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Submitted by
kroe
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler Mill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Newington Bicycle | | Strengths: | Light, very durable, easy to service, parts availability. | | Weaknesses: | Price. | | Similar Products Used: | XT, XTR, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | 1997 S-Works m2 Team, SID world cup, built up very light. | | Bottom Line: | I have owned this set of White Industries titanium axle hubs since 1997. I rode them very hard for about three years, and never had an issue with them. I was away from the sport for a while, and recently rebuilt my old bike and got back into it. I rebuilt the hubs, and with a $12 parts order with White Industries (which unlike most manufacturers from the time I bought these still exists), replaced the pawl springs, re-oiled the hubs, and they were good as new.
These are lifetime hubs. They are dead simple inside, and the manufacturer supports their product. Expensive, but well worth it.
I would buy them again in a second, but will never need to. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Wright
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Full ride @ Paris Mountain SP | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | webcyclery | | Strengths: | Light, well machined, and beautifully polished. Cleanly engineered and reliable way to tension vertical dropout single speed bikes. Set up and field adjustment easy on my bike. Reeks of quality. | | Weaknesses: | None yet, but then it doesn't bother me that my back brake is a V instead of a disc. I do not anticipate that my brakes will need to be readjusted as the chain wears and wheel position shifts slighty, but that would be a disadvantage if it happened. If so, I will post an updated review. | | Similar Products Used: | Chain tension adjusted by Surly Singleator, which was a good way to get into single speeding but ultimately was pitched on account of noise, friction, and occasional chain skip. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Marin Eldridge Grade hardtail modified with this wheel to be a single speed. The wheel is laced to a Mavic 717 rim and driven by a White Industried 17/19 Dos Eno Freewheel. The crank end of the drive has Salsa 34 & 36 tooth rings so that wheel position is the same for both gears. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the White Industries Eccentric ENO Single Speed Hub that allows chain tension adjustment on vertical dropout frames. Price was for the entire wheel.
There is no alternative to this hub if you want to ride a vertical dropout frame as a single speed. It may even be a better solution than the EBB, because there is no risk of creaking and it may be easier to change between gears on the trail. Rock solid drivetrain.
After installing the wheel and adjusting the tension a couple times the process becomes second nature. Here's my process with a couple tips. It takes a lot less time to do than to write.
-- Thread the chain on and drop the wheel in place.
-- Tighten an adjustable wrench onto the flats of the eccentric piece that is opposite the freewheel.
-- Set the bolts 1/2 turn away from tight. This allows adjustment but resists slightly.
-- Rotate the eccentric so that the chain is too tight.
-- Slowly turn the cranks. There will be slack and tight spots around the rings. The tight spots will pull the eccentric hub toward the bottom bracket a bit.
-- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the chain a bit more; you'll get a feel for it after a couple times.
-- Tighten the wheel bolts and enjoy your ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jekyll
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$610.00 | | Purchased At: | prowheelbuilder.com | | Strengths: | Super slick look. Hand polished finish. Smooooooooooth. Ok weight-wise. Machine work looks great, the disk brake surface is machined into the hub body and it looks awesome. I especially like that I don't see these on every bike I pass on busy Saturdays. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Mavic hubs, cross ride and cross link | | Bike Setup: | GT STS 1000 DS XTR Shifters, XTR frt and rr der. Avid Code Disk brakes, XT bottom bracket and crank, Easton Handlebar and Stem. XTR Pedals, Sram chain and 990 cog (11-34) RS Recon Uturn 130mm. | | Bottom Line: | Richard at www.prowheelbuilder.com laced these hubs to a great looking pair of DT swiss rims (5.1D's). They are fast and look the part. I really wanted something different. These hubs are classic looking, the engagement is solid, and they are fast... highly recommend. both, the white industries Hubs, and prowheelbuilder.com.
Thanks richard!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Henderson, Nevada
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Dark Hollow, Brianhead, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | White Industries | | Strengths: | Truly beautiful hubs, classic, timeless, unique. Incredible performance, high tolerances, design innovation, strength. My friends have to pedal hard to keep up with me coasting downhill, its hilarious. | | Weaknesses: | None really, but if we want to be nit picky...the spacers on the front hub "chub", which is a 20mm thru axel, need to be very slightly wider. This does not affect anything; I just have to put a slight amount of inward pressure on the fork arms while tightening the axel down. As I said, nit picky, other than that these are the best hubs I have ever ridden. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots...for the past several years, primarily XTR. None that can even be compared, fairly. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Ellsworth Joker DH 1.5 HT w/Romic rear and Manitou Breakout fork, SSR Ti seat, Salsa skewers, XTR M960 rear, XT front/pods/cassette, HFX Mag 203mm hyd. disk brakes, Race Face Turbine LP/Signature FR BB, Whipperman Full Stainless Chain, FSA bars/stem/headset, Michelin Hot S tires, Yeti bolt on grips, Thomson seat post, TruVative Holzfeller and Crank Bros Mallet M pedals, Brooklyn machined bar end caps, Sun Single Track rims, Hutchinson green tubes and of course, white industry hubs (20mm front "chub" and rear "DJ titanium") My dream bike, no expense spared...I have the CC bills to prove it, lol. | | Bottom Line: | If you have the money and desire to own some of the best hubs available, try a set of White Industry hubs; I am sure you will be pleased with them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy
a Cross Country Rider
from redondo beach, ca
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Probably in Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong, reliable, never let me down. Lightweight | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Hugi, Shimano, others | | Bike Setup: | Wheelset has changed from several bikes, currenty on my commuter with slicks | | Bottom Line: | These hubs have been built up with ti spokes and specialized rims for almost a decade. The wheels have been trued a few times, a broken spoke or two, but that's it. The hubs have never been serviced, have been riden hard and long, and have never let me down. I recently purchased a speedreamwheelset with White LTA hubs and they are just as good and I actually prefer the black anodization. They are ridiculously light and I have not had any problems yet. I weigh about 190. I am looking to build a freeride set next. Kings are great too, but I can't see much difference | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denton
a Racer
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble, San Juan, Porcupine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | WI | | Strengths: | Beautiful, easy set up, easy to mantain. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Eccentric | | Bike Setup: | WI Eno Hub disc with front WI disc hub, Giant Iguana frame, CK head set, mavic 717 hoops, Truvative cranks, WI SS free hub, Avid V-brakes, easton and Thomson goodies. | | Bottom Line: | I have been racing and training on this Eno hub for just about a year now. I ride my SS bike almost all of the time if I am off road. I have had no problems with the hubs or the free hub. The ENO makes it easy to change the tension on my chain and the vertical drop outs on my bike make changing a tire effortless. I beat the hell out of my SS bike and the wheels are bomber. I took the hubs apart to give them some love and there was no dirt inside to clean. The bearings are easy to replace if needed as they are standard size sealed cartridge bearings. I have been thinking of going to an eccentric BB set up so I can run disc brakes effortlessly but I am still wondering if I will be as happy with it as I am with this ENO hub. Maybe one of each... Great product in my opinion. I weigh 155 and train and race a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Sled
a Weekend Warrior
from Spawn Ranch, CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Your Mom | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Strong, light, smooth, simply elegant. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Hope, Hugi | | Bike Setup: | DBR X10, Foes Weasel, Jamis Dakar | | Bottom Line: | I have two sets of wheels with White Industries hubs, one set with disk brakes, and one with rim brakes. The disk set is several years old and laced to their 3rd set of rims.
