Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Also WRT the roller element HSs. I've used StrongLite A9s for many years (just finished a 4 day tour with one) and they are even more sensitive to frame prep and HS installation (as you already know), if there is a frame/fork issue that places the HS parts off parallel then the loose/tight problem just worsens. I'll add that they are susceptible to notching when ridden loose, their conical steel rolling surfaces are (I suspect) made of soft steel. The attempt to get a freely rotating HS adjustment can often result in a loose HS, given their greater rolling friction (compared to a balled HS). Once again an "improvement" can result in a shifting problem.
Always cynical until proved otherwise, Andy.
It's interesting that you would say that. I've read and always believed that a big advantage of the A-9 is that the floating races make them
less sensitive to frame prep and installation. I installed all four of mine with no frame prep and without a proper press. I guess I've just been lucky.