Originally Posted by
PedallingATX
why did they make the hi-lo hub for road use? I thouhgt the whole purpose of the hi-lo hub was for the high flange side to face outward, creating more support on the side of the wheel that is up track.
NOW, I am completely confused as to why these hubs exist in our universe.
Back in the day (circa 1970)s before the influx of "exotic" meterials liek aluminum and titanium (even at the sharp end of the sport, the pro-tour) and years before Carbon-Fiber...high end bike manufaturers (like Campag) where trying everything to reduce weight by using different steel alloys. Given wheels are rotational weight one of the areas they focused on, especially Campag, was making lighter (quicker accelerating) wheels. Rims back there were pretty much all the same (give or take) and low spoke counts were not really possible (by modern 20h standards). So manufacturers played with light-weight spokes and different spoke threading patterns. These Campag hubs (from what I remember) were from that time of "light-weight spokes". The high flange on the drive side was to make that side stiffer, I also think I remember that side had less spokes (to balance the wheel) on it with a more stout spoke pattern that needed the high flange. Not to mention they always make road hubs drive side stiffer, even today. It's just with better materials now you see less exaggerated designs.
I don't think these hubs are that rare. Not something you see everyday, but not super rare.