The rim brake set are the ones for this review, the Tracker and Aft Tracker Ti. The rear hub I purchased NOS off Ebay, the front hub was used for several years on a daily commuter bike in Washington State. I took the hub apart, polished it up to a chrome like finish and reassembled it, then laced both of them into a set of Mavic X517 wheels. I've been trail riding the wheelset for over three years now, and I weigh 200lbs. I've had to true both wheels twice since they where built and one time it was because a spoke nipple broke. I would recommend White Industries hubs to anyone building a set of custom wheels. The new hubs are even more amazing than the originals.
PS: I ride my bikes through mud on purpose. After every ride I wash them with the hose and I've never had any trouble with the bearings. Not everything is perfect everytime, but this company makes an outstanding product in my experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Looks, weight, quality bearings, longevity, stiffness, engagement speed, standard sized bearings available at most bearing supply houses, American Made! | | Weaknesses: | You have to be sure to retighten the set screws after a few rides of break in. Nothing serious. | | Similar Products Used: | Nuke Proof, Real, Shimano (XTR, XT, DX, LX, Deore), Marzocchi, Hugi, Chris King, TNT, Hershey, Ringle, Formula, Bullseye, Syncros, Hope, Mavic Crossland | | Bike Setup: | MC Fury, Z1, XTR/XT mix, White Disc Jockey hubs (32h), Ritchey Disc OCR, 14/15 DT.
Azonic Saber, Stratos LR-1, Chub and DJ rear (32h), Sun Singletrack 26"F 24"R, 14/15 DT
| | Bottom Line: | Ok, it's been years since I last reviewed anything, but I have to give some long overdue credit to White Industries.
I've been running their products since 1997. In order of purchase, Front Tracker hub 1997, C Series crankset 1998 & 1999, Ti square taper BB 1998, Chub hub 2004, Disc Jockey rear hub 2004 & 2005, Disc Jockey front hub 2005. None of these products have ever failed me. In fact, the only reason that some of the older parts have been retired is that the frames they're hung on are a bit outdated.
So focusing on the hubs, the front tracker has been stellar for nearly 8 years and has been submerged multiple times and built into two wheels.
I've got a rear Disc Jockey hub paired with a Chub 20mm hub on my freeride style bike and that has held up very well to repeated drops and reckless riding. I expect the same out of my second set for the Fury.
Looking at and playing with the hubs is pleasing for a parts junkie. Their products are CNC'd and hand polished to a shine. The bearings are super smooth, greased-packed, Enduro style bearings which is pretty much the best off-the-shelf radial bearings you can buy. When built into a wheel, they'll spin forever. The Tracker (now called RacerX) has really spread out flanges for a very stiff wheel. Standard qr front hubs use 17mm diameter, thin walled, chromoly axles and have a 22mm contact face with the fork. Assuming you use a decent qr, this is as close to thru axle stiffness you are going to get with a quick release.
The 20mm hub has no special bells and whistles, but it looks and rides totally solid and builds up nicely. I don't understand the issues the guy below me is reporting about looseness to the axle.
I've stayed away from most aftermarket rear hubs for several years now having been bit badly by the CNC craze of the mid 90's. The White DJ is the first non-shimano rear hub I've tried in a while. It uses a stiff, 15mm, chromo axle and rides on Enduro bearings too. The rachet mechanism has 24 teeth with 3 pawls. (For those of you who care, Hugi ratchets 18 per rev, and Shimano ratchets 16 per rev.) The ratchet speed is noticeably faster than stock without making an obnoxious sound while coasting. Though they are independent, the pawls engage simultaneously with a clean sound unlike some crush prone systems I've seen and used. To the guy below me: check all the other hubs that use a pawl and ratchet ring assembly, they all go together that way and usually exhibit a little slip on only the first pedal stroke the first time it's used. It's not a problem.
Finally, you get the satisfaction of buying an American made product from a company that's been around for a long time and is staffed with nice people to talk with when you have a question. Buy their stuff because it's as good, nearly as light, and cheaper than the only other American alternative. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas
a
from Valencia
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I bought a Front 20mm Hub and rear hub based on reviews from this website and the wheelbuilder's recommendation.
Front Hub: To make a long story short, there was too much play between the WI hub and Marzocchi 20mm axle. Also, the dust cap and axle cap are two pieces. One of the dust caps was too loose and falls out due to an incorrect dimension on hub. I went to Marzocchi in Valencia and had them look at this. In the end I bought a Marzocchi Hub because the design was superior with a "Full Floating" bearing system which distributes the load along the full length of a pressed-in sleeve, and the end caps were one piece, so they are located in place when installed in the fork and can not come out based on the design.
Rear Hub: I spun the hub a few times to look at it and check it out before installing, and the freewheel locked up! According to White Industries, by freewheeling the wheel before it was ridden I was actually unthreading the ratchet ring which was causing the hub to bind. According to WI, the ratchet ring is hand threaded into the hub shell and designed to lock in place when the wheel is ridden. Anyway, they said I can grasp the freehub body and rotate clockwise to thread the ratchet ring in place and then ride it to lock it in place. What's wrong with this picture!!
Therefore, the customer is the final step in the assembly process! Maybe I should be on their payroll. At a minimum, they should have a warning not to freewheel their rear hub.
