Hey guys,
so im about to build up an old cyclocross steel frame (700c from 1986 i think) with a 135mm rear spacing, QR and rimbreaks. So i feel a little limited about what to use for the hubs since i want to build a new wheelset. Sure i could go 130 but it doesn't feel right, even if its just a litte squeeze. Then there is not plenty of hubs with QR and no Discbrake mounts. Maybe i will set the bike up with 1×8, maybe 1×11 or even singlespeed is considered, still not sure.
I have done only one wheelset from scratch a long time ago, so im a noob. But I came across those guys, a xtr m900 hubset for an ok price.
135 spacing – check,
32 holes – check but thats a lot from today standards, right?,
shimano xtr qr's also included – check
8spd compatible – check, so 11spd should work too right?
I want to pair them up with some DT Swiss R460 or maybe R411. Both are tubeless-compatible (nice), for rimbrakes and quiet cheap.
My question is, do i miss something out? Do they work for 700c wheels in 2025? 😀 Are they a reliable choice? Or are there modern hubs that would be better for my needs? (yes they should be silver please).
thank yoou
by Striking-Jury2712
12 Comments
The problem i am finding with these old hubs is replacement parts. Cones have been tough to find, bearings are ok, but parts aren’t available from shimano anymore, so people have been cannibalizing working hubs for parts. If maintained properly, are great hubs. Yes you can use HG 11 speed cassettes, and aftermarket 12 for HG
Nice looking hubs. Looks like new old-stock. I think you can fit an 11sp cassette on there but not sure which one. I’ve never done it and the info I’ve read is mixed.
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Bigger 11 speed cassettes should fit (e.g. Shimano CS-HG700 11-34 cassette, or any wide range MTB cassette). Your parts will make a solid wheel. 32 spokes is a high count for 2025 but there’s nothing inherently wrong with the choice. If you want to save weight, lightweight double butted spokes are a good option. Sapim Race or D Lites are beginner friendly to work with. Pillar spokes might be a little cheaper depending on your location.
Hope RS4? Modern, non disc, available in 135mm, 9-12sp compatible.
11 speed road cassettes won’t fit on those XTR hubs. 11 speed MTB will, as well as the Shimano 11-34 as mentioned by IndyWheelsLab, but you might have a hard time finding the exact ratios you want.
These hubs are great and they will last forever, even the freewheelbody.
Great plus -imho- are the cup cone bearings.
You can do your own maintenance which is very simple.
Had a pair of Kings (9 sp) and on another bike a pair of XT’s (7 sp).
The bearings in the XT’s far outlasted the industrial bearings in the Kings (which were about 3 to 4 times more expensive).
those hubs are great. as long as the cups/cones are in good shape i wouldn’t worry much, they should last a while. send it!
Why non disc? I know it looks cleaner on a rim brake bike but the disc gives you more options in the future. Could even get an iso cog and run it as a fixed gear.Â
Hubs look sick. Try to make sure that the cones/cups are OK though.
I believe HOPE are still able to supply hubs with 135 mm spacing.
I find 32 (silver) spokes beautiful. And AFAIK the fewer spokes you have the harder the wheel is to build — I can’t tell because I’ve only ever built 32- and 36-spoke wheels, no difference there.
Most of the wheels I build up use disc brake hubs and rim brake rims, they typically go on a bike that has rim brakes but they could go either way (most are 135mm QR).
I try to stick to 32t or even 36t with wheel builds. I’m not a fan of low spoke counts, especially if I’m building something up myself. If I’m buying a factory wheel with a deeper rim, large hub flange, 2:1 spoke build, and proprietary stuff than I’m fine with lower spoke counts but still don’t prefer it.
32h boxy rims sound appropriate for an old steel cx frame. Too bad Salsa quit making Delgados.
An 8/9/10 speed hub will hand an 11 speed cassette fine, granted the large sprocket is 34t or larger and the cassette is hyperglide splined.