Cold Weather Hubs

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Does any one have a recommendation for a good COLD weather rear hub? I've come to the conclusion that the low end operating temperature for XTR's really isn't all that low. At least they just don't seem to operate much below freezing. It seems that I've always had problems in the winter with the PRAWS on all of my rear XTR hubs. They just don't engage when the temperatures dip low. The Hub on the bike that gave me problems today is just slightly over a year old and didn't see any use from May till the end of September while I was burning out single speeding. Last winter my older bike did the same thing and I've even had my SS free wheel spin free in the same manner. All my bikes have had XTR.

So - Is it just me or have others experienced this?

I've never gone to Chris Kings or Hugi's because I just can't stand the sound from either while they free wheel. I have to admit the XTR's were DAM quiet while they free wheeled today, but ---- They weren't suppose to be free wheeling while I was peddling.

Anyways - I'm looking for Winter Hub recommendations.

L

[markie@unformat]

Ummm,

I have been using a gray XTR hub without problems. It is pretty new though. Today it was on trails completely submerged in snow.

You can regrease the freehub on the xtr hub, cant you? That might be all you need to do.

[DaveG]

Rode both in 10-15 deg weather w/o any issues. I'm running Chris King hubs now, and though I've never had any engagement issues, they do become very "sticky". I.e. when you backpedal the freewheel doesn't move, and the chain sags.

I believe you can fix this issue for CK hubs by thinning the grease; you can probably do something similar for the XTR hubs.

I'd post on MTBR in the alaska forum for some advice. Those people know how to deal w/ cold :)


Good luck.

Dave

[riderx]

DaveG is right, you need lighter lube. Check this article on winterizing your freehub (http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/freehub.htm)

[Balto Charlie]

I had similar problems this winter on one of my commuter bikes(old Stumpjumper). After biking in downpours and temps dropping my freehub would freeze up. Keep your stream crossing to a minimum if possible. If water gets in(happens on older hubs), temps drop, prawls will freeze. The lub suggestion isalso important. Charlie

[hophead]

DaveG is right, you need lighter lube. Check this article on winterizing your freehub (http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/freehub.htm)
Thanks for the link. I posted the same problem on DR's website.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Yea - Thanks for the link.

I printed off the whole URL and handed my Bike and the printed copy to Derek at the Bike Lane, I'll let you all know how it works out.


L