This Post is about the very non C&V SRAM DualDrive Hub. I'm posting it here because no one in Bicycle Mechanics responded, and while I mentioned the problem in BigWoo's thread about the Big Locomotive in Denver, I felt I shouldn't hijack his thread any more. I suppose it has C&V implications if you've ever considered using a DualDrive (DD) on a classic frame. I also know my C&V buddies are more interested in these kinds of challenges.

Here's the story: I have a 2003 Cannondale Comfort 600 equipped with the DD. Essentially it is an MTB frame with a Headshok, and smoother tires. Originally it sported a big thick "jellyish" saddle and nearly straight bars. Now however it wears a vintage Brooks B-15 and North Road bars found at the stump dump.

So briefly here's what occurred: 11 miles into a ride on a Rail Trail, my chain came off the chainring. When I got off to take care of the chain, I noticed the rear wheel had a great deal of wobble back and forth, let's say about 1" to each side! Needless to say this made me nervous.

So I removed the wheel and immediately the hub guts came out of the shell as the cassette side ended up in my opposite hand. The axle had broken in half about 70% in on the non-drive side.

Last night I sent an email to Cannondale and SRAM. Today I had a reply from Cannondale and got nowhere. Then I talked to SRAM to only find out they sell no DD replacement parts in the U.S.

But this evening, Chuck from SRAM called. He basically promised that working through my LBS they should be able to send a completely new hub to the LBS and then will pay for the labor to swap the guts from the new hub into the shell of the old hub!

So say your prayers to whomever you please that the good people of SRAM take care of this problem. I'm just glad this happened while I was on a flat MOP--- and not descending Baker Hill at 35mph.

Here's the bike in question before the Brooks and old style bars. I'll go take some pictures of the hub as it now exists and post them shortly. Thanks for your comments.

Bob

nice to have you still with us, bob. I've seen much, much worse when axles have gone south.

OK. Here are the hub pictures. First the inside of the shell and the outside with the limp axle. There is a retaining clip on the inside of the hub holding this portion of the axle in the shell.



Now for the business side. The broken axle is clearly seen and this was inside of where the the bearings contacted the cone.


And just so the curious can see the other side of the cassette.

Just a quick update: Last week I took the wheel and SRAM hub parts to an LBS and the owner agreed to chase down SRAM and see if they would replace the DualDrive hub. He called last evening to report SRAM was coming through and a new hub should be here this week. I'll just pay the labor for the swap (estimated at $5-$10 by the LBS owner)! For a 5 year old hub, this is great service!

SRAM has always been great with warranty issues for me. Whether it's my Rock Shox or my Truvativ cranks. It's nice to know that some companies really back up their stuff.

You need to take it easy bob, no more hucking!



oops wrong Vanderham!!