SS Hubs or conversion kits? Pros/Cons/Prons?

[Abe Froman]

Is it just me or do SS hubs seem to fetch a lot more $, despite being simpler in design? Wha happened?

So with that in mind...what is the verdict on using a standard hub-body with a conversion kit, say Gusset or somethin'. With chain tensioners and QRs they should be fine on a frame with track ends? Non?

[rockyrider]

Conversion kits (http://psyclestore.com/index.php?cPath=25&osCsid=43f8c41eb53ee3b8205da8d8428ada04) work well, and they're nearly local (http://psyclestore.com/index.php?cPath=25&osCsid=43f8c41eb53ee3b8205da8d8428ada04)

[fudgedit]

I have run conversions on several bikes. If you have track ends then you will not need a chain tensioner device. Just getting chain alignment will be the key. If you are converting an old crank just run you sprocket on the inside of the big ring spider and get some bmx crank bolts.

[nogearshere]

what kind of frame are you running? specifically what kind of drop outs?

you can pick up a relatively inexpensive ss wheel if you'd like...but consider all the factors when you compare it to a cheap geared wheel...

if you are buying a generic 9spd set it was likely produced in vast quantities by a robot - so the greatest savings here is economies of scale. the hubs themselves cost roughly the same 'somewhere' along the line.

a geared wheel will offer you a very flexible chainline, the option to convert back (if you see fit) and increase the number of available wheels significantly, however, it is by design typically a (marginally) weaker wheel. more so if its robot hashed.

a ss wheel will garner slightly more $ because it's likely laced in smaller batches (many also by evil robots). a ss specific wheel will be sturdier as it does not require a dish.

at the end of the day if budget is your primary concern, a converted wheel is just grand.

[Abe Froman]

[QUOTE=nogearshere;162446]what kind of frame are you running? specifically what kind of drop outs?

I'm looking at a few options, but leaning towards a Santa Cruz Chameleon or Bianchi (GUSS/PUSS ilk). The santa cruz can have a derailleur added if desired, so it would be nice to have that option. Price seems to be about $100 savings buying say Mavic Crossride vs. building up some Pauls with decent rims (I'd need a shop to lace em too). My concern is having the wheel slip if I use a QR and some chain tugs, now that I think about it I may just opt to build a ss specific set, but just wanted to know if using gearer wheels was a viable option. BTW: Does anyone have a Med (17-18) frame, new or near new, for sale?

[nogearshere]

i think the pauls are a better hubset...so the 100$ is fair.

if you do run QR with horizontal drops one or even two tugs will be all you need to stay taunt.

dont over think this abe...listen to the squirrels, they know the answer.

[bdee]

Run the freehub wheels if you want - just be sure to use a Surly Tugnut. It'll allow you to use a QR axle without any issues. It also eliminates the need to carry around a wrench (of course you could buy the really nice Jethro Tool to solve that little dillema if you do go bolt on). The QR axle is narrower than a solid axle - the tugnut has a little piece that accounts for that difference in diameter. I've used a surly tugnut with my old DT swiss qr hubs all year on my 1x1 with no slippage issues.

I haven't worn out a freehub in years of SS use but some folks do have issues. I suspect there might be some chain tightness problems causing those failures, that or really low end freehubs. If you do go for the nice thread on hub do yourself a favor and buy a White Industries freewheel up front. Especially going into the colder/wetter months.

[hophead]

If you do go for the nice thread on hub do yourself a favor and buy a White Industries freewheel up front. Especially going into the colder/wetter months.

2nd that! Got my first singlespeed during the winter and destroyed the cheap shitmano freewheel in a month. I replaced it with a White and rode happily ever after.

[cMc]

I ran a Gusset converted XT hub on my Chameleon for a couple years with Qr's and it didn't slip and worked just great. The Chameleon frame has adjustable sliders in the track ends that will help hold the hub in place.

The Gusset piece is a nice bit of kit. Looks real clean and classy.

[nogearshere]

I haven't worn out a freehub in years of SS use but some folks do have issues. I suspect there might be some chain tightness problems causing those failures, that or really low end freehubs.

the majority of freehub deaths i see are related to the spokes...the taunt little driveside spokes just cant take the added torque...eventually you (may) start replacing one or two after every ride. of course a rebuild will rectumfry that if you so choose.