Formula” rear hub
I have some Formula hubs on my Bossnut V2.
It's impossible to get spares for the Formula hubs. They only sell the stuff to OEMs.
The hubs are based on "cup and cone" designs like XT hubs. But quality is worse. No spares...
But if the deal is good I would still buy a bike with Formula hubs. Not too expensive to buy some replacement custom-wheels from actionsports.de with some DT370 hubs. In winter time they always have some rebates going...
Good luck!
I dont think brand maters so much once you are out of the carpark. I would go for the following in priority order
1. Best geometry / fit for what I want to use it for
2. Best fork
3. Best wheels
4. Best brakes
Anything else can be replaced / upgraded as it wears our or you break it or fancy a chage
I ended up buying the Cannondale. I got it for 950 euro, a fairly good price I believe. The store I got it from has a shop in the capital, some 180km away. Still better than ordering from Germany. Also they might have some partnership with a local LBS, so maybe in case of malfunction I could use the warranty at the LBS.
1. The geometry was the most "aggressive" from my long list of options. Longest wheelbase, smallest HA, longest reach. All this comparing frames of ~ same seat tube length. I know there are benefits as well as costs for having a long WB, but I believe I made the right choice.
2. Forks in my list were: 30 Silver, Recon Silver, Recon RL, Judy Silver, and Judy Gold on the Cannondale I got. It still has the TK damper, so not sure how much better, if any, it is than the others.
3. I read the wheel ain't the best thing on this bike.
4. Brakes are Shimnao MT500, which I believe is the same M447 I had on my old bike. Although low end brakes, I was pleased with them.
But brakes are very cheap and if any problems I believe I can get an upgrade.
Great!
950 Euros is fine.
All sounds great - and yes, the brakes are fine.
If the drivedrain is Shimano don't forget to re-torque the crank after the first rides. The Shimano crank bolts will loose prestress - re-tigthen after the first rides is important...
Have fun!