So I am stuck with this hub since it was built up into a wheel. I will report later to see how it holds up after getting some miles on it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Stillwater, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | County Cycles, Roseville MN | | Strengths: | I bought a set of hubs and singlespeed freewheel from white. The front hub is their high flange disc hub and the rear is their eccentric ENO hub. Very cool design. If you haven't seen it, it's a single speed hub that fits a standard dropout (vertical 135mm). With the eccentric design, there is no need for a chain tensioner or anything extra on a non SS specific frame. You get correct tension with any gear ratio. It's awesome. As for the front, the high flange and high polish add a retro charm to the look. So far, both hubs are butter smooth. | | Weaknesses: | The disc rotor mounts are drilled very deep. I am a little concerned with the lateral stiffness of a severely asymetric front hub, which is only 100mm wid in the first place. The high flanges may help that. No problems thus far. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Eccentric - Hugi 240's that turned out to be crap. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9.8 carbon frame w/SID SL fork, american classic headset, Race Face LP crank with Spot chainring and guard, mavic 717 rims, XT break levers, Look 4X4 pedals. Deceptively "heavy" at 20.5 lbs... you might guess less from specs. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome. These hubs gave new life to an old bike of mine. It's become one of my favorites. No Regrets. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tex
a
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | From a friend | | Strengths: | I have a White FX rear disc hub. The thing has endured more abuse than anything ever should. I got it in 1999 fom a buddy who was a Pro DH racer, who knows what he did to it before I got it. I've put maybe 6000 miles on it, mostly off road and I've never had the slightest problem. It is so easy to pull apart and clean I actually enjoy it. | | Weaknesses: | If there are any, perhaps they will become apparent in another 6000 miles. | | Similar Products Used: | XT, XTR, Hugi, Edco (not good!), Ringle | | Bike Setup: | Originally on a Bullit, now resides on an Azonic Propulsion | | Bottom Line: | White really did well on this hub. I highly recommend them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john su
a Cross Country Rider
from berkeley, ca
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | silky smooth, lightweight, quality build, great looks | | Similar Products Used: | lx, xt | | Bike Setup: | bridgestone mb3, mix of lx/xt/xtr, white industry hubs on mavic 217 sup rims | | Bottom Line: | bought these on ebay to replace mail order lx/rhinolite rims. what a huge difference! i had the lx/rhynolite wheelset 5 years, so how much of it was worn low-end hubs and heavy rims, vs. well maintained white industry hubs.... but i noticed the lighter weight and smoother hubs instantly. trails i've ridden over and over gain i had to brake much more often because of the increased speed! i ended up in the bushes because a corner i've taken many times i just flew off the cliff! love these hubs! the noise is definitely annoying compared to the old lx... wonder what the quietest high end hubs are because i've read the chris king hubs are loud too. anyways, a great upgrade! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Gromet
a
from Miami
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | factory | | Strengths: | This is a followup to an earlier review of Lew Sydney Wheels with White hubs. Since keeping the hubs out of the heavy some Florida rainstorms, the hubs have performed excellently. | | Weaknesses: | When the wheels go out of true, you have to take off the tire. Weight limit of 185 pounds on the | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Zipp 404 | | Bottom Line: | Lew went out of business, but White did not. The hubs should make the owner aware that the seals may not be strong enough for heavy downpours. Perhaps the hubs were put together better on the rebuild. This was true of the rear wheel that delaminated soon after I started using it, but not since. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpena, MI
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Country-Manistee | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | don't remember | | Strengths: | Aft Tracker- very durable, easy to clean, and rolls smooth. I've never had a single problem since I bought it. Just oil the inside every few years and thats it. | | Weaknesses: | a little pricey but for as long as they last its worth it.
The clicking of the pawls is a little annoying. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano xt/lx | | Bike Setup: | Super V 1000 FR Rear wheel is 32 spoke Aft Tracker with Mavic 231 | | Bottom Line: | I've had this hub for about 7 or 8 years. The only thing I've had to do is clean and oil it. I'm still on the original bearings and it still spins like new. I originally had this wheel on another bike but I liked it so much I switched the rear wheels before I sold my old bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali rec area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Enduring cartridge bearings and seals; bomb proof | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | King; Nuke Proof | | Bike Setup: | Independant Fab Deluxe; mix of xt and xtr. | | Bottom Line: | I am not the type to write reviews (I'd rather not get involved-seems to turn into a pissing contest) but I simply couldnt resist after what I witnessed today. I've had the same White Ind. hubs since around '95. I've gone through a couple of different rims and never bothered with the hubs until today.
I just ordered some 517's which I'm going to lace to the White Ind hubs. I figured why not just overhaul the hubs since I've got em free from the spokes and they havent been dealt with since I bought them years ago.
The owner of the bike shop I work at couldnt understand why I would bother, he said the cartridge bearings were silky smooth. When I told him how old they were he was surprised. This guy is total old school and anti after market, yet he confessed he was impressed.
I used a razor blade to take the seals off so I could expose the bearings...completely clean. I wouldnt say that it was a process to get to the cartridge bearings to replace them, but it took some time. The bearings are more than adequately protected within the hubs as they should be at this price point. Nothings getting in there.
I cant remember what I paid for these hubs, somewhere in the neighborhood of 350.00, but I can definitely say they are worth every freakin penny. They are light and manufactured to last.
Now that I work at a bike shop (a great laid back job by the way if you are working your way through grad school) I can get the goods at cost but I figure why bother? These hubs havent let me down yet and I dont foresee them failing any time in future. Great stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Floydo
a
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This is for the front hub which has worked wonderfully until it went under a car :(. Rode for the last year on a radial laced wheel without signs of fatigue, roughness or stress. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | XT, XTR, deore | | Bike Setup: | XT, XTR Santa Cruz | | Bottom Line: | Whites customer service and product quality is second to none. They repair, supply parts for very minimal cost quickly and personally. Great to deal with and great product. Compared to the customer service at Rockxxxx (they laugh) and Shimxxx (yawn) I was blown away. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shanedawg
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, ca
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mr Toads Wild Ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | last forever, low drag on drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | shimano XT, XTR, Chris King, Rolf | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to my earlier review that I did back in 6/2000. These hubs are still going strong after 8 years. I am just getting ready to replace the rims and spokes for the second time as they have worn out again and the hubs are in great shape. A note I found out recently: I put King hubs on one of my newer bikes and found that the o-ring seals create a lot of drag and the wheels don't spin as long when you spin them in the workstand. A side effect of this is that when you bcakpedal on the trail your chain can get jammed up because of the hubs resistance to spinning. I don't have any of this problem on the White hubs.
-Shane | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PM
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, UT USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order.. | | Strengths: | White rear cassette hubs RULE. Durable, polished, fat,
and strong. As long as you don't throw your bike into
a pond or mud pit like some of the other unfair reviewers seen to have done below,this hub should last forever.
I can truly say that since I break EVERYTHING I ride on.
Can't break the White! The high flanges build a tougher, stronger wheel, period. The pawl system, if cleaned and lightly oiled once every two years or so, will last
forever. I am 215lbs, ride 2-3K per year on rough singletrack, and these hubs have never let me down.
The sweetness of these hubs is proven by 10 years of
building my own wheels up, and no other hub builds a
wheel up as nice as the White. No way, no how. | | Weaknesses: | Uh.........no lo creo... | | Similar Products Used: | Everything.....By the way, Bullseye front hubs RULE!!!! | | Bottom Line: | These hubs have lasted me forever. As long as you don't
pack water and mud in em, and give them a cursory once-
over every two years or so, they will last a long, long
time. Fat casing with tall flanges builds stronger wheels.
