DT Swiss 350 hubs

[ronlau]

To all,

Just talked to my wheel builder, he told me about the new DT Swiss 350 hubs

http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Components/Hubs/340-classic-%281%29.aspx

According to Bikerumor.com, except the hub shell, it is the same as 240s but much cheaper.

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/09/29/interbike-2010-dt-swiss-unveils-lefty-15mm-and-350-series-hubs-plus-new-wheels-galore/

My wheel builder quoted me a price of 400 to 500 for a set of 32F/R wheels depends on the rim. Assume all the details are correct (same internal as 240s), this will be a good and cheaper choice for Campy wheels. The only catch is the hub only comes in black and a 100g heavier.

I have a set with 240s wheels, they are nice and light (~1600 for 32 f/r, open pro, brass nipples, 14/15 spokes) for what it is. Could be a good choice for your winter/training wheels, especially with silver campy hubs being expensive and the other choice is WI.

Ron

[fjaws]

K. Bontrager may have said it best..... "Strong, light, cheap; pick any two."

[oldpotatoe]

To all,

Just talked to my wheel builder, he told me about the new DT Swiss 350 hubs

http://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Components/Hubs/340-classic-%281%29.aspx

According to Bikerumor.com, except the hub shell, it is the same as 240s but much cheaper.

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/09/29/interbike-2010-dt-swiss-unveils-lefty-15mm-and-350-series-hubs-plus-new-wheels-galore/

My wheel builder quoted me a price of 400 to 500 for a set of 32F/R wheels depends on the rim. Assume all the details are correct (same internal as 240s), this will be a good and cheaper choice for Campy wheels. The only catch is the hub only comes in black and a 100g heavier.

I have a set with 240s wheels, they are nice and light (~1600 for 32 f/r, open pro, brass nipples, 14/15 spokes) for what it is. Could be a good choice for your winter/training wheels, especially with silver campy hubs being expensive and the other choice is WI.

Ron

Look at Miche hubs as well...Campagnolo compatible. My DT supplier says the 350 hubs won't be to them for another month.

[ronlau]

Look at Miche hubs as well...Campagnolo compatible. My DT supplier says the 350 hubs won't be to them for another month.

My builder says he ordered two sets, should be here before Thanksgiving.

We shall see...

[bfd]

If you're not already committed to the DT hubs, another option is the Ambrosio Zenith hubs. These are made in Taiwan and basically the same as the GB hubs sold by Jan H. In fact, Jan H has raved about these hubs or at least the GB version on the ibob list.

At about $65 for the rear; $51 for the front, it is an excellent option:

rear hub:
http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/product/HB_ZENITH_S_R.html

front hub:
http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/product/HB_ZENITH_F_S.html

The rear hub weighs 268g (w/o skewer), available in either silver or black; 28/32/36 spoke holes and either Campy or Shimano freehub.

At $50/wheel labor, $30 or so for DT or WS db spokes/nipples, you should be able to get a wheelset build for easily under $300. What's not to like?! Good Luck!

[ronlau]

I like DT because you can switch from Campy to Shimano in a minute and the maintenance is very easy.

I am lazy when it comes to maintenance so I am willing to pay for it. Moreover, the builder is a friend and I like to support my friend. To be fair, I can grease a Campy hub easily too but DT is just too easy for me.


If you're not already committed to the DT hubs, another option is the Ambrosio Zenith hubs. These are made in Taiwan and basically the same as the GB hubs sold by Jan H. In fact, Jan H has raved about these hubs or at least the GB version on the ibob list.

At about $65 for the rear; $51 for the front, it is an excellent option:

rear hub:
http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/product/HB_ZENITH_S_R.html

front hub:
http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/product/HB_ZENITH_F_S.html

The rear hub weighs 268g (w/o skewer), available in either silver or black; 28/32/36 spoke holes and either Campy or Shimano freehub.

At $50/wheel labor, $30 or so for DT or WS db spokes/nipples, you should be able to get a wheelset build for easily under $300. What's not to like?! Good Luck!

[bfd]

Here's what Jan H says about the GB hubs which appear to be exactly the same as the Ambrosio Zenith hubs:

"The hubs are manufactured in Taiwan. They come with Shimano- or
Campagnolo-compatible cassettes. Silver color, classic appearance,
and available in 32 and 36 holes.

I pulled apart the hubs last night, and they have cartridge bearings
like many modern hubs. However, the front hub has splash seals to
give added protection to the bearings, rather than relying only on
the rubber dust shields of the bearings themselves to keep moisture
and dirt out. The rear hub, which is in the path of spray thrown up
by the front wheel, is sealed even better. A recessed cap covers the
bearings, and a rubber O-ring seals the cap against the hub body.
It's a simple, neat design that should keep the rear hub bearings
clean.

I still prefer the adjustable bearings and double labyrinth seals of
the Maxi-Car hubs, but they are hard to find, and don't exist in a
cassette version.

The hubs are nicely finished, but the quick release, while
functional, lacks the ultimate finish of a classic Campagnolo QR. Of
course, I have a reputation for being picky... In any case, it's easy
to replace the QR with a nicer one from your toolbox, just like I do
with my Maxi-Car hubs, because the RFG quick releases that came with
them also were finished no better."

He also stated:

"I now can answer the questions people have asked:

- The hubs are about as loud as a Shimano cassette hub, but much less
noisy than some other aftermarket hubs.

- The cassette bodies are made from aluminum to save weight. This
means that you should use a high-end cassette where the large cogs
mount onto a carrier. When I tested the hub with an inexpensive
cassette with mostly individual cogs, I got some indentation in the
cassette body where the cogs had dug into the aluminum. It didn't
ruin the cassette body during my short test, but it might make the
cogs hard to remove after prolonged use. I then I switched to a
cassette with 7 cogs on a carrier, and only the three smallest as
individual cogs, and no more indenting occurred.

- The rear hub's bearings are sealed with aluminum shields and rubber
O-rings. I prefer this over many high-end hubs that have the bearings
running exposed, with only the bearing's dust shield trying to keep
the grit out. I cannot comment on how long the bearings will last
until I have worn out the first set...

- The cassette bodies are easy to remove, if you ever want to go from
a Shimano to a Campagnolo cassette or vice versa. The
Campagnolo-compatible cassette body is a few grams lighter, because
it has deeper grooves.

Overall, they are very nice hubs."

It should be noted that Jan H sells the GB hubs which again appear to be the exact same hubs as the Ambrosio Zenith. Good Luck!

[AngryScientist]

.... because you can switch from Campy to Shimano....


but who would do something that crazy :D