Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - High flange vs. Low flange hubs?

I've always thought high flange track hubs made for a stiffer wheel. Just recently, I read somewhere that there isn't much difference between using high or low flange. I understand that some hubs aren't designed for road use, but in this situation they'll only be used on the track.

What's the big difference? why would one hub style be preferred over the other?

Sheldon Brown says:


"High-flange" or "large-flange" hubs have a larger flange, usually drilled out for lightness. They transmit torsional forces with less stress to the spokes than small-flange hubs do, but this is not a problem in practice with modern equipment. High-flange hubs can make a wheel with slightly greater lateral strength than equivalent small-flange hubs, because the spokes create a wider bracing angle to the rim. This makes them popular with track sprinters, who create greater-than-normal side loads on their wheels.

The lateral strength argument makes total sense to me. Also, high flange hubs look much cooler than low flange on minimalistic track bikes, IMO.

Originally posted by shrimpx
Also, high flange hubs look much cooler than low flange on minimalistic track bikes, IMO.

Yeah, totally!!

With today's technology - better spokes and hubs - low-flange hubs are stiff enough. High-flange hubs are not necessary for the track, they just add weight. I think they are still being offered today because of tradition, but yeah they do look cool on trackies.