Everyone knows this, so why buy short-flanged hubs which
are all over the place? Can't give enough kudos to WHITE
INDUSTRIES and the high quality product this is....
There are only two or three products I even consider
hanging on my bike, after 12 years of thrashing different products. The Whites' are one of em. Titec 150gram
ti bars, and a bullseye front hub is the other. Time
will uncover the truth for all the others... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Severson
a Racer
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Farm, MPLS, MN (truelly crazy stuff.) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Lew Usa | | Strengths: | Super easy to maintain. HIGH tolerances. Excellent customer service. Solid. Build well at high tension. Lightweight. But most important STRONG!!!! | | Weaknesses: | unknown in the world of overhyped expensive crap. (though King I'll say is on par) | | Similar Products Used: | King, American Classic, Mavic, Shimano XTR, Zipp, Machinetech, Hugi, Tune, Etc... | | Bike Setup: | Salsa Ala Carte, White Brothers Fork, XT, Time, Salsa goodies, Rockshox post, Stainless Salsa cages, Panaracer FIRE XC Pro tires. SURLY Steamroller FIXED gear. Bianchi EV2 with LEW wheels and Campy Record. Cervelo on order. | | Bottom Line: | This is the scoop folks. I was the head of customer service at Lew Composites (now defunct) and I saw lots of wheels and talked with many riders...people who put 10,000 plus miles on a year. Pros...European Pros. The works. I built more wheels than I can count at EXTREMELY high tensions for Lew. My wheel builder built a ton of wheels with these hubs. They are the best. Mint.
I personally dealt with a certain someone's wheels. The hubs had problems because he used a pressure washer to clean his bike. Only ONE outer bearing was bad. The bearings are not designed for that....but they are specifically designed for bikes. Also you are not suppose to grease the pawls only use a light sewing machine type oil.
White Industries makes my favorite hub right now hands down. Light, but not so much it sacrifices stength and buildability. Tune is an example of poor design. Hugi's are vastly overated. Grab a set of Whites. You'll be suprised.
I saw alot of crazy things working at Lew. All crash replacements. Only twice did I have a hub issue. Both times it was consumer related....not White.
To boot. They are nice people. They fixed Gary's bearing problem for FREE...even though it was his fault. Cool of them eh? And he posts a negative review...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ride'M25
a Weekend Warrior
from FrankfurtD, CamberleyGB, KalonaUSA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SugarBottomIA,SockumRidgeIA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Tracker (front) with oversized axle/Speed Racer (rear) Ti&4130cro-mo cassette bodies - triple cross/Sapim Laser(36h) & Race(32h) Spokes/Ambrosio CC24 double-eyelet rims: Provide the reliability, speed, endurance, longevity, and weight necessary for all-around cross country/free ride/expedition applications. It starts with the hubs. Six sets built-up over past two years and not a problem with any. Best all-around hubset on the market. A perfect set-up. A perfect design. Now the RacerX line takes over with similar flange diameter and possibly stronger hub shell design. Not a problem to service. Fully accessible customer/tech support from manufacturer. | | Weaknesses: | Product - None. Market Share - Manufacturer would have much larger market share with enhanced marketing dept. devoted to the bicycle market since White Industries does machine parts for various high tech industries. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT. Road - Campy, Ofmega, Stronglight (sealed), Normandy. Approaching middle age with road/aero background. MTB experience for past two years. Prior prototype tester to many manufacturers. | | Bike Setup: | All Totally Customized: Corratec Grizzly (Al. Bow frame); '95 FSR (dbl-butt Presige cro-mo dual susp. & factory customized Stratos rear shock); '98 GT Aggressor (4130 cro-mo). All bikes run two sets of these wheels with 32h on the Grizzly. Rond-Magura Quake Comp susp. fork on all three. All top-of-the-line componentry outfitted from scratch to fit each frame characteristics. Example: Brakes - Grizzly got super light weight Avid magnesium brakes/levers with RB boosters, FSR got HS-33 hydrolics with Magura boosters, Aggressor got Avid Arch Rival brakes/speed dial 7 levers with Salsa boosters. All run XT IG 8 speed cassettes 11-28/30T, IG-90 chains, 8 sp. XTR/XT derailleurs, Hurricane/S-Works/Tamer Pivot-Plus seatposts, Corratec/Syntace VRO/AnswerDH stems, Magura Titanium/Syntace VRO&Vector/AzonicFlatDoubleWall handlebars. Salsa cro-mo skewers. Etc....with enough back-up componentry to last til I die. | | Bottom Line: | MANY TRASH-TALK REVIEWS DO NOT REVIEW THE HIGH-END TRACKER/SPEED RACER/AND NEW RACER X. These hubs would have a much higher rating if MTBR did not batch older version hubs and OEM lower-end hubs all together with the superb high-end hubs from White Industries. As with any hub, if taken care of and minimal maintenance aptitude, the high-end White Ind. hubs rival all the rest. Are they as good as Phil Wood? They are lighter and with maintenance can last a long, long time. Are they as good as Chris King? Every bit. Are they as good as Hugi 240? No contest. White Industries does precision manufacturing beyond just the bicycle industry. Their emphasis to other high tech industries is not dissimilar to Control Tech. They won't live or die from a down turn in the bike market. Bottom line: High end Quality stuff worthy to go on my bikes and perform up to my expectations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary gromet
a Racer
from Homestead FL
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Lew-USA | | Strengths: | Light, 20 hole rear, smooth. The hub was used on the high performance Lew Sydneys because Lew-USA.com could not get a Hugi or Mavic 20 spoke rear hub. | | Weaknesses: | The rear hub fails readily, especially in wet weather. Clicking noise when coasting gets tiresome. I would change the hub to Hugi or Mavic if I could, so would Lew which may have to build its own rear hub. | | Similar Products Used: | Mavic Kyserium. | | Bike Setup: | Road racer | | Bottom Line: | The first time I got these hubs wet they started to squeak and howl like a bird, then they just about seized. I had less than 1000 miles on the rear hub of the set of Lew Sydney wheels. I have ridden tens of thousands of miles on Mavic hubs and never had such a sudden unset of bearing failure. Only a mechanic who likes to work on overhauling his rear wheel hub should buy the White Industries rear hub and even then, change wheels if its starts to rain. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Manhart
a Weekend Warrior
from Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | City Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Part of bike purchased. | | Strengths: | Light and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | became loose and makes a clicking noise if not frequently tightened. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano Alivio, LX, & XT. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz superlight, Super X kit. Sid XC fork, Fox vanilla R rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I've had problems with it coming loose and making noise. For the small amount of wieght savings I'd stick with a less expensive Shimano XT hub. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey Baggadonuts
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Easy to maintain, smooth like butta to ride! | | Weaknesses: | Don't know | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT, LX | | Bottom Line: | I really dig my Tracker hub, and I have dug it for 3 or 4 years now, and I will probably keep digging it for many more years to come. You see, it is very easy to maintain, and is always smoooooth as silk to ride. Dig?
