Choosing Wheels with Serviceable hubs?

[GentlyBenevolent]

Part two of a know-how question...

Background: Rear wheel is currently in the lbs with a worn/broken freehub and bearings. They don't have parts to fix but are trying to source them. If I had more time I'd be happy to do and fix this myself but I need the bike at the weekend.

Looking on the pessimistic side, if I were to buy a new wheelset, are the parts available (where from?) for servicing Fulcrum 7s or Shimano RS31? Is it a case of ringing up a bike shop and asking them to source the parts for me?

The wheels are for a Felt Z85. Having extensively googled and forum-searched it's come down to the F7 or RS31 (leaning towards the latter, and they're similar price). My gut says the fulcrum 5s but head says they're too expensive for this bike and the weight warning is putting me off - I'm not too heavy but in the "you should check your wheels often" range. The RS31s although appearing heavy sound like a reasonable amount of wheel for £130.

If the freehub replacement is going to be unavailable or more than a new hub how do I choose a hub with replaceable parts so I don't end up in the same situation? Current thinking is a shimano 105 hub, but mainly because the bike as 105 group and no other reason. It's mavic cxp22 rims, so probably not worth spending a fortune on the hub?

 

[fossyant]

You want serviceable, then opt for handbuilts. Then parts can be replaced.

E.g. Hubs - buy Deore/105/ultegra hubs and if a freehub fails then the freehub is usually commonly available, or it's cheapest to buy a new hub and strip it for parts. Bearings - if you look after cup and cone, no reason for them to be replaced if regularly greased. Sealed cartridge bearings - can be changed in well under an hour if taking your time.

 

[fossyant]

CXP 22's are OK, but bottom of range. Open Pro or CXP33's are more expensive. There are also a few semi Aero 30mm rims available which are pretty bomb proof.

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

The CXP22 rim is on the currently "broken" wheel and is fine, it's just the hub that has a problem. The hub for that is a felt own-brand, so I expect to keep the rim and replace the hub with a serviceable item. I'm happy swapping out cone or sealed bearings, it's more getting hold of the freehub parts to swap them if needed. Good call on getting another hub for spares though.

 

[Fab Foodie]

The CXP22 rim is on the currently "broken" wheel and is fine, it's just the hub that has a problem. The hub for that is a felt own-brand, so I expect to keep the rim and replace the hub with a serviceable item. I'm happy swapping out cone or sealed bearings, it's more getting hold of the freehub parts to swap them if needed. Good call on getting another hub for spares though.

I would go for 105 with cup and cone bearings. I've abusing a pair of Ultegra hubs with CXP22 rims for just over 8 years in all weathers with very little attention and they're smooth as silk, really, really smooth. Easy to replace the ball bearings (which are cheap) and regrease as a labour of love to keep them going. I'd be loathed to have any other kind of hub...

... (except .... for my new audax bike I'm thinking the Velo-orange Grand Cru Touring hub just for it's no tools strip-ability and large flange lovliness, but it does have cartridge bearings and it's more expensive than a DA cup n cone hub which is my prime choice for durability ... but aesthetics are letting my heart rule my head ... at the moment).

You can't go wrong with 105 for the money.

 

[fossyant]

PS can't beat the old 7400 series Dura Ace hubs, with grease injection ports !! Superbe !

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

Thanks Chaps. Lbs called to say they found out that the Felt hub was actually a rebranded joytech hub (chinese origin), and although they're apparently used in Specialized wheels it's not easy to come by spares for them. They found a price for a freehub (£30), but that seemed a lot for just the freehub. They're going to swap the hub out for a 105 and rebuild the wheel, quoting about £15 labour, extra £10 if they need to replace the spokes (although they're not expecting to as they thought the rim and spokes were in good condition).