Seizedpost

Hello all,
I am fixing up a 1982 Fuji: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...niversary.html
And it needs wheels. I'm thinking about building my own. I haven't decided whether I want 27" or 700c yet, but I do know that I want to keep the 126mm dropout spacing and original components. I plan to use a Suntour 6 speed freewheel.
What good rear hubs are available today that accept freewheels? I seem to be finding a lot of cheap Chinese stuff.
I'm not set on building my own wheels, and I'm considering both new pre-builts and used wheels. I want wheels that are durable, inexpensive, and light, in that order.
Thanks!

cny-bikeman

Look for a vintage hub or wheel that has been properly maintained or a NOS in the box.

bikemig 

I'd be tempted to pick up these wheels from velo mine, Sun CR18 Road Bike Sealed Bearing 700c Wheelset 126mm Rear [072774744381] - $120.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

hueyhoolihan

OP, great value. i'm surprised new 126mm spacing with freewheel hubs are still being offered...

FastJake

Cheap, generic, cartridge bearing hubs. Exactly what I expected and about your best choice if you truly want a brand new freewheel hub. I would not bother building a new wheel around a cheap Chinese hub.

A better choice IMO would be a nice vintage hub in good condition or NOS, as mentioned above.

The best choice IMO would be a 7-speed Shimano cassette hub. You could keep your 126mm dropout spacing and have a nice strong hub with no risk of ever bending or breaking an axle, although you'd probably be ok with a 6-speed freewheel. In any case it's your bike so do what you want.

Andrew R Stewart 

If you've got the budget a Phil hub can be had with freewheel threading and almost any axle length/spacing you need. This path tends to be a life time investment so don't bother if you're the kind who wants something different frequently Andy.

Wileyone 

I have had good luck with Velo Orange products. I haven't tried their Hubs yet but for the price they sure look the part.

Grand Cru High Flange Freewheel Rear Hub 130mm - Hubs - Wheels, Rims, Hubs & Accessories - Components

LesterOfPuppets

Dura-Ace track hubs are easy to respace to 126mm. You can get 'em for a little over $200 a pair in the US.

I dunno if that would be considered inexpensive, exactly, but good.

I'd get an axle vise to aid in the respacing project.

Dan Burkhart 

Curtis Odom is a small manufacturer of vintage style bike parts. He makes high quality hubs for freewheels.





You can buy direct from his web site, but you may have to wait a while.
Hubs

catgita

They also have a 126. Very nice for the money, especially on sale for $35. I just built up a single speed using the fixed gear version because the axle can be respaced to line up the freewheel to the chainring, while the others you have to shift the chainring instead. I didn't have room to move the chainring closer to the frame, so it was an important feature.

SkyDog75

If you're going to buy new, the wheels from Velo Mine that bikemig mentioned are a good value. Sun CR-18 rims are solid, and I think those are the same Quando hubs I'm running on my ol' Peugeot. No complaints about them so far.

If you'd consider used wheels, I might have something to offer. I have an extra set of 27" wheels and I'd rather they be rolling on your bike than taking up space in my garage. I'll send you a message with details.

Retro Grouch 

Since inexpensive is on your list, that would be my recommendation too.

You might check suppliers, like Niagara, to see what they offer for new freewheel hubs. You might be able to find a new lower end Shimano hub that is, or can be modified, to fit 126 mm dropouts.

LlamaBikes

Although not made anymore you may find find some old stock of Paul Jono hubs. They were selling around $100 before they stopped making them. Adjustable dropout spacing allows you to use it in many bikes.

fietsbob

Toured Internationally on a Bike with a Phil Freewheel Hub, they have resolved the primary shortcoming of that type ,
the Axle is super strong.

Roger Durham's Bullseye Hubs are also a strong axle design even though the axle and the reinforcing Sleeves over it
is Mostly Aluminum.

They come apart easily to drop in a new Bearing cartridge when needed,

Phil's field service design is also easy to maintain ..

Specialized also Got a good Freewheel hub Made for them in the 80's but it still is a 10MM threaded axle ,
though double shields the sealed bearing Cartridges .. Sanshin made them, I think .
I paired my Phil rear with one of those Up Front.

Sun tour stopped making freewheels long ago so what do you intend to do to not wear it down,
Not ride the Bike?

Seizedpost

No, I am planning to ride this bike a lot. In fact I hope to use it for a tour next summer. It never occurred to that replacement Suntour cogs would be an issue.

Seizedpost

Maybe I'll just get a Shimano 6 speed Hyperglide 14-28.

LesterOfPuppets

With those shifters, it doesn't really matter. Shimano, Suntour, Campagnolo, Sachs...

ramzilla

These should fit. I've got a pair on one of my bikes now. They're a real good value at the price too. ..................

~https://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/wheel-master-27-road-wheel-set-sun-cr18-rim-36h-5-6-7-speed-fw-qr-silver

nfmisso

Scroll down to "Seven Speed Shimano 105 SC " on Custom Wheel Building

Admittedly cassette, but rather high end with 126mm spacing.

And there are high quality Shimano 7 speed cassettes available, from Niagara and others.

Camplex

Some great options above...

All I'll add is, I've actually used a pair of those cheapo Taiwanese hubs (Brand "KK" ?) and they've proved surprisingly reliable. I'd rather go vintage, though, especially vintage NOS. I'd also recommend the Phil option.

I have a SunTour 14-34 5 speed FW on one bike and that thing seems as though it will last forever... It will damn sure wear a lot slower than any new freewheel you'll purchase. I've never had to look for replacement cogs but I've seen some available online (at a premium of course). It's true that this could be an issue in the future and to ameliorate any issue like that, you could go cassette or go IRD or Shimano. But again, you're comparing grape-juice to a fine wine. Haha..

noobinsf 

Maybe these are worth a look. Sansin/Sunshine are quite durable and reliable.

Sansin Sunshine Gyromaster Front Rear Hubs 36h Classic Road Touring 126mm | eBay

Seizedpost

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I actually ended up buying SkyDog75's wheels. They should be here in a few days.

SkyDog75

Coincidentally, I think those might be the exact same Sansin hubs he'll be getting with the wheels I sent yesterday. They seemed pretty decent when I disassembled & lubed them earlier this summer.

FastJake

I pulled apart some similar Sansin hubs that came on an old Panasonic. I was expecting cheap stuff but was pleasantly surprised at the nice appearing quality of the cones, cups, and the effectiveness of the seals.

Curtis Odom 

My freewheel hubs now have an axle similar to those in cassette hubs so much stronger than the traditional designs.