Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano freehub reliability

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Shimano freehub reliability

MichaelW
06-06-10, 03:11 AM
These used to be a byword for trouble-free cycling but there seem to be lots of reviews of the current versions with freehub failures after a few thousand miles. Even XT ones seem to vulnerable.
Is this just internet amplification of a small problem or is there a real issue with the current generation of Shimano rear hubs?

I need a reliable 36-spoke touring wheel and XT seems the obvious contender. The new version FH-M770 has an aluminium axle. Is this a bad thing?

skijoring
06-06-10, 05:44 AM
Bro, get the LX hub. No aluminum axles on that one, same seals.
HillRider
06-06-10, 06:38 AM
This is only conjecture but I'd bet the failures were hubs used in heavy duty MTB service with lots of abuse and mud and water exposure. For touring I expect any of them will last for years.

FBinNY
06-06-10, 06:58 AM
+1, high end mtb hubs get harsh service from serious MTBers. They're built tough, but get used equally hard. For on road use, including loaded touring, they're probably overbuilt, though using one with a steel axle makes some sense.
reptilezs
06-06-10, 07:00 AM
i took a cheapo tiagra hub on the transamerica(4000 miles or so) last year, no issues. total weight of bike, gear, and person was prob 250-275 lbs. dont forget to adjust the hub cones, they are too tight when new