Track Cycling - Dura Ace track hub with freewheel??

I posted this question over on the SS/FG forum but folks here may have more experience with the Dura Ace track hubs.

I'm going to build (or have someone build) a new rear wheel for my SS/fixie (I ride mostly fixed these days for shorter rides, but use a freewheel for brevets, centuries, etc.). At this point, I'm thinking Dura Ace track low-flange fixed/fixed with an Open Pro rim. My question is this: has anybody put a Shimano freewheel on the DA track hub and does the freewheel body clear the spokes sticking out the the flange? From the pics I've seen, it looks like it would be tight. I know that on some fixed hubs (e.g., Surlys?) you have to put a spacer in with the freewheel to avoid this problem. Thanks in advance.

Dr. Bill

Dr Bill
Afraid I've never seen this done so can't help with yr question. You're probably already aware of this but in case not its worth pointing out that I the D_Ace track hubs are not really very well sealed, and so they'd need a fair bit of looking after if you're likely to ride in wet conditions. There's a basic plastic cover over the bearings but no rubber seal etc. Maybe worth considering one of the more road-specific fixed hubs out there eg Phil / Formula / Goldtec etc. I run Miche Pistas on my road fixed and although not brilliant they at least have some weather-proofing by virtue of using cartridge bearings which have their own small rubber seal, something the D-Aces do not have.

mickster

Actually, my experience with Shimano cup-and-cone hubs has been very good. I've run Ultegra hubs in all kinds of weather and they're pretty good at keeping the water out (though I certainly wouldn't submerge them). I've heard similar things about the Dura Ace track hubs. E.g., Peter Jon White on his website says that he "wouldn't hesitate to run them year round," or something to that effect.

I am still curious about the freewheel question I asked.

Dr. Bill

Put it this way, the seal on DA hubs is almost not a seal, in its efforts to be frictionless its more to keep grease from coming out.

I would invest in somthing more along the lines of a set of Formulas. Theyre double sided. But since you mentioned it, both sides of a track hub are threaded to have identical chain lines. For the hell of it I threw a freewheel on my Promax NJS hubs and it fit just fine.