Are hubs usually stiffer when new?

I'm wondering if by stiffer, you mean that the axle resists a bit when you try and turn it in the hub by hand? If so, there's a few causes. First, the bearings are being compressed (pre-loaded) too much and are causing a problem. If you keep riding on a wheel like this, the bearings will eventually grind away until it spins freely again. Not a good solution. Get them adjusted. Second is that there is a misalignment of the bearings/races or a bent axle! Not Good! You'll usually feel this as a "binding" once or twice per revolution. If in doubt, take it to your local mechanic. Third is that it's packed full of highly viscous grease. Awesome. Although it can feel tough to turn by hand, it doesn't actually cause a lot of drag. It does, however, protect your bearings from the elements.

In short - if you're not sure which of these applies, go talk to a bicycle mechanic that you trust. If you're in Vancouver, I'll be happy to look at them for you. Don't worry, I'm not making a living as a mechanic and won't charge you.

John Swanson

MartianMan said:

I just got a new wheel with an a virgin Ultegra FH-6600 hub on it. I noticed that the axle seems quite a bit stiffer than the FH-6500 I have with several thousand miles on it and no wobbles. It's perfectly smooth and not ridiculously hard to turn, just doesn't seem to spin as freely as the older one (more of a feeling of stiff grease). Is this normal with a brand new hub and will it free up a bit when ridden?

ScienceIsCool said:

I'm wondering if by stiffer, you mean that the axle resists a bit when you try and turn it in the hub by hand? If so, there's a few causes. First, the bearings are being compressed (pre-loaded) too much and are causing a problem. If you keep riding on a wheel like this, the bearings will eventually grind away until it spins freely again. Not a good solution. Get them adjusted. Second is that there is a misalignment of the bearings/races or a bent axle! Not Good! You'll usually feel this as a "binding" once or twice per revolution. If in doubt, take it to your local mechanic. Third is that it's packed full of highly viscous grease. Awesome. Although it can feel tough to turn by hand, it doesn't actually cause a lot of drag. It does, however, protect your bearings from the elements.

In short - if you're not sure which of these applies, go talk to a bicycle mechanic that you trust. If you're in Vancouver, I'll be happy to look at them for you. Don't worry, I'm not making a living as a mechanic and won't charge you.

John Swanson

Agree with John.
If you have the tools and are comfortable with the process you can follow the *hub adjustment* section in the following from Park Tool Repair section of their web site:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=105