Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - when a hub starts to go...

I've had an IRO rear wheel for over a year and a half now. It's been ridden hundreds & hundreds of miles in all conditions - about 20-30 miles a day, almost every day. Lately the wheel feels, well, sluggish. Has anyone encountered this feeling before? Is this a sure sign that the bearings, guts and whatnot are in need of servicing?

Only way is to take the wheel off and feel the axle with your fingers. If you feel any resistance [and I think you will] then just press in some new bearings. Splurge on good ones and you won't be doign this again untill pluto is back in the game.

well, I gave it a spin and sure enough, gritty and grindy. tried this with another rear and it rolled smoother. thanks for that tip!

they press bearings into bicycle wheels now? http://www.vortexmediagroup.com/images/banghead.gif

This happened on my Surly hub after about the same amount of use. The Surly hub is like a bottom bracket, you have to snug up the two cones with cone wrenches until the wheel spins freely. My inside cone had come loose and was slowing the wheel down. The cone wrenches are pretty cheap.

they press bearings into bicycle wheels now? http://www.vortexmediagroup.com/images/banghead.gif


Well, yes. Cartridge bearings, ya know.

unless you can repack 'em they're as worthless as my car's front wheel bearings... which you may be able to do, for instance i've heard of repacking bb cartridges, but i guess most people are too lazy and will spend extra cash on a "disposable" item.

unless you can repack 'em they're as worthless as my car's front wheel bearings... which you may be able to do, for instance i've heard of repacking bb cartridges, but i guess most people are too lazy and will spend extra cash on a "disposable" item.
They tend to be sealed FAR better than any "non-disposable" hub options (what do you do with your old ball bearings?), so you don't need to service them as often. Thus, easy, smooth rolling, and not as much grease on your hands. Everybody is happy.

where does one buy replacement sealed cartridge bearings?
I have two bikes with 'em so I will need to replace eventually.
Is there a "standard" size, or does if vary from hub to hub?

where does one buy replacement sealed cartridge bearings?
I have two bikes with 'em so I will need to replace eventually.
Is there a "standard" size, or does if vary from hub to hub?

The size/shape will be printed on the side of the bearing and you can use that to order them.

They tend to be sealed FAR better than any "non-disposable" hub options (what do you do with your old ball bearings?), so you don't need to service them as often.

I re-use them. I mean, if I let the bearings get to the grinding stage then I'd be even lazier than if I were to use sealed bearings! :p I suppose the decrease in service is nice, but it's a trade, longer between each service in exchange for greater cost and less work. :(

Ch0mb0, kinda glad it were your hubs and not just you? :)

Hope ya feeling better bro!