How good are the UDC wheelbuilds? I don’t really have the time to build up the wheel from the parts I’m ordering, but if the quality is not good enough I’d rather take a couple hours to do it than spend $35.
Also, I know Nimbus ISIS hubs are slightly heavier than the new KH hubs (about 30-40 grams I think). Based on just the weight difference I’m not willing to spend the extra $30 on the Moment hub, but is there any strength difference that should persuade me to go with KH?
I’ve been very happy with every one of my UDC wheelbuilds.
from Kris’ thread on 2010 products:
“Improved Moment Hub Flanges: The spoke hole diameter has been reduced to 2.5 mm with a 0.5 mm bevel, to better fit 14g spokes.”
That is probably the only difference.
Max, You still riding that 36er? Have you had to replace those bearings yet? Hope it is still awesome!
Although I primarily read the forums, I must say I’m also satisfied with my UDC wheel builds. I had them build a 26" Nimbus rim with Nimbus hub and a more recent KH 29" rim with Nimbus hub.
The 29, so far, is a great build, but I’ve only had it a couple weeks. The 26 was a good wheel build initially too, but started squeaking after a few months with what I would consider low-stress riding (mainly road). I had to tighten the spokes to a higher tension to stop the squeaking.
First off, props to UDC for getting the wheel to me so quickly. Great service, I ordered on 12/27 at night and the wheel arrived less than 72 hours later! Unfortunately they forgot to include the axle bolts and spacers…
One quick question though. The rim has offset spoke holes, and the wheel is built so that the spokes from the left side of the hub connect to the holes offset to the left of the rim and spokes from the right side of the hub connect to the holes offset to the right. They do not cross the “center line” of the hub. I was under the impression that when spokes holes are offset spokes go from left side of hub to right side of rim and visa versa. Hopefully someone can tell me I’m wrong.
Sheldon Brown says: “The spoke holes do not run down the middle of the rim, but are offset alternately from side to side. The holes on the left side of the rim are for spokes that run to the left flange of the hub.” (from: http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html)
so it is built right, left side goes to left flange, right side goes to right flange.
You are only “mostly” wrong. You may be thinking of a few rims out there that use cross laced spokes. The idea is that it makes for an incredibly rigid wheel. In practice I’m under the impression that it leads to too much stress on the hub flanges, and ultimately failure. I don’t think too many hubs outside of BMX use that kind of lacing though.
