Surly hubs
05-04-08, 01:20 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: melbourne
Posts: 522
Bikes: gaint crx 2 2007
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Surly hubs
What are your opinions of the surly hubs
Im getting a bike next week with them and curious as to how they perform
Im getting a bike next week with them and curious as to how they perform
05-04-08, 01:39 AM
#2
fails just as quickly
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: two miles behind
Posts: 522
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I think the general consensus is that they will perform pretty well, but that they are overpriced for what they are. You could probably get the same level of performance from a formula or miche hub.
05-04-08, 01:41 AM
#3
?que?
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 783
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a set and I thought they were fine, But I couldn't ever feel a difference over formulas and they wore out faster than my set of formulas. Plus the bearing size is not as easy to find nor can you replace the bearings with Phil spec so I would not ever get them again over formula's but not a bad hub at all, Held up well. What bike are you getting?
05-04-08, 03:27 AM
#6
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Another thing to keep in mind about the Surly hub is that they use an adjustable bearing, which if not adjusted properly will lead to premature bearing failure. Many folks seem to have a problem with this.
https://www.surlybikes.com/2004_02_01...ogarchive.html
Originally Posted by Surly Blog
When a "shop mechanic" tells us his Surly New hub bearings were fried after two months of riding, we see a red flag. Bearings simply don't fail after that short of a riding period under normal circumstances, so there must be another problem. We use tough Enduro 7901 angular contact bearings that have a load rating better than our previous generation 1x1 hubs. What you all should know about our hubs is that these are ADJUSTABLE cartridge bearings. This means you or the shop mechanic must adjust these bearings for minimal friction and minimal side play when brand new and periodically throughout their life in order to maximize their lifespan. Even brand new, out-of-the-box Surly hubs should be either adjusted or checked to make sure the outer locknuts are securely tightened against the cones. Failure to do so will likely result in premature bearing failure. Successful completion of this task will result in a very long lasting and smooth operating hubset. You've been warned, now go ride.
05-04-08, 06:37 PM
#9
Wet Cyclist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Seattle, Wa
Posts: 126
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Adjustable cartridge bearings? Doesn't that defeat some of the arguments around in favor of cartridge bearings? I never knew there was such a thing...although I'm rolling on normal bearings and cones and don't mind adjusting and overhauling when necessary.
05-04-08, 06:47 PM
#10
god
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SFC
Posts: 411
Bikes: cannondale f300, surly steamroller
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a set and I thought they were fine, But I couldn't ever feel a difference over formulas and they wore out faster than my set of formulas. Plus the bearing size is not as easy to find nor can you replace the bearings with Phil spec so I would not ever get them again over formula's but not a bad hub at all, Held up well. What bike are you getting?
although that thread is from 2005... are new surly hubs different?
edit- ps i'm completely 100% satisfied with my surly hubs so far... 6 months and going strong.
05-04-08, 07:46 PM
#11
Ride for Life
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston
Posts: 2,740
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
yeah i've used surly hubs and they are fine... and the bearings are totally (or at least were?) replaceable with phil, i don't think they've changed their hubs at all in the past few years.
05-04-08, 08:27 PM
#12
Rarely Insightful
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 243
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I recently built up some Surly hubs for my beater bike. I got them so I could get a double fixed rear. I like them so far. No noticeable difference from my Formulas but not nearly as nice as my Phils. At first I kicked myself for buying them (re: they are overpriced) but after getting them laced up I feel as if they were a decent purchase.
05-05-08, 07:15 AM
#14
jack of one or two trades
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Suburbia, CT
Posts: 5,640
Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The main benefits of cartridge bearings are lack of maintenance and durability. The adjustment is generally a "set it and forget it" adjustment, and usually isn't even necessary unless you have replaced the bearings. Formulas and most other cartridge bearing hubs are adjustable also.
05-05-08, 07:37 AM
#15
:)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: duluth
Posts: 3,391
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Commuted on some of the worst streets (potholes, sand, and tons of salt) in rain/snow/or shine for 2 years on mine. Even with the occasional offroading adventure, I have yet to touch the bearings, no play, spin fine. I give them the thumbs up.
05-05-08, 07:48 PM
#16
or tarckeemoon, depending
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: the pesto of cities
Posts: 7,017
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've been commuting on mine for nearly two years. No problems.
05-05-08, 08:40 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF
Posts: 1,572
Bikes: 1972 Paramount Track, 1972 Paramount P13 Road, 1972 Paramount Tandem, 1986 Paramount Road, Merckx MXL, Gunnar Cross Hairs, Samson Illusion NJS, KHS Aero Track, Titus Racer X 29er, Tom Palermo Custom Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
05-05-08, 09:47 PM
#19
Yup
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: where the sunbeams end and the starlight begins
Posts: 3,083
Bikes: Kona Unit, planet X cx bike, khs fixed gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
I love mine. 135mm of sexiness. I can't comment on it being overpriced as there isn't much option besides surly for a 135mm hub that isn't named Paul or Phil. I did have to replace the bearings after 9 month of riding, but most likely due to me overtightening the tracknuts.
__________________
When sadness fills my days
It's time to turn away
And then tomorrow's dreams
Become reality to me
When sadness fills my days
It's time to turn away
And then tomorrow's dreams
Become reality to me
05-05-08, 09:52 PM
#20
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been riding on a surly rear hub for 2+ years. It's pretty decent and durable, although one of the sealed bearings that came with the hub was missing a ball and made an awful racket.
However, if I were to buy a new rear hub right now I'd get the cheapest formula/nashbar/whatever hub around and just replace the bearings with Phil Wood (for only $10 or $20 bucks).
And if I were to buy a front hub right now it'd be another ultegra road hub - cup-and-cone bearings are still faster, cheaper, and really don't require all that much maintenance. It seems like most people would rather have barely noticeable bling and matching hubs than go really fast, though.
However, if I were to buy a new rear hub right now I'd get the cheapest formula/nashbar/whatever hub around and just replace the bearings with Phil Wood (for only $10 or $20 bucks).
And if I were to buy a front hub right now it'd be another ultegra road hub - cup-and-cone bearings are still faster, cheaper, and really don't require all that much maintenance. It seems like most people would rather have barely noticeable bling and matching hubs than go really fast, though.
