Hubs [archive]

mcr2c384

What are some hub options if im looking for a beefy hub for a cyclocross or road bike? Im planning a cross country trip and "the Guy" at the lbs said to go into forums to gather some research and to seek some advice from experts in the area of taking major trips. I'm not interested in a touring bike because they are often too heavy, and im looking for something that i will enjoy riding after the trip with only a few modifications. so im primarily looking at road or cyclocross bikes.

road advantage: faster lighter, will pay dividends climbing and flats
road disadvantage: less durable, event of no asphault, pulling a trailer, slim tires
cyclocross advantage: a bit "beafier", can go offroad, stronger pulling capacity.
cyclocross disadvantage: weight.

leaning more towards cyclocross... what would be more disadvantages?

welcome to any suggestions

bobbyOCR

Go ahead and go for cyclocross. Some cyclocross rigs are nicer than many road ones. I saw one with DA, Easton Tempest II carbon tubulars and Dugast tyres.

If you want to carry things, I am sure there are some 'sleek' racks. Or go left field and get a recumbent. They are much faster, can be very comfortable and can carry plenty of things.

Eastway82

What are some hub options if im looking for a beefy hub for a cyclocross or road bike? Im planning a cross country trip and "the Guy" at the lbs said to go into forums to gather some research and to seek some advice from experts in the area of taking major trips. I'm not interested in a touring bike because they are often too heavy, and im looking for something that i will enjoy riding after the trip with only a few modifications. so im primarily looking at road or cyclocross bikes.

road advantage: faster lighter, will pay dividends climbing and flats
road disadvantage: less durable, event of no asphault, pulling a trailer, slim tires
cyclocross advantage: a bit "beafier", can go offroad, stronger pulling capacity.
cyclocross disadvantage: weight.

leaning more towards cyclocross... what would be more disadvantages?

welcome to any suggestions

Rather than a touring bike, why not go for what they call in Europe an Audax bike (named after the long-distance challenge events that started in France) - basically a road race bike but with slightly more relaxed geometry for long distance comfort, and mudguard clearance/eyes and rack mounts for practicality. Fractionally heavier than a pure race bike, but the spec obviously depends on your needs and budget - I've seen 'em with full carbon record kit, although they tend to be kitted out with fairly robust wheels. As for hubs themselves, I'd go for something quality, but with conventional cup and cone bearings that you can service by the side of the road if necessary, rather than sealed ones which need replacing completely if they fail.

Phill P

How much weight are you planning on carrying? If you are planning on using racks you won't get a light weight frame of any type.

If you get a "touring bike", you can put what ever gear you like on it, besides with all your luggage the weight of the bike won't be a huge issue! 105/XT or LX would be good enough. Might even be able to use discs (better wet weather stopping and down hill loaded stopping).

For hubs, reguardless of what you buy frame wise, go shimano. Can get them serviced easily anywhere, assuming they actually need servicing. 32 spoke minimum.

Recumbents look like great fun, and good for touring. However if riding on busy city streets I'd stay away from them. At least in open country cars will see your dorky flag from a long way away!

bobbyOCR

Recumbents look like great fun, and good for touring. However if riding on busy city streets I'd stay away from them. At least in open country cars will see your dorky flag from a long way away!While they struggle to catch you as you zip effortlessly along at 50km/h

mcr2c384

While they struggle to catch you as you zip effortlessly along at 50km/h
Thanks for the input. instead of having luggage racks i'm probably going with a B.O.B trailer. They take the weight off the frame and fork and attach to the back wheel and roll inline with back tire. I have not looked into recumbent bikes. i've almost ruled out entirely exclusively road bike. being in racing position for weeks on end pulling a trailer may be a serious pain. anyway thanks again.

mcr2c384

Thanks for the input. instead of having luggage racks i'm probably going with a B.O.B trailer. They take the weight off the frame and fork and attach to the back wheel and roll inline with back tire. I have not looked into recumbent bikes. i've almost ruled out entirely exclusively road bike. being in racing position for weeks on end pulling a trailer may be a serious pain. anyway thanks again.
no to the recumbent bikes, way in left feild. and i want to have the option of going through some forest trails. i don't see the mighty recumbent tackling those too well.