Touring - 700c 126mm touring wheelset?

Hey all
I've got an old touring bike with 126mm rear drops. I don't think Deore hubs fit very well without some spreading, and I am hoping to avoid that for now. Is there a good alternative? For example, I have a modern Shimano 105 wheelset with Sun Rhynolite and Mavic Open Sport rims; if I were to get better rims (say alex adventurers) and 36 spoke versions of the hubs, would 105's be any less functional/reliable than XT hubs on the road?

Thanks!

would 105's be any less functional/reliable than XT hubs on the road?

Thanks!

No.

thanks, that's good to know. is there a reason mountain hubs are typically more common on touring bikes?

thanks, that's good to know. is there a reason mountain hubs are typically more common on touring bikes?


It all has to do with the spacing of the rear. There are some touring bikes that have a 130mm rear, but most specify a 135mm. Better dish of the rear wheel. A MTB hub is no more durable than a road hub.
That said, using mtb hubs does limit hub choices. If you like shiny silver hubs, for example, you'll have a hard time finding a MTB hub to fit the bill. They're all black, grey or matte silver. Phil Wood, White Industries, and Chris King still make the sweet one$$$. :)

It all has to do with the spacing of the rear. There are some touring bikes that have a 130mm rear, but most specify a 135mm. Better dish of the rear wheel. A MTB hub is no more durable than a road hub.
That said, using mtb hubs does limit hub choices. If you like shiny silver hubs, for example, you'll have a hard time finding a MTB hub to fit the bill. They're all black, grey or matte silver. Phil Wood, White Industries, and Chris King still make the sweet one$$$. :)

$$$ is right :(.

If your deore hubs are 130mm, spreading a steel frame with 126mm rear spacing shouldn't be a problem, but then there are those who think it is. It has been discussed a number of times on the C&V and bike mechanics forums. There are a lot of 126mm hubs, both for free wheels, and seven speed cassettes around so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a replacement donor wheel.

i made the mistake of spacing my 126 to 135, only to have my "bombproof" XT hub fail in a year. stick with 130 and the 105 will be an excellent hub.