Front Hub Differences

[YesNdeed]

Besides bearing size and their corresponding life span and weight limit capacity, what are some noticeable differences between front hubs? In my case, non disk road hubs are in question.

Larger axle diameters, I would assume, make for a stiffer responding wheel build. Lighter weight hubs are obviously desirable too, but is all this worth switching my sub 100g Powertap front hub to something better? I ask because I will be rebuilding my front wheel, and wouldn't mind upgrading the hub while I'm at it, if it's worth it.

Take a White Industries T11 for example: same size and count of bearings, 6 grams lighter, but has a larger axle diameter. Let it be clear that I SERIOUSLY don't care about 6 grams!

[oldpotatoe]

Besides bearing size and their corresponding life span and weight limit capacity, what are some noticeable differences between front hubs. In my case, non disk road hubs are in question.

Larger axle diameters, I would assume, make for a stiffer responding wheel build. Lighter weight hubs are obviously desirable too, but is all this worth switching my sub 100g Powertap front hub to something better? I ask because i will be rebuilding my front wheel, and wouldn't mind upgrading the hub while I'm at it, if it's worth it.

Take a White Industries T11 for example: same size and count of bearings, 6 grams lighter, but has a larger axle diameter. Let it be clear that I SERIOUSLY don't care about 6 grams!

Front axle diameter really makes no difference on a road, non disc, front hub.
Tire/tube/rim/spokes etc makes hub axle differences lost in the noise.

[YesNdeed]

Front axle diameter really makes no difference on a road, non disc, front hub.
Tire/tube/rim/spokes etc makes hub axle differences lost in the noise.

Looks like I'll roll with what I have! Thanks.

[Mark McM]

Like peter says, front axle diameter doesn't matter as much on a rigid frame (like a road bike) - where it matters is on MTB suspension forks, where a rigid axle can help prevent the suspension fork blades from moving independently.

Quality of the bearing seals can improve hub life, particularly when used in harsh environments.

Flange offset width has a major affect on wheel (lateral) stiffness.