Bicycle Mechanics - Hub and rear cassette questions

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sebring
05-12-03, 06:46 AM
I'm looking at buying a second set of wheels and cassette to use so I can also use my bike to commute.

First question: What difference is there in upgraded hubs? I currently have Deore on Sun Rhino Lite XL's. Would having DX, LX, or XT offer any real benefit? I really don't care about shaving a few grams.

Second: What benefit from a new rear cassette? If I were to say get an XT. Is it just weight or is the gear ratios better for climbing when you get a different cassette, or both?

Thanks in advance.

MichaelW
05-12-03, 07:02 AM
Higher range hubs are lighter, have better quality bearing surfaces, nicer finish and better seals.
In practice, they will not be any faster, stronger or more reliable than your Deore hubs. You will benefit from having the hubs built up by a competant professional wheelbuilder using quality butted spokes. My local wheelbuilders are quite happy to apply their skills to low-end hubs, even Shimano Altus, for commuting wheels.
Rev.Chuck
05-12-03, 11:15 AM
If you want to keep cost down but still have a good wheel spend less on the hub and more on the rim and have a good wheel builder put it together. Most of a wheels strength is from the rim and how it was built. Even a cheap hub will last a very long time with regular service.