Looking to begin the wheel building process for my new (to me) bike. Been really into the Velocity Deep V rims and decided on new cog and now I just need recommendations for the hub set. I need something that allows for both fixed cog and freewheel for the rear. I'll cap off the freewheel side for now but want the option for the future. I'd like something that comes in black. I really am digging the Paul high flange hubs but they are fairly expensive (I know, I know, you get what you pay for). My bike is used around town and doesn't take an intense amount of riding or abuse and was wondering if the Paul set is overkill for my personal setup. Not opposed to getting them but would like to see if anyone has some other recommendations for a sold set that can be had for a reasonable price or even something else that just kills it in that same price range.

Let me know if you have any thoughts on hubs.

Also...if anyone has strong opinions on rims I'd love to hear as well. I like the look of something a bit deeper without overdoing it which is why I've liked the Deep V's. I'd like to keep the wheelset relatively light and if that just isn't going to happen with the Deep V's I'd like to know some experiences. Thanks.

Mavic Open Pro.

Hubs: novatec

Novatecs for the hubs for sure.

Try KinLin XR-300's for the rims, same profile as Veeps, but quite a bit lighter.

If you're going for budget get Formula hubs. Also, you can run a freewheel cog on fixed threads, just fyi.

Not necessarily on a budget but if there was a hub that performed as good as the $250+ hub sets for less I'd be interested in taking a look. I look into formula hubs.

I was unaware you could use a freewheel on fixed threads. Why do they offer flip flop then?

Very good question.

I'd rather have novatecs than formulas.

I read on this forum it was something about the manufacturers saving money/marketing and other jazz. Novatec and Formula are both fine candidates. Just don't get any sort of cheap loose ball-bearing hub like Quando, I'm sure you know that already haha

Very interesting. I'll have to start my search over as I was completely ruling out hubs that only had one side threaded for a fixed cog. Doh!

Either way, yes sealed, always sealed bearings.

Hey op, what's your weight, what kind of riding do you do, and are you especially strong for your size?

How do novatecs differ from formulas? or do they not for the average rider?

I just got some H + Son Archetype rims laced to formula hubs, they're awesome. Although I too would recommend Novatec over formula.

The bearings are slightly better, they're lighter and have nicer axles & hardware. I highly doubt anyone (including myself) would notice a real-world difference.

I'm clocking in at a good solid 5'10" and about 160lbs. Bike is used in the city to get around to run errands or grab a bite to eat. I do encounter some decent hills here in Utah. I wouldn't say I'm especially strong for my size but by no means would I consider myself weak. Avid rock climber so I would think I had decent stregth. (I feel like I'm filling out a dating website description. Any takers? Jk...I'm married).

Would the average ride notice a difference between a Novatec hub and something double the price and 'nicer' though?

I highly doubt it.

I guarantee they wouldn't.

Novatecs are also some of their test track hubs available.

Oh, also, need more dating info.

Brakes or no brakes?

Running brakeless at the moment but again want the option for a front brake in the future.

Get a set of all city hubs.

H + Son Archetype rims laced to phil hubs.

OP said Paul hubs would be overkill, I'd imagine Phil Woods are even more over the top haha

Which are Novatecs.

Novatecs to A23s that scrod is selling, or Novatecs to KinLin XR-300s

Can you confirm that a freewheel would fit onto the fixed threading for a wheel? Still perplexed as to why companies would offer a flip flop if a free wheel or fixed cog could be used on the same threads...