My mid 80's Trek, which I've personally put probably 2000 miles on, also has these hubs. They've not let me down, with one exception. I took the bike up to Yosemite a few years back, and decided to go riding when it was about 10 degrees. I bundled up as well as could, and took the bike down off the porch where it had sit all night. The pawls must have needed greasing as they wouldnt re'ingage after about 100' of riding. I had with me an 'electric teapot' up in the room, and drenched the hub in boiling water - worked great. For about 5 miles ! So I was stuck out in the early, COLD morning (way under dressed for such weather - heck... give me a break - I live in LA !!). The canyon walls of Yosemite quite steep, and it was about this time of year, so the sun was not striking the road. BUT - way up the slope, I noticed the sun was touching down. So I took the bike up there and plopped it in the sun for a while. Worked out fine. Got me back to the Lodge.
When I got back, I gave the hub a (lazymans) cleaning/lubing - and it's working just fine 4 years later.
Joe - whats your 'eclectic' French project ?? These hubs are what - early 80's material ??
Rich Pinder Los Angeles, CA
Jerome & Elizabeth Moos wrote:
> They were some of the early cassette hubs, although ceratainly not the first - I have Wiley-Baylis from the 50's. They have been bad-mouthed for supposedly breaking spokes due to increased dish and having smaller bearings on the right side that wore out cones faster. I haven't observed either. If you ride a pair from Nome to Patagonia, maybe you'll observe these tendencies, otherwise I think they will be just fine. I have a bunch, I like them, and I think they are innovative and cool. And the removal tool works great for opening beer.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
>
>
>
> Joseph Bender-Zanoni <joebz@optonline.net> wrote:
> So I bought a set of wheels for the Super Champion Mod. 58 rims with the
> aforementioned hubs and figured to take them apart and sell the hubs.
> Then I see how well built and true the wheels are. Then I realize that I
> have an eclectic French bike project that could use such wheels. You see
> where I am going... I remember these hubs may have some issues but
> nothing more. What's the experience from those who know. I'm not light
> and the bike will have low gears.