Best Inexpensive Hub?
06-11-15 | 06:44 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
Best Inexpensive Hub?
Hello, I'm about to have a wheelset built, and was curious as to what people would suggest for the best choice for an inexpensive hub that can handle commuting and training miles.
Here's what I'm looking at:
Origin 8 Track Hubs - It is my understanding that these are Formulas
Some Somax Hubs
Surly Ultra New Hubs
From what I've read, it seems the Origin 8 is a solid choice. I also read that the Soma may be a better choice, however I wasn't able to find an explanation regarding why it may be the better choice. I've read multiple accounts of people having bearing issues with the Surly hubs, while others seem to have no issues.
If anyone can share any further info about these hubs, I'd appreciate it.
Here's what I'm looking at:
Origin 8 Track Hubs - It is my understanding that these are Formulas
Some Somax Hubs
Surly Ultra New Hubs
From what I've read, it seems the Origin 8 is a solid choice. I also read that the Soma may be a better choice, however I wasn't able to find an explanation regarding why it may be the better choice. I've read multiple accounts of people having bearing issues with the Surly hubs, while others seem to have no issues.
If anyone can share any further info about these hubs, I'd appreciate it.
Last edited by nob; 06-11-15 at 06:47 PM.
06-11-15 | 09:06 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 15
Can't really beat Formula's for the price. Upon closer investigation, often the competition is simply re-branded Formula's anyway.
I really like Suzue Pro Max hubs which I think are better looking and not a ton more expensive but might not be any better technically.
Sometime you find wheels built with loose bearing Dura Ace hubs for a relative bargain.
After that you are into Pauls, Phil Woods etc...
I really like Suzue Pro Max hubs which I think are better looking and not a ton more expensive but might not be any better technically.
Sometime you find wheels built with loose bearing Dura Ace hubs for a relative bargain.
After that you are into Pauls, Phil Woods etc...
06-11-15 | 09:09 PM
#3
THE STUFFED
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,671
Likes: 21
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: R. Sachs Simplicity; EAI Bareknuckle; Madone Gen 8
06-12-15 | 07:40 AM
#7
Old Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, Denver, CO, USA
Bikes: 1974 Italian frame with Campy Nuovo Record Components, 2016 single speed
Miche
I bought a Miche Pista/Strada hub set for my new single-speed build. $110.
Pista/Strada Hubs | Miche Bike Components
Pista/Strada Hubs | Miche Bike Components
Last edited by davebarnes; 06-12-15 at 07:49 AM.
06-12-15 | 07:46 AM
#8
Brown Jersey Winner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8,797
Likes: 13
From: The Bad Woods.
formula/novatecs
i have thousands of miles on them in heat cold rain snow and i havent even needed to adjust them or do anything besides wipe the crap off the outside
mine are on a set of handbuilt wheels and no ragrets. not one letter.
i have thousands of miles on them in heat cold rain snow and i havent even needed to adjust them or do anything besides wipe the crap off the outside
mine are on a set of handbuilt wheels and no ragrets. not one letter.
06-12-15 | 09:36 AM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
No complaints with my Origin8/Formula rear hub after nearly 5000 miles of year-round riding.
06-12-15 | 09:51 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: LA not L.A.
Bikes: Are awesome!
I'd definitely recommend the sealed bearing Formula hubs too. I'm currently running some rebranded Formulas on my SS bike and while I don't have as many miles on mine as Mumonkan or ThermionicScott (~500 or so), I've had zero complaints/issues so far.
06-12-15 | 10:12 AM
#11
Speechless
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,842
Likes: 39
From: Central NY
Bikes: Felt Brougham, Lotus Prestige, Cinelli Xperience,
I own the Soma Somax and the Surly Ultra New (rear hub only for both), and I have nothing but positive to say about the Surly, and a long list of bearing failures with the Soma. Most likely it is a problem axle chewing through the Soma's, but I have replaced the sealed bearings on it twice in probably 6000 ish miles of use.
06-12-15 | 10:15 AM
#12
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,861
Likes: 41
From: Coeur d' Alene
Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors
Where are you guys buying the Formula hubs**********????
I was looking for the TH-20 (low flange track front) a while back and could not find a source. Still can't.
I was looking for the TH-20 (low flange track front) a while back and could not find a source. Still can't.
06-12-15 | 10:22 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 10
From: dEnVeR
Bikes: CENTURION / LOOK / Bianchi
Ive got a set of wheels with Novatecs currently -- Couldnt be more happy with them. Don't have a lot of miles on them yet but workin on fixing that in the next year 