5 CHILIS!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Goebel
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | very strong, sturdy
OK weight | | Weaknesses: | loud annoying clicking
Price | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra Comp, ul xtr | | Bottom Line: | it would probably be great for a downhill/cross country rider | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from cincinnati, ohio
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | high flanges build a strong wheel
look cool
flanges are thick and sturdy
reasonable weight
stiff chromoly axle
| | Weaknesses: | pricey
bearings held in by itty-bitty allen bolts
i wish the flanges were farther apart | | Similar Products Used: | old paul ddt | | Bike Setup: | litespeed obed | | Bottom Line: | this review is for the 32h high-flange front hub, not the tracker.
i built my wheel with a rhyno lite rim, wheelsmith db spokes, and brass nipples. i ride trials with this setup, i have had one bad wreck on the wheel, i botched a jump and landed face-first in the grass, the wheel was badly outta true, but was easily straightened. the bearings are still quite smooth, i've had to perform zero maintenance thus far. i'm satisfied with the performance so far.
3 chilies for the high retail price i didn't have to pay, 5 chilies for the performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louie Figone
a Racer
from Half Moon Bay, CA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all cross country | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Bike Works, Half Moon Bay and other places | | Strengths: | Stiff, easy to work on, strong, looks | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Hugi, Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB, XTR, White Ind Hubs and Cranks, Superfly fork, Mavic 517 rims | | Bottom Line: | Since my last review in may of 99 I have built five sets of wheels with White Hubs (Speed Racer and Tracker) with DT Revo spokes and 517 rims. Have had no problems with any of them. I have replaced drive side bearings, but after two years of service. Have found if you clean and lube the bearings when used in wet conditions the bearings will last. I also replace with european bearings when replacement is needed. Have had a pawl spring break and still used the wheel for two months without problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from charlotte,n.c.,usa
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i'm on | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | its been so long??? | | Strengths: | there size big and fat
the polished look helps also
that noise it makes the rider in front of you worry in races
i love it | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | specalized stout
shim xt,lx
hugi disc,for hayes brakes | | Bike Setup: | lp dh bars,sid xl,race face crnaks,lp seatpost,mavic 517,
avid levers,brakes,on a fsr xc with 4 inches of rear tr.
no shim. parts | | Bottom Line: | going on 6 years with these hubs and no regrets. opened them up once and relubed that was about 2 years ago. these hubs atract attention from other riders
this is my 3rd bike with these wheels
i ride xc i also beat my bike when i ride downtown no holding back when it comes to stairs or drops.
i weigh about 140 and im 5,7 i consider myself to be pretty hard on my bikes considering that i broke my last frame
these hubs are the best thing since sliced bread
i'd buy them again i'd recomend them to everyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NOJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinnacle Peak, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Looks, strength, weight, easy rebuild,CUSTOMER SERVICE! | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | XT, Mavic | | Bike Setup: | Aeon Isis, Race Face/GripShift/Avid | | Bottom Line: | I first bought a custom wheelset almost six years ago w White Tracker & Aft Tracker hubs, Mavic 517s and DT revolution spokes. After killing three rear rims and a few thousand miles of AZ, WA, OR, CA and CO, the bearings in the rear hub finally gave out. The front is still going strong on the ORIGINAL bearings and rim!
e-mailed White about bearing replacements, and they made me a nice offer on a Speed Racer to replace the old Aft Tracker, which I jumped on. The new wheel is being laced up this week; rarely do you see a company that stands behind their producs as strongly, and I count White Industries among Answer, Syncros and Mavic for really kicking ass! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a
from CO
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | I have had absolutely no problems with the hub. My hub is pretty good considering I have hammered it pretty hard for a year and my buddy Dave--a pro DH racer--used it for a year before that. | | Weaknesses: | I have experienced no weaknesses with my hub. | | Similar Products Used: | Ringle, XT | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bottom Line: | Mine's a good hub. No problems. Rick Simms below has very intelligent things to say about reviews in general--although he's wrong about King's bearings. Chris King makes their own ball bearings, they are the only ones I know of that actually fabricate every part of their own hubs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shanedawg
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose, ca
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | soquel demo | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great service when hub needs overhaul. Loud pawl noises warn daydreaming hikers. | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager hardtail/Mustang rims, Dt spokes, tracker front, steel axle rear. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding on these for six years now and I weigh about 200 pounds so they have recieved their fair share of abuse. I had the wheels rebuilt around the hubs two years ago because the sidewalls of the rims were about to wear through. When I did the rebuild I noticed that the front hun was in perfect shape. The rear hub needed the two drive side bearings replaced and the pawl springs had gotten pretty soft. I sent the hub to white in Marin and they popped in all four new bearings and springs for $20 and had it back to me within a week. I have no complaints about these hubs at all they are great. One word of advice to all of the other clydesdales out there...Don't go bashing white industries if you bend the ti axle. It is meant for skinny racer types, not for you. Like Keith used to say "light, cheap, reliable. You have to pick two" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt Berling
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilson, Wy
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | al | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | They fall apart with no warning. The bearings last about as long as my sex life. They both fail with no warning. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano - etc | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Homegrown ESP | | Bottom Line: | I thought they were nice and when they aren't falling apart - I like them. The problem - the bearings fail with no warning and I'm on my 4th set in the rear hub, It is scary to go to a race not knowing if something as simple as your wheel bearings will hold up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OB1
a Cross Country Rider
from CO
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | 1)very light
2)great finish work
3)front hub rolls forever
| | Weaknesses: | 1)bearings are sloppy out of the box
2)LOUD cassette body
3)soft aluminum used for the cassette body | | Similar Products Used: | 1)XTR
2)XT
3)LX
4)Nuke Proof Ti Bombshell
5)Exage
6)System 3 (front)
7)STX-RC
8)Coda
| | Bike Setup: | Valiant/DT 14-15/alloy nips/Salsa skewers | | Bottom Line: | I was blown away by how light this wheelset built up, but considering their drawbacks, I wouldn't buy them again. The two biggest problems are the slight bearing play and the frozen cassette on the soft aluminum cassette body. While the play in the bearings isn't noticable on the trails, they can only get worse as they begin to wear. As for the cassette body, I'll most likely have to punch the cassette off once it needs replacement, but I'm guessing the bearings will crap out before the cassette does. White hubs are certainly beautiful to behold, but considering their dubious longevity, their luster tarnishes quickly. I thought I was getting a deal @$200 for the set (Speed Racer rear/Ti front), but that obviously wasn't the case. Just a note, but the loud cassette body is 'cool' at first, but once the novelty wears off, it can get quite annoying. The one benefit, however, is that slower riders can hear you coming. I'll be going back to the tried and true XTR hubs next time around.
