SS/Fixed Hubs available in the UK

Sorry, just to be clear I was talking about fixed or fixed/free hubs.

The road and mtb hub market is big enough to make having a range of models viable. The above is exactly why I don't think there are co's like hope, shimano, SRAM, campag, etc. offering a mid-range option in fixed options.

Hope do some bloody nice SS hubs, I have them. Probably on the border of high end though.

I see your point. Demonstrated by the fact that you can get DA and Record track hubs from the two big names.

But I would still place Suzue Pro, Surley, Soma, and Miche in the mid range. These hubs are trying to be well made and well priced at the same time (not going to go into wether I think they are).

Cheap hubs are produced with near total focus on cost, and high end hubs are produced with near total focus on performance.

I suppose it depends on how you personally define low, mid, and high end. As well as the existance of a market for each.

True. Although, I don't think I've heard any internet rumours actually disputing that the Surly's are any different from formular, system ex, etc.

But you are correct, there are some mid-range ones, and I'm probably getting my arguments a bit confused with whether they *are * actually a step up in quality. And yes, it definitely does depend on how you define the mid-range, but I think sensibly it's something around the £50-£99 mark.

Still you catch my general drift. Highlighted by the fact that there seem to be more boutique hubs than mid-range ones. Which is not the way these things usually play.

There are a ridiculus amount of boutique road hubs, pampering the weenie wheel market. Alot of them with glaring faults, such as tiny (or too few) bearings, narrow axles etc. and the prices are still astronomical. Plenty hit the $500 mark dollar for a single rear.

I always wonder why the fixed market doesnt have at least some weight obsessive hubs. Having gotten into hill climbing on my average weight Bob jackson. I'd love to do a minimalist weenie fixie build. I already have most of the build mapped out in the back of my mind.

What frame would you go for? Parlee?

I always dream of a custom Rouke made from some sort of sexy columbus alu tubing. But I quite like the look of that Dolan Seta.

The Dolan seta was also the first one that come to mind, comfortable and light.

Or a custom 1kg compact geo steel frame.

It was the Dolan Seta that gave me the idea.

Although a carbon belt compatible Trek, could be built up lighter.

what rear axle widths do yo guys prefer on a frame for road use using single speed hubs

probably depends on the frames spacings?

120 is a good common size and easy enough to get

probably depends on the frames spacings?

120 is a good common size and easy enough to get

dedicated single speed frame with track drop outs, as yet unbuilt but need to decide on best opton for rear axle spacing
Some nice hubs to chose from in this thread
Ta Andy

dedicated single speed frame with track drop outs, as yet unbuilt but need to decide on best opton for rear axle spacing
Some nice hubs to chose from in this thread
Ta Andy

Depends on what chainset you want to use. If you want a road chainset, then 130 makes things easier, and you can fit a geared hub later should you wish. If you're commited to singlespeed then 120, gives you more track component options. None of this is cast in stone though, easy enough to interchange using spacers etc.

http://zlogblog.com/2011/01/first-look-brotures-platon-fixedfree-convertable-track-hub/

converts from fixed to free. i'd be interested in seeing it work

and sorry tell me again why you want to convert back to freewheel...
is not because freewheels for SS cost pennies or because full normal road wheels cost, eh pennies

that thing cost $292 RRP...... I dont get it

agreed it is kind of pointless, but i am still happy that it exists

Definitely go for a track frame with brake capability. The extra stopping power of three brakes in an emergency is superb. Have been running such with Halo Aerorage rear and bladed Ritcheys on the front. Still got the Veloce road levers but they function well.

Don't see the point in converting to freewheel, nor the other way around.

I'm searching for a dark blue hub? But all I've seen is kinda light/sky blue.

Does anyone know the bearing size used in the high flange Quando fg/ss hubs? I know many similar hubs use the 6000-2RS bearings, but am unsure if Quando do. Any help appreciated. Funny I ask, as Quando probably make many of the similar lower cost hubs also, under different branding.

Anyone have any thoughts on Token track hubs?

I'm trying to decide between Dia Compes, Token and Surly at the moment. Swaying toward Gran Compes at the moment. These will be laced to Open Pros and I'm looking for a good set of hubs that'll last a little while, but not in the Phil's price range.

Are they or the Surly's actually any different to the cheaper system x ones... or even just on-one or PX ones? They look very similar to all the generic ones.

My *guess *would be you're just paying for someone's brand name on the essentially the same product. So just pick the brand you like the look of the most.

The Dia Compes are definitely the nicest looking.

EDIT:

From this photo, I'd say the Token's aren't worth paying £70 for.

....and elsewhere in the thread:

anyone had any experience with these? token track hubs with lockring and 16t sprocket, the pair for £70 evans http://www.evanscycles.com/products/token/alloy-track-hubs-ec017782

found them for cheaper on wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Token_Track_Hubs/5360047134/

Ziya, neither Evans nor Wiggle are known for selling duff products. Buy with confidence, though in my opinion, they are not necessarily better than Ambrosio/IRO/Halo/SystemEX/Formula.

They do look nice though - a bit like the Woodman hubs, but with cut-outs.

Ah yes, hadn't noticed the similarity! The problem with the On-One's is the black finish. They state that the rear is a satin finish, and the front a gloss finish. I mean, wtf is that about?

Thinking DiaCompes now :)

Yep, that's what my black ones were like. I didn't really mind tho. The PX pista ones seem to be fine tho.

A friend has the Dia Compes in black with black OP's, black spokes and silver nips, Looks very good together.

Went for the Dia Compe in the end. I have a PX pista front kicking about, but can't get hold of the rears at the moment. Would of been OK with that.

Novatec(Joytech industies)= On-One, Token
Forumula= Ambrosio, System Ex

Hi all,

I want to buy some Weinmann DP18 which I understand to be freewheel on one side. My question is, can I fit a 5speed freewheel set of cogs on it? I want the aesthetic of a fixie bike but not the single-geared-ness.

Thanks in advance for your help. I would post a new thread but have only just joined.

yes you can but you will need to redish the rear wheel, the spokes on the freewheel side should be shorter. you'll need to adjust the spacers/nuts

yes you can but you will need to redish the rear wheel, the spokes on the freewheel side should be shorter. you'll need to adjust the spacers/nuts

Thanks very much for the quick response. Now I just have to work out if it's the right thing to do or if I'll regret limiting myself to a 10 speed setup that doesn't have much oomph when I get my speed up. But those wheels do look damn pretty.