Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,994
Likes: 302
From: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
Tradition usually dictates the use of high or low flanged hubs for me. On track bikes I like to use high flange hubs while on a road bike I like to use low flange hubs.
Why? Read the posts above.
Can I notice any difference? No.
I have even tied and soldered high flanged hubs on some road bikes and I really can't feel any difference when compared to low flange, un-tied, road wheels.
I think what should dictate your choice of hub is the actual weight of the wheel. You say that you want to build an ultra light weight bike. You need to plan out your wheels. How many spokes? Double butted thin gauge spokes? To tie or not to tie? Alloy nipples? What rims are you going to fit? Tubulars of clinchers? Which brand of tyres and tubes (Laytex)? 5 speed 'corn cob' alloy freewheel? Will you be removing dust covers from the hubs? What is the weight difference between high flange hubs and low flange hubs with the extra length of spoke? Which brand of hubs?
I've never asked myself these questions but I'm sure others have. Perhaps someone will give us the "formula" for ultra light weight wheels - I'd be very interested.
Last edited by Gary Fountain; 10-05-12 at 06:20 PM.