mwandaw

twocicle built a nice wheelset with Kinlin 279 rims (BHS C472w). The details are HERE.

I would like to use the same rims to build a less expensive wheelset. That would require less expensive hubs and spokes. I would appreciate some advice about the hubs. Here are some notes:

1. I plan to use rim brakes now and in the foreseeable future.
2. I would like to use 32 spokes front and rear (like twocicle), but I could go with 36 if it is considerably more economical.
3. It's OK if the front hub is different than the rear.

So... any suggestions for tandem hubs that are more economical than the White Industries MI6 rear and MI5 front?

Thanks!

twocicle

The BHS C472w rims have held up great, the whole wheelset too for that matter. Our current config is with the WI Mi5 hub front (rim brakes) and 32 aero light spokes, plus the 135mm CLD rear (disc or rim brakes) with 32 aero comp spokes weighing in at 1800gm. Cost was around $950. We bashed these through some rough roads in Puglia last year and not a whimper from them. Very solid wheels for non-loaded, "spirited" riding.

For your target, is wheelset weight a concern, what rear spacing do you need and for what kind of usage (incl team and cargo weight)?

bwebel

I would look at MTB hubs, maybe Deore XT, as being pretty good bang for the buck. If you are talking about 32 hole wheels, I am assuming that the team must not weigh too much. The biggest issue might be the rear spacing. It used to be easy to space out hubs to 145 with a longer axle, but may not be with the newer hubs. Even if you are using rim brakes now, I'd think about using disc hubs just for future compatibility.

mwandaw

I'm hoping to come close to the 1800gm weight of your wheelset, but at a lower cost. In general, I'm trying to make a value-priced version of your wheelset. The Kinlin rims aren't expensive, and decent spokes aren't expensive, so to reduce the cost I figure I need to focus on the hubs.

We have a 1999 Cannondale RT1000, and the rear spacing is 145mm.

We are "spirited", enthusiastic riders, with a team weight of 280lbs. The bike weighs less than 40lbs, including the flat repair kit, tools, etc that we carry under the captain's seat. That plus the occasional water bottle or two is the only cargo we carry.

colotandem

I think of the WI hubs as a good value/reliability balance.

You can certainly get a cheaper hub, but I personally would not trust many rear hubs in lower price point. We're pretty hard on rear hubs as we do lots of climbing. On the mtb, we only use Chris King (rear hubs), but they get more abuse. I have had good results with WI on the road tandems.

Carbonfiberboy 

145mm hubs don't seem to be common enough to generate the volume needed for lower price points. We went with WI for our spare rear. For the front, any of the 32H BHS hubs should give good service. We just use a single front for our spare tandem front.

jnbrown

+1 That is why I won't settle for less, especially on a tandem.