Falchoon

Can someone tell me the differences in the various Shimano wheel hubs, in weight, functionality and durability? From Tiagra through to Dura Ace.

roadbuzz

For the objective data, check the Shimano-Europe site.
Click on "Road Racing", and in the subsequent screen, click "Catalogue Selection."
I have extensive experience with 105 and Ultegra and have no complaints about functionality or durability with either. Both were easy to maintain and didn't require any special tools or bearings when it came time for overhauls.

D*Alex

Tiagra=junk
Sora=slightly better than junk
105=good
ultegra=better
dura ace=best, but made for racing-expensive and fragile
RSX=old junk
"Shimano SIS" = really cheap department store junk
600=old ultegra

pokey

What can one say to the usual barge load of stinky applesauce. Fragile DA.....

D*Alex

OK, Monsieur pantalones intelligents, would you like me to send you the D/A BB that fractured on me? How about the old D/A cogs that wore faster than butter on a stove top? The D/A chain ($50!!) that broke on me one month after I bought it? Oh, yes, my friend that went over his bars when his D/A caliper broke, then the arm dug into his rim? Yeah, real durable stuff there......
BTW, I still use D/A derailleurs on one bike, but I wouldn't waste a penny on anything else with the D/A name-not unless somebody is sponsoring me.

Davet

FIFTY BUCKS for a Dura-Ace chain?!?! Man, I would like to be your LBS.

pokey

He asked about hubs.Where is hubs mentioned in your response. How could Shimano stay in business making that kind of 'junk'. Sure,DA cogs may wear fast because some are Ti, and any Ti cogs will do that.

Ed Holland

Oooer, I know I might be lining myself up for flak but here goes: My experience with Sora is a happy one - I think it is a good, sensibly priced group that works. It is also the highest level equipment that I have used, so I don't know about the more expensive kit.

.....With one big exeption...... the hubs are rubbish, especially if they are exposed to year round weather because they do not prevent ingress of moisture and dirt to the bearings.

I had a new wheelset made up for my second commuter bike and chose Sora components, but Shimano Deore hubs from their MTB range - these are much better made and sealed.

Just my opinion,

Ed

Xavier

Shimano is no Campy. Shimano items are made to wear out faster so replacement is made sooner. That is why parts tend to be cheaper.

D*Alex - I hope you didn't buy OEM parts as many mail order firms and discount centers are selling. Problems with these are they may not exactly be to the standar the normal parts are. That is why I hate it when discount centers sell Shimano parts below wholesale. Problem is consumers never know how they were obtained. As far as your chain, sadly I always found Shimano chains to be the worse in the market.

As far as hubs - You may not like this bt to me parts are parts. Hubs all will work. Just do maintenance when needed. 105-Dura Ace to me are all the same.