| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
I am about to purchase a new MTB wheelset. I've learned alot about wheels and don't want to over or under spend. In your opinion, are sealed bearing hubs worth the extra $100+ dollars? So far, I understand that after market hubs (White Ind., Hugi, Pulstar, Ulterain, Ringle) that I am interested in cost more because they save weight (100 gms +-) and they require less maintanance (sealed bearing vs. cones and bearings). But I also heard of these things(Ringle especially) being notorious for failures. I refuse to pay for a $350 failure. I know the rims and spokes I want (Mavic 217, 14/15 DB spokes, alloy nipples). And that I want Shimano Cassette compatibility. The hub is the only question. I am going to buy XT/XTR, or one of the previously mentioned. I've called around, an it looks like I spend $200-225 for XT wheels or $350 for the others. The notable exception is Ulterrain hubs. They are supposed to be as good as Pulstar, only lighter. I like the straight pull idea and from what I read Pulstar has a quality product. And "Bike Source" has a wheelset for $240 (substituting the 217's for 231's) What do you think? Thanx again, mike
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2926.1 | STOWOA::SWFULLER | Tue Apr 04 1995 15:15 | 18 | ||
If durability is a key issue, choose the Hugi...period. Other high
end manufacturers still end up using a Shimano freehub which has had
some failure rate. I believe Machinetech also builds their own
freehub. One major feature of Hugi is they angle the flange to align
the spokes better. Also use 4 sets of sealed bearings. They are highly
used in the tandem world now and are still light.
I have heard great things about White Ind, but not sure if they happen
to be what's hot.
Look in a lot of the mag's, there are some decent wheel deals even for
the high end stuff. I would only go that route however, if you have
some ability to true and tighten spokes in case they don't do a decent
job.
Don't forget cost of the cassette...and skewers.
steve
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| 2926.2 | Try Mavic | BOOKIE::J_CROCKER | Tue Apr 04 1995 15:17 | 10 | |
If you want sealed bearing hubs that have been on the market for a
*long* time (i.e. proven to be good), go for Mavic. I'm a roadie, but
I race extensively, and I've been using Mavic for 4 years now. My
wheels have seen the worst of the weather, and they spin like the day
they were built, with zero maintenance.
Mavic also stands behind their product, which a lot of the after market
people don't seem to be so anxious to do.
Justin
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| 2926.3 | BASLG1::BURNLEY | Wed Apr 05 1995 03:30 | 13 | ||
As far as the front hub goes its also worth taking into account weather
you use suspension forks. If you do IMHO its well worth getting an
A: An Oversize Hub to help stiffen up the front end.
B: A theaded hub so you can bolt the wheel to the hub for extra
stability.
Martin
ps Are you sure about alloy nipples? If you have a rough/hard style of
riding it easy to strip the threads. personal experience!
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| 2926.4 | STOWOA::SWFULLER | Wed Apr 05 1995 09:47 | 3 | ||
Don't forget, you can save that 100g's by simply using a latex tube.
Steve
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