ryan_c

Well, the Suzue Basic has held up to my brakeless riding just fine for a month and a half (and will probably have to go quite a bit longer too) but I have been thinking about a moderately priced rear hub, either for when I have the cash or when (or if) the Suzue gives out.

Probably not interested in a front/rear set, so the IRO's are out. Other hubs in this price range are Nashbar and Surly. I've heard plenty about the Surly but nothing about the Miche, besides plenty of posts from Hammye about his "blowing up". I'm looking for other experiences.


SO to put it simply, I need a rear hub for under $70 that will hold up to brakeless riding and probably very few cog changes. Will the Miche cut it, or should I go with something else?

jeremyk

https://www.irocycle.com/fixedgearand...einc/id67.html

Quote: "rear only $40.00"

ryan_c

Drat, its a possibility then, although I'm not as big on the way the IROs look. Dunno how I overlooked that.
How would IRO compare to Miche and Surly, in that case?

shiftlessbast-

Of the three, I bet more people here have, or have had, Surly hubs and can attest to their roadworthiness. The IROs are new-ish on the market and haven't had a chance to stand the test of time, but I have yet to hear a bad word about them. I like my Miche hubs, but in fairness I haven't been riding them long enough to give an accurate performance report (4 months). Balance my cautious thumbs up with Hammyes thumbs down and infestedguy1's approval of Miche, and that may be the best picture you'll get here-a coin toss.

If you want to get a little more life out of your Suzues, be sure you repack the bearings, as they have a reputation for shipping with insufficient grease in the hubs.

hammye

Uhhh I actually had the loose ball (sealed tech) miche hubs. Those sucked, the new sealed cartridge whoop do do may be pretty good. But you will not see me buying them. I would say go IRO or see about a Dessel hub. Just rub out the logos and paint something Italian on them.

jeremyk

I've got a set of IRO's, but all I've done with them is build and ride for like two weeks. They work exactly like they're supposed to, so no complaints here, but who knows about durability....

WithNail

I've heard nothing but good things about the Van Dessel hubs. Especially about their durrability. . . what's his name from garage de velo swears by the damned things and so do a number of the couriers arround here.

ryan_c

Looks like the Van Dessels only come in 130mm spacing... doesn't really work for me. Looking for a 120 or 126

crustedfish

dude...search the forum for...what else...

"Miche Product Review"

Jesse M

do you have any idea where i can get a van dessel front wheel? i've heard that they went under, and i'm looking to find a match for my rear wheel...

bostontrevor

Whoa... It looks like they're back from the dead. If you go to the site, there's a promise to have 2005 models finalized by the middle of this month and shipping at the end of March.

You might try hitting the dealer list at https://www.vandesselsports.com/dealers.shtml and seeing if any of them have some NOS wheels sitting around still.

Jesse M

yeah, after i posted i checked out the site and noticed the resurrection. it looks like they're not doing web ordering anymore though...

bostontrevor

Yeah, as I heard it, basically VDS remained in business until all the inventory was more-or-less cleared out and then shuttered.

ryan_c

dude... i like, SO already did...
FYI I read just about every thread with "miche" in it, mr. pink jersey
I like going off of more than 3 reviews (especially when 33% of them are negative) before purchasing a product.
So there! Har!

46x17

6 months on IRO hubs now. Rode them almost every day, skidded and skipped. Rain or shine. So far they are as smooth as on the first day.

hammye

Now that is something I like to hear. I think when I get the Jackson in I am going to have to buy a set of these hubs and put them on the langster.

crustedfish

miche track hubs are..well, track hubs..somewhat delicate, and not something you would want to ride in the winter. thats why i rock 'em on my tubulars.

ryan_c

A very valuable piece of info, thanks crusty! I definitely don't want something that delicate. Looks like IRO's or Surly's when the time comes around.