So following my last post, you've convinced me to take the plunge and convert my only mtb to a ss (hooray and thank you!)
Only question is, as I'm going to keep my drivechain bits in case I change my mind or want to swap it back short term because we're going away for a long weekend's riding (slightly dreaming here!), is it wise to buy another rear wheel or will my current one be alright? I don't want to ruin the freehub body, but I don't know how much of an issue that's likely to be as long as I make sure I get a wide based cog? Also, are ss specific hubs worth it for the increased pick up and nice chainline?
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
You'll be fine with your present wheel for now. Get some Velsolo spacers to perfect the chainline and ,as you say, a wide based cog and you're good to go.
I've never found quick engagement/pickup to be an issue. My favourite hubs are DT Swiss 240and they have the lowest points of engagement of all...
OK cool, I was hoping that would be the response I'd get. I haven't heard of Velsolo spacers, but will check them out. My hubs are Hope Pro 2s, so engagement is pretty good as is.
Ah, Velosolo - that makes more sense. Thanks - it looks like a very handy little shop!
If you have the gold alloy freehub then a cheap cog will cut into it. Best to get a wide based cog.
Specific ss rear wheel is only really worth it for the aesthetics - like if you were building up a top drawer ss and wanted it to look smart.
The ss specific wheel is symmetrical (no dish), so is stronger than a regular asymmetrically dished wheel. But this really makes no practical difference as regular wheels are plenty strong enough.
@Gary_Lager thanks, that's great and confirms what I thought. Will go ahead and just find a nice wide cog and some skinny spacers to get the chainline right.
Thanks guys
You could always go truly hardcore and get a fixed rear wheel. 😀
how are you going to tension the chain? Have you got fancy dropouts that will do it? Or will you need a sprung tensioner?
SS chainring (with tall, unramped teeth) is worth getting too.
Will go ahead and just find a nice wide cog and some skinny spacers to get the chainline right.
I'd recommend:
Surly or the Velosolo copy for the cog, Surly or On-one stainless chainring, KMC 3/32 chain (can't remember the model) and some nice velosolo spacers to match the rest of your bike.
And however you are tensioning the chain.
...charlie the bikemonger also do conversion kits with all bits required...
the on-one groove armada cogs haven;t cut into my hope freehub.
Surly or the Velosolo copy for the cog, Surly or On-one stainless chainring, KMC 3/32 chain (can't remember the model) and some nice velosolo spacers to match the rest of your bike.And however you are tensioning the chain.
So pretty much exactly (I had Surly spacers not velosolo) the gear I gave away 6 months ago, then? 😕
Should have known that saying 'I can't imagine wanting to go ss again for at least five years' was a rookie error. 🙄
the gear I gave away 6 months ago, then?
if only you had a nice box to put it all in instead..... 😉
IMO, SS specific wheels really don't have much point - freewheel ones rarely seem as reliable as normal cassette wheels (even with the supposedly good WI one) and there's no other real world benefit (yes, supposedly stronger with wider flanges but do you regularly kill wheels really?).
They do look neat though. If that's enough, go ahead but I'd stick with a normal wheel for the reliability and extra versatility if you ever do want to stick gears on.
Halo cogs are nice and wide, so won't cut your freehub.
If you're still concerned about your freehub, Hope sell a steel variant.
I nearly always used a geared hub, I don't know what that wheel will be used on in a years time, it may end up on a geared bike, and the spacers and Chris king cog set up allows me to fettle with chain line and gear ratios easily. It looks less dedicated, but who the hell cares about your bike, other than yourself?
Hope this brings clarity and enlightenment.
I use a superstar kit, nice, wide cog and cheap as chipped fried potatoes. Hasn't killed me yet.