Brandon Ives wrote:
> As I understand
> it by the mid-70s you chose high-flange hubs for one of 3
> reasons.
> 1. You were riding the track and wanted a stiffer wheel.
> 2. You were touring and wanted a better triangulation and
> dish of the
> spokes.
> 3. You liked the looks.
> The third you can't argue since it's a personal
> preference issue, but
> the first two reasons I think are kinda bunk. I have not
> yet seen
> any actual researched and proven evidence for high-flange
> hubs making
> a stronger or stiffer wheel. I've heard lots of opinions
> and talk
> but no actual evidence. Personally I've built and ridden
> bunches of
> both flange sizes and find the differences non-existent.
> For me it
> comes down to the right look and what In have around. I
> also should
> say that I think the lighter weight and better comfort
> issues with
> low-flange are as bunk in the real world as the
> advantages of high-
> flange. I think it comes down to the same mystical
> mumbo-jumbo that
> has surrounded wheelbuilding for ever.
I'll bet you are right about all the above.
I also bet that combined rim/tire weight is far more important than hub weight when it comes to speed, and that tire width & pressure are greater factors than hub flange and spoke length where ride comfort is concerned.
Personally, I find HF hubs more attractive looking and so ride on them most often. That they may even possibly make for a slightly stronger wheel doesn't bother me.
Emanuel Lowi Montreal, Quebec
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