Hub replacement on Rolf Vector Pro

[indigo_pete]

I have a set of Rolf Vector Pro wheels that I'm very happy with. I only use them for racing and when I bought them, the guy at the shop said to have the bearings replaced every 500 miles or so. They have about 700 miles on them and they still spin great, but are not 'silky' smooth like they used to be. I can feel some grit or something when spinning the hub by hand. The local bike shop wants to replace the bearings w/ non-Rolf bearings (Taiwan or Japan - not China).

I don't know if this is okay or not....I want that original silky ride w/o buying a new set of wheels. Thoughts?

[boudreaux]

I have a set of Rolf Vector Pro wheels that I'm very happy with. I only use them for racing and when I bought them, the guy at the shop said to have the bearings replaced every 500 miles or so. They have about 700 miles on them and they still spin great, but are not 'silky' smooth like they used to be. I can feel some grit or something when spinning the hub by hand.

The guy is a moron....but the bearings are replaceable.You may get better quality ones from a bearing supply house.

[indigo_pete]

Any suggestions on bearing suppliers on the web? I haven't seen these on bikenashbar.com....

Thanks for the help!!

[daveornee]

Any suggestions on bearing suppliers on the web? I haven't seen these on bikenashbar.com....

Thanks for the help!!
www.vxb.net
and there is a bicycle shop in Arcadia, CA that carries a bunch of high quality units:
www.mtbstore.com
Phone # 626-447-4682
Most cartridge bearings come with appropriate amount of grease for high RPM applications in electric motors. You need to carefully pry open the seals and fill them with grease so they will last longer.
ABEC-5 bearings are more expensive, but they feel the smoothest due to their precision.