I'm perplexed... I have a new set of Giant AM29 wheels, advertised as using "Shimano sealed bearing" - so likely Deore.
After two rides (20 miles total) the front wheel had distinct looseness - the cones were very loose and on taking a look prior to just tightening the cones up I found 22 x 1/8" bearings in each side. The hubs have no logos or markings. The rear hub also has some play so I suspect similar. Not very shimano-like.
I'm wondering are these actually Shimano hubs or some other brand? Do any Shimano hubs use 22 x 1/8" bearings ???
Pondering whether to contact the shop (mail order so a bit of a faff and not sure what they'd do anyway) or just to rebuild and ride. From prior experience with cr@p hubs they quite quickly fail and then it's an expensive rebuild which I'm not up for.
Any thoughts ?
Do DuraAce hubs have 22 the same?
Actually there’s a picture of some here
https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3120666/#PBModalBox
and they have these on
https://si.shimano.com/api/publish/storage/pdf/en/ev/FH-MT410/EV-FH-MT410-4716B.pdf
Do any Shimano hubs use 22 x 1/8″ bearings ???
Not as far as I know and all Shimano hubs will have branding / part number on them.
and they have these on
They use cartridge bearings
Thanks all.
So - it seems clear to me that Giant have used some alternative supplier hubs... these aren't
Shimano - not having "Shimano" printed on the outside being a fairly obvious clue, backed up by the 1/8" bearings which no Shimano hubs use, possible exception Dura-Ace, but I doubt I have Dura-ace swapped in for my burly, disc brake, boost, thru-axle relatively budget MTB wheels.
Will be having a chat with the shop in the morning....
advertised as using “Shimano sealed bearing"
That'll just refer to the cassette fitment rather than the actual brand of the hub.
That’ll just refer to the cassette fitment rather than the actual brand of the hub.
Plenty of pics of second hand wheelsets to show that they usually do say “Shimano” on them. From other brands I might expect such shenanigans but not Giant.
and they have these on
They use cartridge bearings
Yeah - I thought that might be what is referred to in the OP as "sealed bearings". 🤷♂️
I wouldn't have thought you'll get anywhere having a word with the vendor. There are almost always 'parts may be replaced with equivalents' type clauses in the specs. Considering the global supply issues over the past few years, I don't think it's surprising tbh.
Did the wheels come on a bike, or bought on their own?
They came on a bike. It’s a 2021 bike and I’ve noticed that the equivalent 2022 bike describes the hubs as “Alloy, sealed bearings” so it looks like Giant have moved from Shimano to a no-name brand.
It looks like this “is what it is”, and I’ve just got to hope they’re decent quality. Giant wouldn’t spec something of poor quality so I’ll give them a clean, grease and new balls just for the sake of it and keep an eye on them.