jaxgtr

For Center Lock - price friendly: Shimano XT M785 QR Rear Hub > Components > Wheels > Hubs | Jenson USA
For 6 bolt: Shimano XT M756A Rear Hub > Components > Wheels > Hubs | Jenson USA

BBBRPDL

Ah! So any 135mm mtb hubs listed as QR will fit the dropouts? And the SRAM 9sp cassette will Slide on to anything (bar Campy fit)?

jaxgtr

yep....check the links I posted above...I am sure you can find something similar in the UK probably better priced.

BBBRPDL

I can't thank you enough!

jaxgtr

jaxgtr

Here you go....wiggle.com | Shimano XT M785 Center Lock QR Hubset | MTB Hubs

chriskmurray

For wheels you just need the usual 135mm wide quick release rear hub and 100mm quick release front hub. Regarding the cassette, any modern shimano cassette body (the most common) will work and you just move your current cassette over.

If you are asking if I could build you the wheel, I would be happy to do it and am more than comfortable with the job. The best way to go about that is to just fill out the contact form on my website in my signature and I could get you details, paypal is no problem.

BBBRPDL

Thanks for your help also. I'm in the UK, and due to a less than joyous paycheque each month, think I will buy the bits separately with a view of getting them laced locally.

annoyingly I was going for a track bike prior to this change of heart (track bike manufacturers were worried by my weight) and bought two Phil Wood track hubs, one of which I had gotten built up by a great guy locally. Their unused value now is a worrying drop from what I paid, but if I can, I think I will hope to go for something with a similar reputation for quality/longevity.

chriskmurray

Going with a UK builder would make more sense anyways!

Since you are in the UK, Hope hubs should be very easy to find and are very durable and always a safe option.

If fund allow it you could always save the Phil hubs/wheel as a goal for when you start to loose weight and get stronger on the bike. For what it is worth, there are builders out there that could build you a bike strong enough but simply having gears and the option for wider tires will probably make you much more comfortable than on a track bike.

BBBRPDL

I think you're right. I rode bmx throughout the mid-skool era, and after a huge gap, really was smitten by the idea of a single speed/fixed adult sized bike (I'm 6'5") Similarly, I have a residual desire for parts as good as I can just about not afford.

I'm picking the bike up on Sunday, so will inevitably start off on the factory spec, I hope if they do pop, they do so gently.

jaxgtr

Did you end up going with the CrossRip?

BBBRPDL

Yeah, here in the UK we can get tax free bikes up to the value of £1000 if we use them for 50% of our commute. The CrossRip elite seemed to be the best suited to what I was after at that price. Not done the transaction yet, but am going over on Sunday to hand over the voucher and pick it up.

Clean looks, clean cable management, nice brakes, less-than-boneshattering geometry etc etc.

jaxgtr

sweet deal. Good luck

BBBRPDL

Okay, reporting back...

I've not pushed the bike to any crazy lengths yet - only been going around the block pre/après sunset when it's not raining/ive not been full of cold.

Ive changed nothing that has to put up with my weight apart from the pedals, therefore I can't vouch for the stock ones. I've removed all the reflectors (but added heavier lights) and dropped the stem by sticking the two small spacers on top, rather than underneath.

Everything feels tight and more responsive than I am used to; so much so, any wobbles or movement I think would become noticeable, but there hasn't been anything to report. I started becoming more aware the tyres felt a little spongy, particularly when accelerating/cornering; I've definitely been riding on air and not rim though. I've this evening put 78psi (rated 60-80) in each, ready for next time (not sure what was in them, but I would swear they feel firmer to the touch since).

Prior to my most recent stint, I turned it upside down and spun the wheels to see if I can spot any porko-damage; the front is as true as anyone could wish, yet there is some movement on the back. Its subtle enough to be hard to really locate when static, but I'm fairly sure it's going up-and-down a fraction of a mm. I can't be sure this wasn't always the case. I checked again when I got back and it's no different - all the spokes feel the same to touch (if this is even a thing?).

not sure if it's peculiar to someone my size but as well as the tyres, the brakes feel really spongey too.. The cables have probably stretched since purchase. I did lots of squeezing before I took the thing out, so maybea few tweaks will fix that. Perhaps they need some wearing in, but they sound horrible, like worn out rim brakes. There's just about enough stopping power, but it's right in the extremes of a squeeze.

Ill keep at it, and should any problems develop, I'll be straight back.

thanks again for all your help. I am still in the market for at least a new rear wheel, but will be a while affording one.

oh, and the saddle is a little harsh it must be said.

Sullalto

There's a US bike manufacturer in the PNW(Co-Motion, or Rodriguez, don't remember which), that makes a touring bike spaced for tandem wheels.

BBBRPDL

Ive been looking at DT Swiss 540s which come in various widths and hole counts; all of which are sold as tandem hubs.