Level Components Hub review
 

I know a lot of people ask about the Level Hub, wondering what the story is, how it holds up etc. There's been a few threads on here of course, but maybe you want some more detailed info. I've been sitting on this review with the intention of including it in the next issue of SSO, but I've posted it now because it's just been sitting on my harddrive too long.

You can read it here.

Wow, I never realized a lot of the level hub's features, like the spacer interchangability. Very cool. Definitely a great writeup.

Interestingly enough, I recently found that (possibly excluding the splined interface) the concept of a bolt-on fixed cog is rather old - going through old parts at the bike shop I wrench at, I came across a wheel with a cog held onto the hub with three bolts. It's an old Schwinn unicycle hub. I wonder if this was a source of inspiration? It has been said by those more knowledgable than I that most "new" inventions in cycling, are not very new at all.
I could probably snap a picture of this if people are interested.

If it hasn't been submitted yet, you might change the word "replicable" to "replaceable" in the fifth paragraph of the hub review. Unless the bearings actually are replicable, of course. :D

Real nice writeup, and thanks for pointing these hubs out. I'm going to build a wheelset someday soon, and now I've got another hub I can consider.

Edit: Interesting and helpful technical data and pictures on LeVel Components' web site.

Note: 15-tooth is the smallest cog.

Um, haven't finished reading it yet, but is he really putting freewheel threads on the other side of the new ones? Seems like putting fixed threads would be better, since you could run all three interfaces on the same hub. Actually, just having the bolt on interface on both sides would be cool, too...

This is available from level. I have a rear hub with the "bolt on interface" on both sides.

msl

Not thread-on. Level is making a freewheel that uses the InI system.

http://www.levelcomponents.com/image...el%20small.jpg

The write-up mentioned a new hub in the works that would accept an Eno freewheel, that's what I was thinking of. It didn't make sense to just have free threads instead of fixed...

I suspect it's a misunderstanding. LeVeL says they're doing a freewheel, that becomes they're making a freewheel compatible hub, and of course that implies threaded.

LeVeL's whole thing has been that they don't do threads because threads strip offroad.

That's what I was referring to... Later on he mentions the freewheel that will work with the bolt-on system...

OK, just to clear up a few things mentioned in this thread - these are to the best of my knowledge, Level would still be the best source if you have specific questions:
- Level is working on their own freewheel with the bolt on interface. Not sure if testing is complete yet.
- They are also now offering the hub with one side threaded so you can run a standard freewheel. I suspect this was due to feedback from people who have dropped $70 on a White Industries freewheel but wanted the Level fixed option on one side. This hub is supposed to be available now.
- The double sided bolt-on interface is the standard hub and is still available.

I doubt that it will be threaded to accept a lockring since it works against the idea of the Level bolt-on set up. You have a much lower chance of stripping the threaded hub on a freewheel than on a fixed cog. I will try to ask Scott about these things when I see him at SSWC this weekend, maybe get some more info. OK, need to finish packing and get on the road.

Huh. Is that a fact?

Well I'll be damned, there it is on the News page.

I stand corrected.

Just remembered I forgot to follow up on this since talking to Scott from Level:
- No reverse threads to accept lockring. Defeats the purpose of his main idea of the Level interface
- Freewheel is still in the works, testing is complete, they are just trying to find a way to get the price right and keep the quality high.

Yup RiderX is correct. We still have one hub in stock with the threads on the flip flop side. We're waiting patiently for the slide on freewheel to be done.

According to Scott from Level, the freewheel has been finished and tested, but at current design it is too expensive (about $90 Retail). So they are re-working it, to make it more affordable.