-5 for aesthetics
-4 for performance
-2 for quality
-2 for value (at retail)
-3 overall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff t
a Weekend Warrior
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | everything cool disk hubs | | Weaknesses: | $$$$$$ price $$$$$$ | | Similar Products Used: | king , hugi , bontrager | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 , Sid XC , front/rear Rock Shox disk XTR XT LX parts | | Bottom Line: | cool sound i think ?????? smooth, fast, light, cool looking, shinny
they make good racing/freeride hubs don't need a lot of mantince | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, NY
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | I need to make a correction to the review that I just entered. I jumped the gun and issued this review before I disassembled the rear hub that was malfunctioning. It turns out that the ratchet ring and pawls are a little worn, but generally ok. The reason why the drive won't engage is that the pawl springs are dead. I called White and ordered new springs (at under a $1 each) and new pawls (at under $4 each). No need to return the wheel to White this time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | great looks, chi chi | | Weaknesses: | Freewheel/drive mechanism is fragile, and White Industry tools are required to replace the ratchet ring. | | Similar Products Used: | STX, cheap no-name stuff on cheap bikes | | Bike Setup: | '95 GT Team LTS, stock except for wear items (tires, brake pads, grips, etc.) | | Bottom Line: | I had to send my back wheel to White to replace the ratchet ring when it exploded after owning the bike for about 1 year. That rebuild is now about 3 years old, and the ratchet ring just let go again, so the wheel must go back to White for another rebuild. I don't mind the $50 price of the rebuild too much, but it sucks to be without the wheel for 2 weeks. In the 5 years of riding I did on cheaper rigs before buying this bike, I only had to replace a freewheel once (on an STX hub) and that cost about $15 and was an off the shelf item my local bike dealer. I guess the inconvenience of the White's is the price I have to pay for owning a high performance, lightweight bike. The front hub has been absolutely perfect, and still has the original bearings.
I'm currently looking into buying a replacement wheelset built up of Hugi or King hubs in hopes that I'll have fewer freewheel problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bay Su
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Edwards | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, great looks, strong wheel built. | | Weaknesses: | Allen head locking screws, need lock tight with assembly. Bone head mechanics beware. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano LX, XT, XTR, Specialized & BullsEye | | Bike Setup: | Kona King Kikapu, White Hubs, DT 14/15, Red Alloy Nip, 217 SUP Rims, Green Tube, Specialized Dirt Mast. Kev., XT Cass., XT Der., Fox Amp 5R Shock, Z2 Superfly, Kooka Crank, Shimano 747 ped., Easton Carbon Monkey Lite, etc. 24.5 lbs fun machine!! | | Bottom Line: | The wheel set have performed flawlessly for the last year. I have gone trail hopping last season and the start of this season. My guess is the guys at Mountain Bike Outfitters did a great job tensioning the wheels. I haven't had to true the wheels for this season!! Thats great!!
I am 208 lbs and ride hard when I get out. So to have a wheel hold its tension after 1 season and the start of this season; is proof of a solid wheel hub combo. The locking allen screws did come loose when I originally got the wheels. This was fixed with a little Locktight and they have not presented another problem.
They are a little costly. If you are looking for a highly polished look; these are the best bet in town. They are as costly as a XTR wheel set. So these are not the best values in town. They are much less than a Chris King polish hub set. And with a allen head locking screw as a weak link if you are not aware. I can only give it a 4 chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Haoming Chang
a Racer
from troy, MI USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | linton IN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | light, cool looking, the rear is HUGE, the front spins mega long | | Weaknesses: | rear hub has durablitly dependability problems, the one i had got alot of play in it and wouldnt tightnen down after taken apart | | Similar Products Used: | king, hope, real, ringle, hugi, white industries, spinergy, xtr, xt, lx | | Bike Setup: | 1 rear is on my roomates salsa road bike
a pair are on my buddies dagger elite, abomb, RF, syncros, ESP 9.0sl, etc.. | | Bottom Line: | the fronts are very nice, easy to build w. super smooth spinning, and lite, the rears are decent, but costly and id much rather go hugi ringle, hope or even king if u've got the $$ to blow, the rear ones w/ the ti axels are especially scary, they develop play rather fast if u ride hard or are a beefy person
email @ supermoose@hotmail.com for any quest.
peaceout
the front gets 5 stars, but the rears scare me so 3*'s | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | eye candy
light | | Weaknesses: | reliability
-have had to rebuild numerous times - at least once (usually twice) a season
-chews through bearings | | Similar Products Used: | XTR
coda
| | Bike Setup: | c-dale f900 | | Bottom Line: | save the money, go with xtr or coda. Sounds terrible, but i have never had a problem with any other hub except this one. If i could get my money back i would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Arcata, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | looks good & very light | | Weaknesses: | bearings & warranty | | Similar Products Used: | XT & Chris King | | Bottom Line: | White Industries Ti Hub (Front)
The hub was a dream for the first month of riding. It seemed to have everything you would want in a hub; It was light, attractive & smooth rolling. However, I began to notice play in my wheel caused by the bearings. after 4 months of use the bearings were shot. I talked to White and found out that the bearings are guaranteed for only 3 months. I would have to dish out $16 + shipping to replace them. I figured that I could buy a Chris King hub (5 year warranty) and have it pay for itself in about a years worth of bearings.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Doo
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilroy, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light weight
Looks great | | Weaknesses: | Has to be overhauled each and every year
Ti axle gets pitted easy
Alot of sideplay after a each season requiring overhaul
A bit loud | | Similar Products Used: | XTR-Bullit Proof and almost as light
XT-Bullit Proof, but heavier | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Carbon Sweetspot F/S | | Bottom Line: | I've had this hub for over 4 years so I feel I can evaluate it with 4 years worth of experience. It's one of the lightest hubs out there and great for racing. Not that I race alot, but I set it up with a Mavic rim and 14/15 spokes. Problems I had over the past four years are of follows:
-After each season, I had to have the hub overhauled due
to too much sideplay. That's 4 overhauls two covered by
warranty and two paid for.
-I've had to have the axle replaced twice. The first was
the original Ti axle which had problems in the earlier
years. The second time because they were pitted. I now
have a steel axle.
-Pawl springs don't last too long and have to be replaced
during overhauls.
But the bottom line is that when it works, it works great and it's one of the lightest hubs around. It's great for racing so I don't use it for training or fun rides.
However the White Front Hub is bulletproof with no problems.
