15 or 20 years ago, I bought a hubset that I used about a month, and sent them back to the retailer because they broke. I seem to remember they were called Winner Hubs, and marketed out of California. Anybody have any recollections of these, background or history?

Was Converse ever in the hub business?



Couldn't resist.

Thanks Nick, the ones you picture surely lasted longer than the ones I bought.

If they were those clutch type hubs, they looked and felt very nice, quiet and an instant engagement that I got used to. I heard they were not so dependable but I've ridden one for a while and I'd like to find another.

shanehild That sounds familar, they were clutch type hubs, very quiet especially compared to the Campy stuff I use. The clutch mechanism failed on the two I had, and the company (backyard garage) never seemed to get them repaired or replaced. I finally got my money returned, but would love to have tried the hubs for an extented period.

Must be the same. I'm pretty light, but even so I think I have felt a little slip on steep climbs. I don't ride that bike often anymore, but I remember it took a while to get used to the clunky feel of a normal ratchet mechanism again. I've heard there may be a shimano clutch hub around.