I have felt the wheel bearings on a number of fine hubs over the years. Suntour Superbe and others in the Suntour line, Shimano Dura Ace on down, and Campy top of the line down. A bike mechanic once remarked to me that the Suntour Superbe Pro seems by touch to be the silkiest hub ever made. Today I attempted to take one of Shimano's lesser hubs to the next level, somewhat inspired by things that I have read here. You can read about putting Simichrome in the races and running the wheel around for a few minutes with a drill. Supposedly the result is a smooth bearing interface. I attempted to do something similar. I took my dremel and used 3m polishing compound and the cotton buffer, to shine up the races and cones. I then used Phill Woods green grease (thick stuff) and a judicious hand to get the slightest bit of play (almost imperceptable), so that when I put the quick release on, the play was eliminated. The result was smooth and faultless, but not silken. Was there a better way to do this? Did Suntour, Shimano and Campagnolo machine polish all the interfaces on their top of the line hubs? How was this done?
Garth Libre in Miami Shores Fl.