Track Cycling - Hubs: Formula or Dura Ace

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View Full Version : Hubs: Formula or Dura Ace


canflyboy
01-21-09, 08:23 PM
I'm looking at building a wheelset for my first trackbike. I plan on using it for training/paceline riding and recreational riding- no racing. I found a steel frame and I'm looking at hubs for my Mavic Open Pro's

Dura Ace hubs cost about twice as much as the Formula hubs. Will I notice any performance difference between the two. Besides being cheaper, the sealed bearing Formula hubs seem to be the maintenance winners versus the loose ball Dura Ace hubs.

Any Comments??

Thanks - Canflyboy


andre nickatina
01-21-09, 09:47 PM
Training but no racing? Go for Formulas. They're cheap, fairly dependable and proven. DA are expensive, roll much nicer on a bike stand / spinning the axle in your hand, and need more upkeep, but it's anyones say if the smoother bearings in them make more than a wheel's diameter difference in a race.

queerpunk
01-22-09, 07:04 AM
I was going to agree with andre nickatina but thought I'd play devil's advocate. If your track training is going to be all in good weather conditions and you've got the money, why not go Dura-Ace? I've ridden them and they are nice hubs, but the type of riding I was doing wasn't suited for them - daily riding. They got gunked up and though I like repacking hubs, I didn't like doing it that often. A set of velodrome-only wheels won't require much maintenance - spin them in your hand every now and then to make sure the cones aren't moving in on the bearings.

But yeah, you won't notice a difference and Formula hubs are an excellent value.