"SONIC boom" (aka Yokel-Motion 2.0)

You don't even have to buy a whole hub, JEJ have the axle in stock for £10
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/shimano-hb-m525-complete-axle-assembly-m10-108-mm-id63277.html
That's much cheaper than engaging the interest of a man with a lathe.

Thanks, just found that too:

• axle £10
  
• seats £10
  
• spacers £10
  
  

Fortunately I had the foresight to buy a big bag of screws, when some came up at a good price... :)

velosolo have some spare axles:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-XT-M756-FRONT-HUB-AXLE-x-2-FREE-SHIPPING-in-UK-/380288531765?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item588af67d35

Good thinking. I'm surprised by the number of pre-converted hubs they're doing, wonder what they'll do when the 756 hubs run out.

If you solve the centerlock -to- sprocket problem :), shimano hb-m775,hb-m785 are good candidates. It seems like it is pretty easy to mod them for 10mm thru-axle:
http://forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/new-xt-rear-hub-bolt-conversion-401122.html

Drill out the qr caps and the 14mm axle is 10mm internally apparently

edit: ok, and you need an extra cut down rear axle for the 120mm spacing

For my own bikes I'm all about 15×110 for future conversions, because it fits the wide chainline I run on TT and track bikes with road chainsets. The conversion process for 15×100 or 15×110 is pretty simple, I've already done HB-M758 on my tandem. No hub modification required and the wheel is dishless if you move the hub sideways 5mm to give a 46.5mm chainline.

Good find: cheers!

Is the reason for using the M525 step-down axle + SPNK M10 seats, a strength-related one
(i.e., 10mm axle = stronger, stiffer, and more meat left after tapping for screw compared to an M9)?
Just for refs, had no problem so far (two rough J2/1 10s, plus IP & 750mTT at my club track champs) using the M9 HED track axle kit (correct seat/cone nut size so no need for spacers), with a cheap M9 QR axle, tapped, and countersunk screws/washers.
Going down the M10 step-down route seems like a bit of a faff.
(But I weigh 72kg, so might not need the extra axle meat)

Is the reason for using the M525 step-down axle + SPNK M10 seats, a strength-related one

No, it was just a suggestion based on its usually being easier to find M10x12mm bearing seats.

I've tapped several 9mm axles and never had any issues, and I press down on the bike more than most people.

That makes sense :-)

Worked out cheaper though: a quick Google suggested the HED kit is £30, where as the axles were £4 (cheaper direct from VS than via eBay), seats £5 each and spacers £5 each side.

I'll have a complete kit spare: SPNK chucked in an old style seat (to match the one I have from the Fixxer).

That too makes sense :-) Good work!

The original set-up with a QR...

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V1 with the new style, stainless steel bearing seats...

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V2 with the old style aluminium bearing seats...

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I think I'll stick with V2:

• the wider flange is a very neat fit on the hub;
  
• it's slightly shorter, allowing the use of just one spacer.
  
  

An all-aluminium set-up looks nicer too...

#tart

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looks good..

Is that a thread cover :

Nope it's a "native" front wheel, not a converted rear.

If you look at the head-on shots, you can see the drive-side (as mounted) and where the threads would be cut for a rear.

+1 for V2, looks great, better than factory setup.

Fucksoxs.

Shimano 7410 on a 103mm BB: I was hoping for <140mm.

Back to the drawing board...

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Shimano 7410 on a 103mm BB: I was hoping for <140mm.

Yes, you need 7400, not 7410. 7400 was designed for a 112mm axle (conventional BB, flat faced cups), 7410 for a 103mm axle (cartridge BB, rebated cups), so it's only the combination of 7400 cranks with a short axle which gets you the low Q

If you're happy with square taper, Campag Pista is supposed to be 131mm, nice but a bit pricey. Omnomnoms are 135mm for half the price.

Thanks.

I'm sure there's a binary joke in there somewhere...

I'll also be getting them shortened, so looking to make cheap mistakes: a quick search suggests 7400 are a similar price to 7410.

Ideally I would hoover-up all the odd cranks that people have gathering dust, having stripped the threads on the other side, and be able to have a variety of lengths made to play with.

to have a variety of lengths made to play with

bummer

Hey-ho!

#live&learn