SS Hub or Use Existing Geared Hub?

[50 Mission Cap]

Which do you think? I am converting a geared Santa Cruz chameleon, and am wondering if I should used the existing hub w/ spacers and such, or should I rebuild the wheel w/ a surly ss hub?

[davkatreb]

It's none of my business, but if it were mine I'd prolly just get one a them wide base SS cogs for the freehub and invest the savings wisely. Beer comes to mind.

[myron]

Which do you think? I am converting a geared Santa Cruz chameleon, and am wondering if I should used the existing hub w/ spacers and such, or should I rebuild the wheel w/ a surly ss hub?

Really the only draw back I've had with conversion hubs, is that wheel tension can be difficult. You will need a tugnut on both sides, and you should get a bolt on skewer. The skewer should be one made for tamdem bikes as they are extra long. A standard 135mm spacing bolt on skewer is not long enough for two tug nuts. My LBS ordered me a set of Delta Axle rods made for the longer tandem bikes.


If you go with a dedicated hub with a 10mm bolt on axle you really don't have to have tug nuts. If weight is a consideration keep in mind that Surly hubs are heavy, possible twice as much as a conversion hub by the time you add a freewheel.Surly hubs are however, quite well made and have durable cartridge bearings. Another advantage of a true bolt on hub is the BMX type freewheels. Stick with White Ind. or ACS claws freewheels. Dicta and Shimano are full of delicate unsealed balls, and quickly go bad.

[Spalls]

Myron: I am probably missing the boat here, but are tug nuts available to retrofit bikes that were originally intended for use with freewheels or cassettes?

[rockyrider]

Tugnuts could be used with a geared hub except that the standard axles are too short. If you changed the axle to one of these (http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Hub&sc=Axles&tc=Rear&item_id=WB-AXLE29&id=54409291156) or these (http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Hub&sc=Axles&tc=Rear&item_id=WB-101168&id=54409291156) it could work, with a QR like this one (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/COMPHUSKWSALS/QR2229)

[myron]

your'e skewed (http://bikezoneinc.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5207)

[myron]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SKEWER-BIKE-SETS-F-WHEEL-SEATPOST-FOR-ROAD-BLK_W0QQitemZ170000469813QQihZ007QQcateg oryZ42319QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[50 Mission Cap]

I guess I should have added that the existing geared wheel is also non-disc... Has a disc brake in front, but not the rear... does that change matters?

[myron]

I guess I should have added that the existing geared wheel is also non-disc... Has a disc brake in front, but not the rear... does that change matters?

Not unless you want rear disc brakes.
Another Option (http://psyclestore.com/product_info.php?products_id=138)

[50 Mission Cap]

how necessary is a rear disc brake?

[rockyrider]

If you live or ride in wet, sloppy, muddy conditions the rear disc is handy. If you ride in the dry then a rear disc is not so important as about 70% of the braking force happens on the front wheel.

[davkatreb]

how necessary is a rear disc brake?
There is absolutely no need for a rear brake of any description if you ride fixed.

Just sayin'...

[myron]

how necessary is a rear disc brake?
I like... no, love disc brakes.

Having said that, it's not out of the question to ride the White trail at Clinton during a thunder storm and pouring rain using only rim brakes. When it's that muddy you really dont ride all that fast anyhow. I have run "mullet" set ups in the past. My main thing is paying attention to the different feels of the disc/rim set up. That's likely not as big of a factor if you ride only one bike all the time.

[AM Radio]

There is absolutely no need for a rear brake of any description if you ride fixed.

Just sayin'...
You're right!!! However, some people take mountain bikes off the paved bike path.
Jus Sayin'

[davkatreb]

You're right!!! However, some people take mountain bikes off the paved bike path.
Jus Sayin'
And many of those who do prefer a fixed gear. Lack of skills got you a little grumpy, does it?