High Quality fixed (freewheel) hub with quick release?
03-08-21, 11:08 AM
#1
Constant tinkerer
Thread Starter
High Quality fixed (freewheel) hub with quick release?
Are there any new options for a hub like this? Any old high quality hubs I should keep my eyes open for?
My commuter is a fixed gear and I've used a slew of old hubs over the years. I was happy to build up an old Campy Record hub until I realized how un-sealed it was and a few very wet rides washed out the grease, requiring me to add more. I'm running fixed cogs on old "road" freewheel hubs (please don't lecture me on this, they're rotafixed on) because every "track" hub out there seems to be bolt-on.
Requirements:
- Must accept a thread-on freewheel/cog (or some other system that allows fixed-gear use)
- Must be quick release. No bolt-on
- Must be re-spaceable to fit a 130mm rear triangle and my chainline. This is easy with loose ball bearings but I think most cartridge bearing hubs are less adjustable?
- Should be well sealed against the elements. This is for a daily, year-round commuter in Wisconsin
My commuter is a fixed gear and I've used a slew of old hubs over the years. I was happy to build up an old Campy Record hub until I realized how un-sealed it was and a few very wet rides washed out the grease, requiring me to add more. I'm running fixed cogs on old "road" freewheel hubs (please don't lecture me on this, they're rotafixed on) because every "track" hub out there seems to be bolt-on.
Requirements:
- Must accept a thread-on freewheel/cog (or some other system that allows fixed-gear use)
- Must be quick release. No bolt-on
- Must be re-spaceable to fit a 130mm rear triangle and my chainline. This is easy with loose ball bearings but I think most cartridge bearing hubs are less adjustable?
- Should be well sealed against the elements. This is for a daily, year-round commuter in Wisconsin
03-08-21, 12:46 PM
#2
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I would think any quality freewheel cup/cone hub like a DA 7400 or a Suntour Superb Pro packed with marine grease would fare pretty well.
Someone with White Ind or Phil sealed cartridge experience might have better insight. I think White makes as freewheel hub hub in 130mm. Take out your wallet.
John
Edit Added: It has been years since I opened up those hubs and I'm not sure what seals they have, if any, against the dust covers. If there were none, I would "entertain" the possibility of using a freehub seal depending on the dust cover ID and cone design.
I'm also assuming that you are not having any issues finding a front hub.
Someone with White Ind or Phil sealed cartridge experience might have better insight. I think White makes as freewheel hub hub in 130mm. Take out your wallet.
John
Edit Added: It has been years since I opened up those hubs and I'm not sure what seals they have, if any, against the dust covers. If there were none, I would "entertain" the possibility of using a freehub seal depending on the dust cover ID and cone design.
I'm also assuming that you are not having any issues finding a front hub.
Last edited by 70sSanO; 03-08-21 at 01:05 PM.
03-08-21, 01:29 PM
#3
Constant tinkerer
Thread Starter
I would think any quality freewheel cup/cone hub like a DA 7400 or a Suntour Superb Pro packed with marine grease would fare pretty well.
Someone with White Ind or Phil sealed cartridge experience might have better insight. I think White makes as freewheel hub hub in 130mm. Take out your wallet.
I'm also assuming that you are not having any issues finding a front hub.
Someone with White Ind or Phil sealed cartridge experience might have better insight. I think White makes as freewheel hub hub in 130mm. Take out your wallet.
I'm also assuming that you are not having any issues finding a front hub.
Come to think of it, I might have a DA7400 freewheel hub in a box somewhere... And those are at least decently well sealed. It seems like seals that might actually keep water out didn't show up until the mid-1980s, and by then cassette hubs were about to take over.
