunne. 

You can see the difference between a traditional hub and the e*thirteen DH hub illustrated here:

We recommend the integrated 7sp cassette for use on SRAM™️ drivetrains and the Mini-HG for use on either Shimano™️ or SRAM™️ drivetrains when combined with loose cog cassettes from either manufacturer.