Hi-

I'm building up something of a clunker to be a bad-weather commuter bike. It seems that Uniglide rear hubs are cheaper and more available, and I was wondering why.

As far as I understand (from Sheldon Brown and word of mouth), one main difference between Hyperglide and Uniglide is that the HG shifting mechanism allows the chain to engage the target sprocket as well as the original sprocket. And for a time there were HG and UG compatible hubs. The actual gear cluster assembly is different, too (HG is the current standard: one big cassette with a lock ring that screws into the inside of the hub; UG was 5 gears then a cog that screwed in and a lock ring that screwed over that), I believe.

So if I go ahead and buy a rear wheel with a UG hub, with the cassette and lock ring already in place, I should be good to go, right? As long as the hub / freewheel / gear cluster / lock ring are in decent condition, can I slap any ol' 3/32" chain on there and be fine to ride?

Any information is welcomed, and any correction of misconceptions in the above is welcome, too! Also, if this is in the wrong forum, please redirect.

Thanks!

any thoughts?

Try asking in the mechanics forum.

Huh? Are you posting from 1988? It sounds like you're confused about terminology, here. Uniglide rear hubs are impossible to find except on eBay or other used sources. Shimano hasn't manufactured them in years. The situation is even more dire when it comes to the cassettes. If you're in a position where a UG hub is available to you, I strongly advise against purchasing one; when the cassette wears out, you'll be in trouble.

And UG has no lockring at all; the smallest cog IS the lockring. As for chains, any chain marked for 8 or fewer speeds (typically these chains are really 6-7-8-speed compatible) will do. But like I said, don't buy a UG hub on purpose. If it's on a used bike you want, that's fine, but don't buy a wheel built around one.

I am buying used and have found a few sources of cheap Uniglide wheels.

I appreciate the useful information you shared. I regret that you felt the need to type twice as much as necessary in order to get it out.

Hey, no problem. I'm not sure what you're feeling so defensive about, though. I pointed that UG is a seriously out-dated and out-of-production product. I did not insult you or tell you to go pound sand. I apologize for taking you at your word:

So sorry. Won't happen again.