A XTR hubset, which I recently purchased, is a bit heavier (still very light), but much more reliable.
3 Pitted Peppers 2 peps down from 5 peps due to reliability and lack of ruggedness of the rear hub. I'll give the front hub 5 chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derek
a Cross-Country Rider
from delaware
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Front hub is great. It works. ( No needle bearings?) Rear hub sucks. To much money for a one year hub. It worked great for awhile, but the needle bearings supporting the cassette are not protected well from dirt and water, requiring serious maintenance or eventually a pitted axle - like mine.Buy a Shimano rear hub and save the headaches.Front hub gets 5 flaming turds, but the rear gets... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
If I tell you, I'll have to kill you! | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Well engineered. Good design, strong yet light, reliable, well thought out. | | Weaknesses: |
None. You can't complain about their price...when you're in a class with Ringle, Nuke Proof, King, etc., you have to pay these kind of prices. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nuke Proof, Campy, Ringle. I won't include Shimano because they just aren't similar. | | Bike Setup: |
Back up wheel set for my AMP B-4/F-4 full suspension, and also used with road tires (Tioga City Slickers)on the AMP when I dodge pot holes in the local asphalt. | | Bottom Line: | I bought/traded for the wheel set, from a friend, who is a pro racer, a total maniac, and who can and does frequently bend, mangle and mutilate things like Mavic Cross Land wheels, a team issued top o' the line Pro-Flex frame...and the fork. He raced at least one season on these wheels before trading them to me. The bearings are the originals and have never needed to be changed.
These hubs look heavy but they are amazingly light. If the flanges would have given out or let a spoke pull through, they would have done so, long before now. They are visually very striking. They are just beautifully made. These are not rubber stamped Japanese clones of questionable heritage. They are obviously built with old world pride and craftsmanship, with the latest in new world technology. No, they're not cheap, but compared to the questionable quality of the ubiquitous Shimano alternatives, these are a bargain...you actually get your money's worth.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
If I tell you, I'll have to kill you! | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Quality/value/reliability | | Weaknesses: |
Don't be silly! | | Similar Products Used: |
A lot! | | Bike Setup: |
With Mavic 217 rims, double butted stainless spokes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a supplement to my previous review of my White Industries hubs. I am appalled at the idiotic responses some people have posted. What is most striking is the lack of fundamental knowledge, the ignorance and lack of substantive data that people use for an excuse to act like drunks in a cheap western.
For a start, White Industries does not make bearings...nor do Nuke Proof, Ringle, King, Shimano, etc. Bearings are made in bearing factories, all over the world, by huge corporations, like Fafnir and SKF. They come in many universally standard sizes, and with a few, very rare, exceptions, (I am familiar with none, personally) all stuff is designed around existing bearings, with availability and cost taken into account for that design. Bearings are made in huge production runs, often in single factories. Once in a very rare while, something goes wrong at a factory and there will be a slightly higher incidence of failure in bearings of that one run, but for the most part, bearings are as identical as anything can be and about as reliable as anything can be. Unfortunately, in recent years, really nasty Chinese bearings have been making their way into auto parts stores and bearing shops, but the cost of bearings is so little, when buying in quantity, that only a fool would spec crap bearings for their products. Besides, staff at these auto parts and bearing shops, almost always, go out of their way to dissuade you from buying poor quality bearings. Occasionally a bearing just fails, anyway. It happens! When a bearing goes bad, in your White Industries hub, it doesn't mean you automatically have the right to instantly heap vitriolic abuse on the manufacturer, for poor workmanship or design, as many people have done in this forum, and several have done in just this one category.
If you have a bearing failure in a hub, the chances are very slim that the hub manufacturer's workmanship is, in any way, responsible. Unless they spec'd some really duff bearings, it's probably a one in a million chance happening, anyway.
Some of the reviewers have lambasted their hub's manufacturer for poor quality of the freehub bodies, when almost everyone knows that they are, mostly, just Shimanos. Meanwhile, reviewers are attacking manufacturers who may not be guilty of anything. I have two examples of my own.
My Nuke Proof rear hub's drive side bearing cup cracked. It probably doesn't make any difference as it's just a liner/spacer in the end of the free hub body where Shimano's loose 1/4 balls went. I wrote to Nuke Proof about it, and asked why standard Shimano procedures failed to remove the body from their hub (trying to take it apart to clean & regrease it). I got no response, then weeks later, my letter was returned unable to deliver. Idiot hub reviewers would normally assume they were out of business and then post scathing reviews. But...Nuke Proof out of business?...I don't think so! I made just one inquiry and got their new address. I mean, it was the post office who said they couldn't deliver. Oh yeah, they're the last word in reliability, right? So that gives you the right to tell the world that Nuke Proof is out of business, or that White Industries sucks? I don't think so!
I bought some Carmichael pulleys and noticed, before I installed them, that they were notchy, when you tried to turn them on their centers. I mean, they were major lumpy. Something was radically wrong. The bearings turned out to be Chinese. I called the local bearing shop and they wanted more for a single replcement bearing than I paid retail for both Carmichael pulleys. I asked the guy at the bearing shop about the grotesque price differential and he pointed out that my pulleys Probably had crap Chinese bearings...he was right! The irony was that once I pressed the bearings out of the pulleys, they seemed fine. I presseed them back in and they were lumpy, again, although they weren't quite as lumpy and there was a little pile of aluminum shavings that had come out when the bearing was pressed out. So I pressed it out, again, and there was another little pile of shavings...the bearing was smooth, again. I pressed it back in, and it was lumpy, again, but closer to smooth than it had been. A few more times pressed in and out, the pile of shavings was more substantial and the bearing was finally running smoothly. Conclusion: the Chinese bearings may have been crap, but they would have worked just fine, if only for a little while, if the Carmichael pulleys had been machined properly. Without further verification, this only proves that Carmichael's machining, and only on my pulleys, was, itself, crap, and would have made the cheap Chinese bearings fail, even sooner, because the whole assembly was already unusable! It does not prove that others would have been as bad, though it does not say much for Carmichael's workmanship, nor their taste in bearings. Had I put the pulleys on my bike, any number of scenarios could have taken place when I noticed the horrendous effort needed to rotate the pulleys...at least in the eyes of the typical crank reviewer. I could have blamed the chain manufacturer, the chain lube for dragging the chain, the inner tubes for going flat, Horst Leitner for designing my 23lb., AMP full suspension bike...badly...,gremlins, moonbeams, communists, or White Industries and their damnable hubs, as a few idiots have done without using their brains in any serious capacity, in this forum. One reviewer claims he was told to F*** off! by a manufacturer. Do you think these guys, knowing they face competition with factories of infant Pandas and Rhesus monkeys, who work for peanuts, would tell anyone, but a total, flaming crank, to F*** off!?
