Novatec hubs? Use or lose?
10-31-13, 06:46 AM
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Novatec hubs? Use or lose?
Hey guys I am looking to upgrade my wheels and have been doing tons of research and slowly becoming an expert at least in terms of what is good or not. Anyways the one thing I can't decide on is if I should use Novatec or white industries. Yes I know white industries are better but I see mixed things on novatec, mainly the bearings going bad. The reason I ask is because the cost difference between the two hubs is 200 bucks ipretty much.
For example hoops has a wheel set with Novatec hubs cx ray spokes brass nipples and pacenti wheels for 535. With white ind hubs 735 535 Sounds good but don't know about the hubs.
November has laser spokes with Novatec hubs aluminum nipples and kenlin Tim for 425. Good price again. But the new wheel with white hubs and cx days is 680
Basically I want to know is the Novatec fine or should I just save up the extra 200. Is the white industries that much better? The price difference is big
For example hoops has a wheel set with Novatec hubs cx ray spokes brass nipples and pacenti wheels for 535. With white ind hubs 735 535 Sounds good but don't know about the hubs.
November has laser spokes with Novatec hubs aluminum nipples and kenlin Tim for 425. Good price again. But the new wheel with white hubs and cx days is 680
Basically I want to know is the Novatec fine or should I just save up the extra 200. Is the white industries that much better? The price difference is big
10-31-13, 06:53 AM
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I can't comment on the relative quality of the two brands. I can tell you that all hub bearings will wear out over time. Fortunately these are easily replaced at a very nominal cost. Novatec has a good reputation and many dedicated fans on the "41". Personally, I would give them a try. Similarly, the well priced Bike Hub Store offerings are a good, lightweight choice. My opinion has always been that quality of rims and spokes is very important and worth paying extra for, but quite serviceable hubs like Novatec and BHS can be found at reasonable prices. The two main areas of concern are integrity of the drilled spoke holes and life of the bearings. I haven't heard anything bad about BHS and Novatec spoke holes failing. With the replacement bearings so readily available and easy to install, what's the risk?
10-31-13, 07:09 AM
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Howdy OP and yes, I have a vested interest in your thread; We sell Novatec hubs and parts.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German F*A*G bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German F*A*G bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
Last edited by Bob Dopolina; 10-31-13 at 07:16 AM.
10-31-13, 07:12 AM
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Hmm I will have to ask then thank you. It seems like the Novatec hub may not be sealed as well from what I am reading. But I also read people that say they have 3000 miles on them with no problems. I also read a few people saying there was play in the hub they could not correct.
10-31-13, 07:17 AM
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Howdy OP and yes, I have a vested interest in your thread; We sell Novatec hubs and parts.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German *** bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German *** bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
10-31-13, 07:22 AM
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^^^All hubs are assembled by Novatec to the spec from the customer.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
10-31-13, 07:52 AM
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^^^All hubs are assembled by Novatec to the spec from the customer.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
10-31-13, 09:10 AM
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Over 3000 miles on Novatec lightweight hubs this year with zero problems. I purchased through bdop....
10-31-13, 09:46 AM
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Howdy OP and yes, I have a vested interest in your thread; We sell Novatec hubs and parts.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German F*A*G bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
You can find Novatec through various retailers, distributors and a very select ecommerce site. Or you can buy them through other, grey market sources. The difference in price is all about the bearings. Less expensive sources use Mainland Chinese bearings. Distributors and those who care about the quality of the product use Japanese EZO bearings or German F*A*G bearings.
Chose which produce best suits your needs.
Oh, and WI hubs are top notch. If you go this route I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied.
^^^All hubs are assembled by Novatec to the spec from the customer.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
Most OE factories try to cut costs by ordering the hubs with the less expensive Chinese Bearings. If they have left over inventory they will dump it on eBay as they do not want to hold inventory. Less scrupulous assembly factories will pad their orders with the intension of dumping the surplus goods.
Guess which bearings and warranties those have?
This holds true for many grey market goods sold on eBay/Aliexpress type sites.
I have a couple wheelsets w/Novatec hubs. One set has the cheap bearings that need to be replaced (a simple enough operation w/Novatec--one of their strengths. Do a search on Youtube). But I also have the better bearings and those wheels have lasted many miles w/no problems. I can't speak to the quality of the ride as my only other hubs are Shimano Ultegra, and the Novatec's compare favorably.
If you do go the Novatec route, I do recommend Bdop--good prices, quick shipping and no problems.
10-31-13, 10:39 AM
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This. As well as immediate response to emails, providing they are sent during their waking/working hours.
10-31-13, 10:57 AM
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I have over 10k miles on a set of Novatec hubs purchased through a reputable wheel builder site. I've literally done no maintenance to them and have had zero issues with the hubs. Over half those miles are in the salty coastal air riding within 1/2 mile of the Pacific coast.
10-31-13, 01:20 PM
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I don't disagree, but if cost is an issue, hubs are a place where perfectly adequate performance can be purchased for a bargain price. It is really about the bearings and the best brands of bearings are readily available to fit popular, low cost hubs as replacements even if the hubs are not originally sourced that way. So, while you may choose to go with a premium brand like Chris King, it is not at all necessary. I am not trying to dissuade anyone who wants and can afford the top names. I am just trying to educate those who can't really spring for that level of product
10-31-13, 01:39 PM
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I've dealt with nearly countless sets of Novatecs. They're my go to hub for most people I build for and for myself, although I've only dealt with reputable dealers, (RG, Bdop, November, etc).
