I ordered one of the bargain Superstar wheel sets that was a PSA not long ago, the 29er WTB rims on V3 hubs. Fitting the rear wheel to the frame and tightening the bolt through (not excessively) causes the rear wheel to bind, almost like the hub adaptor is pressing too hard against the bearing? The freehub almost doesn’t turn when backpedalling causing the chain to slacken. If the bolt through is tightened enough to stop play but not to the torque needed to fit the wheel the wheel spins ok. I’ve removed the cassette but it makes no difference. Anyone experienced this and how did you resolve it? Thank you STW….

I’ve had it on Hope hubs before and it’s due to me putting the wrong (too narrow) spacer on the hub axle, before reinstalling the freehub body.

Checking what if any spacer is supposed to be there via a technical diagram of the hub would be my first port of call.

Wrong spacers/spacer order or bearings not seated properly are my first two ports of call on that sort of issue. Usually spacers though, only had a handful of unseated bearings that needed pressing in.

I was going with spacer too, but you said that you took the cassette off, so boost hub in a non-boost frame?

Nope, boost hub in a boost frame….

Cassette on or off shouldn’t make any difference. I’m talking about the spacers between freehub and hub, or the adaptors to fit the frame (or any others, no idea how many spacers their are in a superstar V3)

If it’s binding they’ve effed up the assembly with a wrong spacer or whatever else could go wrong, it shouldn’t matter how tight the axle is,(within reason ideally around 10nm) the hub should spin as freely as when off the bike. Do not even try using it unless it spins nicely, contact SSC and send it back

Do not even try using it unless it spins nicely, contact SSC and send it back

Would it not be easier to check the spacer like Mert and I have said first and just contact SS to get a replacement one if that’s what is causing the issue?

I had this when swapping a freewheel. There should be a spacer which sits between the hub bearing and the freewheel bearing. It’s a loose part so my issue was I took it off with one freewheel but didn’t fit it with the other.

Pull the freehub off and see if there’s a missing spacer !

Some excellent advice from you all. I have emailed Superstar for their take on it and will have a look at the wheel as well. I just want to ride my bike!

Finbar, the binding due to bad assembly could have crunched something internally when tightening down the axle, no fault of the owner who is also probably not that familiar with the internal working of the hub to detect an issue that could be less than a millimetre wrong size spacer. I wasn’t trying to undermine anybody, sorry you felt the need to engage.
If it’s a spacer between bearings it’s a faff you shouldn’t have to address yourself.

ignore

Just to add I bought a set of these wheels- non boost version and they spin fine. I agree it sounds like a missing spacer somewhere

I sent my V3’s back about 3/4 years ago when they did the same thing. It was an assembly issue which I offered to resolve but Neil wanted them back to make sure it was done properly.
I think he said they found one of the beating wasn’t properly seated but either way I had them back in a few days and all was good.

My new V6’s seemed similar albeit much less stiff for wont of a better word, but I rode them on the weekend and they were perfect. No resistance at all so I figure they have tight seals or something.
Just send them back, they’ll sort it swiftly.

Thanks @pimpinggimp that’s really helpful of you. I’ll see what they say.

I had something similar with a V6 rear hub.

One end cap had a wider flange on it so was creating friction with the end of the hub

My recent V3 did that when it arrived. They asked for it back and within a couple of days it was back with me sorted and working well. Decent service from superstar

I had what sounds like the same problem on a set of v6 wheels. Superstar customer ‘Service’ were less than helpful. Ended up gradually swapping parts to try and fix it. New seals, bearings and a freehub. Still isn’t right and they live in the roof of the garage gathering dust.

Same issue on a 141qr frame and a regular boost frame (with different end caps) so can’t really see where else the issue could be.

I’ve always found superstar customer service to be excellent.
Short and to the point but there’s no messing.

Just to add another data point, I bought the same wheels (boost). I’ve only just put the rear on the bike after setting it up, not even ridden it yet, but pretty certain I cranked it round a few times and would have noticed if it were tight. Can check for spacers at some point if it helps?

Probbly missing a spacer or something.

first check the plastic seal is fully snapped in.
second pull off freehub and look to see if there is a spacer between the hub bearing and freehub.

if thats not fixed it send it back and the guys will look and sort. its a million times easier than doing it remotely.

Neil (superstar)

Quick update to this…. I’m rather embarrassed to admit that I had the hub adaptors the wrong way around on the hub. Big thank you to the patient chaps at Superstar who diagnosed the issue.

I have been a massive biff, once again, thanks to Superstar for the help!

Looks like they need to start etching L and R on them again 😀

Looks like they need to start etching L and R on them again 😀

It’s that when viewed from the front or back of the bike, or when it’s upside down and you’re behind your mates bike doing a handstand whilst they’re putting the wheel in 🙃