Best SS hub?
10-21-09 | 07:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 50
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Best SS hub?
Well i have a FG and i realy like it but as my second bike i would like a SS.
I was pretty sure i would go for a Chris King SS hub, but lately i have read a lot of mixed user reviews some realy good and some realy bad.
What is you opinion about the CK SS hub here on bikeforums?
I was pretty sure i would go for a Chris King SS hub, but lately i have read a lot of mixed user reviews some realy good and some realy bad.
What is you opinion about the CK SS hub here on bikeforums?
10-21-09 | 08:02 PM
#2
Comanche Racing
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,820
Likes: 0
From: Deep in the heart of Texas
Bikes: Presto NJS build, Specialized Allez Pro w/ full Dura Ace and Ksyrium SLs, 1990something Specialized Sirrus
I don't know much about CK hubs, but I'm sure they are good. CK makes really good bearing components, so why wouldn't their hubs be good? I know people who have their MTB hubs and love them.
IMO, Phil Wood makes one of the nicest SS hubs on the market. Very smooth, extremely durable,a nd almost no maintenance required since they are sealed cartridge bearing.
Paul makes some good hubs, but I'm not sure if they make a SS hub or not, I know they make a FG hub.
IMO, Phil Wood makes one of the nicest SS hubs on the market. Very smooth, extremely durable,a nd almost no maintenance required since they are sealed cartridge bearing.
Paul makes some good hubs, but I'm not sure if they make a SS hub or not, I know they make a FG hub.
10-22-09 | 08:21 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Bikes: Panasonic NJS Keirin x2, Level Professional, Bianchi CUSS, GT Pulse
Paul started out as the SS guru, his hubs are great. If you're looking for a SS cassette hub, Hope, Hadley, and King all have awesome, and very expensive, options. The least expensive cassette hub with the best quality, in my opinion, is the Nashbar SS cassette at $50, but it is 3/8ths and 135mm wide, as most cassette hubs are.
But honestly, if you're running a freewheel, it doesn't really matter. Just get something with sealed bearings; you'll probably have more luck with this option if you're using a road frame as a SS.
My favorite SS hub combo is my Surly new disc hub mated with a WI 17t Trials freewheel, but it's on my 29er, so it's a disc hub and 135mm wide. You can buy more expensive freewheel hubs through Paul and Phil as well, if you want to go for the gold.
But honestly, if you're running a freewheel, it doesn't really matter. Just get something with sealed bearings; you'll probably have more luck with this option if you're using a road frame as a SS.
My favorite SS hub combo is my Surly new disc hub mated with a WI 17t Trials freewheel, but it's on my 29er, so it's a disc hub and 135mm wide. You can buy more expensive freewheel hubs through Paul and Phil as well, if you want to go for the gold.
10-22-09 | 04:47 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
I have a CK SS hub on my MTB/Commuter and a old Superbe Pro sealed bearing road hub with a White Industires ENO freewheel. Since you are looking at CK you clearly don't mind spending a few pennies. I think what I run is as good as can reasonably be expected from a cassette vs freewheel comparsion. There may be nicer freewheel hubs than Superbe Pro.... but I honestly prefer them to Phils which are nice but heavy, and no better in terms of quality IMHO.
Hookup on the CK is ever so lightly better
Both are noisy, but the CK is freaking insane noisy. The angry bee's comment people talk about is appropriate.
Servicing the King hub is pretty easy but rebuilds require a special tool which most shops don't have.
King hubs require special lube for the ring-drive.... so be aware you need to spend another $16 buck for goo to lube.
Stainless cogs are $48 a pop. I have 3 and so have spent nearly $150 on just cogs.
You probably know this, but the CK has space for 3 individual cogs, so you could run a double/double if you wanted. You also have 3 positions to choose from on the rear cassette to futz with your chainline.
They don't make 1/8 CK cogs, so if you want to run say a Sugino 75 or Omnium crankset, you will have a bit of slop on the rear cog.
Other notes:
If you plan on riding on these in the rain, they are fine.
You should use Anti-seize on the fun-bolts instead of grease.
Hope this helps
Hookup on the CK is ever so lightly better
Both are noisy, but the CK is freaking insane noisy. The angry bee's comment people talk about is appropriate.
Servicing the King hub is pretty easy but rebuilds require a special tool which most shops don't have.
King hubs require special lube for the ring-drive.... so be aware you need to spend another $16 buck for goo to lube.
Stainless cogs are $48 a pop. I have 3 and so have spent nearly $150 on just cogs.
You probably know this, but the CK has space for 3 individual cogs, so you could run a double/double if you wanted. You also have 3 positions to choose from on the rear cassette to futz with your chainline.
They don't make 1/8 CK cogs, so if you want to run say a Sugino 75 or Omnium crankset, you will have a bit of slop on the rear cog.
Other notes:
If you plan on riding on these in the rain, they are fine.
You should use Anti-seize on the fun-bolts instead of grease.
Hope this helps