Coincidentally, I built my current wheels with the exact November branded Novatecs OP mentions. I really like Novatecs, and I really like anodized red, and now I really like November. They're great people.
Anyways, I'm soon to order another red set of Novembertecs™ (yeah, you guys like that.) for another persons build. They're really nice hubs.
Get the FSW23s.
Coincidentally, I built my current wheels with the exact November branded Novatecs OP mentions. I really like Novatecs, and I really like anodized red, and now I really like November. They're great people.
Anyways, I'm soon to order another red set of Novembertecs™ (yeah, you guys like that.) for another persons build. They're really nice hubs.
Get the FSW23s.
10-31-13, 02:16 PM
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Thanks everyone. So that answers what I was wondering then pretty much which is the Novatec is fine.
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
10-31-13, 02:26 PM
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Thanks everyone. So that answers what I was wondering then pretty much which is the Novatec is fine.
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
I'm currently on the KinLin XC279s. They're literally my favorite alloy hoop in production right now. They're slightly deeper than the SL23, and a mm narrower. Still 23mm wide.
I'd bet some cash that both wheelsets will perform negligibly equal.
Also, wheels are a system really. I feel like they're only as good as your weakest link, so everything matters. All in all, your wheels are only as good as your builder.
10-31-13, 03:22 PM
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Kinlin makes top notch rims. They are straight to start with and build up straight and true with very little effort. It is easy to build a Kinlin wheel with very even spoke tensions. OP, you have no reason to avoid Kinlin.
10-31-13, 03:59 PM
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That's good to hear. I have read good reviews also about the kinlin but some people I read were complaining about the craftsmanship of the wheel and I can't remember the other problem but it had something to do with building the wheel and spoke tension I think
10-31-13, 04:08 PM
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So far the only rim that I've built that rivals it's quality, and I've built pretty much all of the new wide alloy rims (Archetype, A23, etc), was the HED Belgium.
Still a coin flip between the two.
I've built about 4 sets of the KinLin XC279s, and they've all been more than compliant.
My set had slight brake pulsing until I took it down the first mountain. They're literally my favorite rim on the market.
10-31-13, 06:27 PM
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Thanks everyone. So that answers what I was wondering then pretty much which is the Novatec is fine.
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
Now I see you say go for the fsw with Novatec but what about the hoops wheel Are these two wheels going to be the same performance wise or is one better? Hoops uses the pacenti rim. Brass nipple cx ray spoke. November uses alloy nipple kenlin rim and laser spoke for 100 bucks cheaper. I can afford either but if one wheel pretty much is the same as the other I would go the cheaper route. As far as I know from my limited knowledge I am assuming the hoops wheel is the better build?
I think I originally recommended the FSW wheels for you in your bent rim thread. If you're now in the $500 range for wheels, I highly recommend considering the Flo 30's
24-25.82mm wide toroidal rim, cx ray spokes, and a super aerodynamic U-shape rim. I just put them on my caad10 105 and they look amazing!
I talked to Brent at HOOPS for some time about choosing wheels; he's a really great guy! If you're comparing his wheel builds to the FSW's, you should consider getting the Kinlin 279 Elite wheels from him. They're basically the same thing as the fsw 23's except they have CX ray spokes. Both have the same rim and same novatec hubs.
10-31-13, 07:24 PM
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I've got a set of each.
Bike 1 - White Industries with KinLin 300 and Sapim Cxray, 24/28, built by Psimet. About 8000km with no trouble so far.
Bike 2 - Novatec (from BDop) with Mavic Open Pro and DTSwiss Alpine, 28/32, built by a local builder. About 2000km only, but one surprise comment on a 250km audax ride from another rider who was amazed at how fast I was rolling compared to all the bikes in that bunch (and yes, the bike was noticeably faster when coasting).
If I had to build new wheels tomorrow I would probably go the Novatec hubs with a wider rim (HED C2 for e.g.).
Bike 1 - White Industries with KinLin 300 and Sapim Cxray, 24/28, built by Psimet. About 8000km with no trouble so far.
Bike 2 - Novatec (from BDop) with Mavic Open Pro and DTSwiss Alpine, 28/32, built by a local builder. About 2000km only, but one surprise comment on a 250km audax ride from another rider who was amazed at how fast I was rolling compared to all the bikes in that bunch (and yes, the bike was noticeably faster when coasting).
If I had to build new wheels tomorrow I would probably go the Novatec hubs with a wider rim (HED C2 for e.g.).
10-31-13, 07:35 PM
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Haha. Of course now a curve hall gets added in with flo's. I looked into those also it seems a lot of people are happy with them for the most part What made you pick the flo over a custom build? Cause of the wheel size?
And are you saying if I am gonna get the November build I may as well get the pretty much identical build but with the hoops guy cause of the spoke difference? And yeah I decided to just get a nicer wheel. Do I need it? No. But I figured its winter and I can either just save 100 a month or just buy a set now if I see what I like for the price
And are you saying if I am gonna get the November build I may as well get the pretty much identical build but with the hoops guy cause of the spoke difference? And yeah I decided to just get a nicer wheel. Do I need it? No. But I figured its winter and I can either just save 100 a month or just buy a set now if I see what I like for the price
10-31-13, 07:53 PM
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The XR-200 has been known to be a tad soft and really should only be used by tiny little girls but the other Niobium rims are widely available and widely used all over the world in both the aftermarket and OE. Do a little research and you will easily be able to confirm this yourself.