I have, personally and quite recently, dealt with Nuke Proof, AMP, Rock Shox, Manitou, McMahon Racing, R.J.Hock(Chain Wax), American Classic, and Sweet Parts (Sweet Wings cranks) and found them all to be ultimately cooperative and helpfull. I am convinced that if you are not a crank, every inquiry will be met with a sincere and reasonably prompt response. I wrote letters expressing interest and asking serious technical questions to all of the above manufacturers. I received helpful and appreciative E-mails from American Classic, Sweet Parts, and many communications with AMP. No one could have been more helpful than AMP. I got personal phone calls from both, Steve McMahon and R.J Hock, while the rest of the list could not have been more helpful. In several cases, without pressing them or asking for free handouts, a simple inquiry met with all the technical assistance I could have hoped for, followed, shortly, by a padded envelope with some spare bits, just to make sure my example of their workmanship was working properly. Let me tell you...that kind of service gets you customer loyalty...unwaivering, undying loyalty. I don't know who the crank reviewers are dealing with, but it isn't any of the companies I deal with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Many favorites | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light as any, lighter than most. | | Weaknesses: |
rear is a bit noisy | | Similar Products Used: |
XT, | | Bike Setup: |
Lorenzen Custom, Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | I work as a bike guide in Baja during the winter and ride in Utah in the summer, alot of hard riding.(not as hard as racing). The rear has developed a slight amount of slop but performs fine. Took a while to get over the noise of the rear hub on fast descents. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big D.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, Co.
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, stiff and simple. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano LX, XT and XTR | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Factory Homegrown
Now Yeti Hardtail
w/RockShox DH SL | | Bottom Line: | Great! Now on second bike and second set of rims. Nothing has failed, broke, bent or stripped. Lived out east when I got them in '95 with my homegrown, been through tons of water and sloppy mud. Now on Yeti subjected to tons of Colorado dust. Would not trade them for anything. They are the best! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
13ig13utt
a Cross-Country Rider
from mars
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
pretty
light
will make a great paperweight | | Weaknesses: |
bearings
durability
smoothness is only temporary | | Similar Products Used: |
xtr
american classic | | Bike Setup: |
32 logic spokes ( 3 cross)
al nipples
mavic 217 rim
xtr drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | i have the rear and it is terrible. sure you could tear it apart every two days and fix it. but why should you? there are cheaper hubs that last longer than this.. i weigh 140 lbs and climb a lot of hills. and side loads are death for these babies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gainesville, Fl
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
401/403 Crested Butte | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, easy to maintain | | Weaknesses: |
pawl springs, lots of clueless techno weenys buy them and then bitch | | Similar Products Used: |
american classic, specialized | | Bike Setup: |
ZASKAR LE, RockShox SL and xtr | | Bottom Line: | Sure the pawl springs wear out every year but other than that they are quality. At 35 cents a pieces (keep some extras on hand) and 20 minutes at my work bench whats the bid deal? I weigh in at 200 pounds, ride 100 miles a week (its rained on me every ride for the last month and a half) all trails are muddy and nasty and the seals do work. Bottom line is the hubs rock. Those that complain about these hubs need to seek counseling for their displaced anger and stupidity. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Racer
from Medina, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hidden Valley PA | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I love the click. Looks. Light. | | Weaknesses: |
Need to true them often, I think this is because the spoke j's are bent and stressed when you built it around the large hub and they take time and riding to seat. The play in bearings bothers me. They had play after one ride and it is getting worse. The wheel doesn't have that much riding on it and I just ordered a new pair of wheels (American Classic). If you like everything to be right don't buy these hubs. Their cranks rock. | | Similar Products Used: |
King and XTR | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 8900 and SL Sid. | | Bottom Line: | The hub sucks. I'm very happy I only paid $99 dollars for the hub from CBO. I'm going to true the wheel and sell it for $100 with Revs and Velocity rims. I guess I got some riding out of it but I trusted it less and less with each maintenence session on the bike. Go with anything that threads the bearings together. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirty al
a Cross-Country Rider
from guadalajara, jalisco
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
bearings | | Similar Products Used: |
xtr | | Bike Setup: |
logic spokes, 217 rim, breezer,xtr,blah blah | | Bottom Line: | great brand new but after the first ride the bearings foul up and run rough. buy xtr or chris king. i dont use it anymore. i framed it on my wall along with topline cranks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Racer
from ME
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Snow race course | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light, good looking, got good price on them,strong | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
stx-rc, fisher front hub (it sucked) | | Bike Setup: |
Big Sur, SID xc,almost full XT, 9.0 | | Bottom Line: | awesome | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
louie
a Racer
from half moon bay, CA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
light weight
east to service | | Weaknesses: |
bearings | | Similar Products Used: |
shimano stx,lx,xt,hugi | | Bike Setup: |
bontrager race
bianchi r/c | | Bottom Line: | good hubs, look good and easy to service, bearings do not last too long in our type of riding. have the early style and the late style and will be purchasing another set soon for backup wheels. my first set purchased in 1994 have outlasted three sets of rims (mavic 230,217 and 517, we like the hubs a lot and get good parts support from White Ind. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SgBiker
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong, long lasting, Easily serviced, Parts are EASY to find to replace, Lighter then ANY Shimano hubs. | | Weaknesses: |
Lack of colours, Price | | Similar Products Used: |
XT, XTR, Spinergy, Chris King, | | Bike Setup: |
Mongoose FS, DBR HT | | Bottom Line: | Bought a old 95 White Ind wheelset wiff MAVIC 217, had no problems whatsoever. Sold it off to get Spinergy (for the POSE factor). REGRETED INSTANTLY!!!!!! Anyway got another White Ind hub and anodised it to RED!!!!! LOOK SO COOL!!!
The way they are made makes it very easily serviced. Part very Easily and cheap to replace also. Play in the Wheels are due to worn Bearings. Replace Bearings every 1-2 years and they's serve you well. The sealed Bearings are WAY Smoother than any SHIMANO cup and cone Bearings, Be it XTR or XT. ANYWAY, I bought my third pair of White Ind hubs for my other bike THE sound it makes are totally cool!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin S
a Cross-Country Rider
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kananaskis area | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light weight, smooth rolling, outstanding customer service
take a lickin' if well maintained | | Weaknesses: |
A little play in the rear wheel, needs occasional TLC | | Similar Products Used: |
XT, XTR, Ringle | | Bike Setup: |
Kona King Kahuna Ti
Atom bombs,
riser bars | | Bottom Line: | I have had my rear ti cassete hub since '94, it has outlasted 4 rims and two frames, (I am 6'3, 190 lbs) and is still going. I replace the bearings about every 2 1/2 years with european FAG bearings bought at a bearing supply house, cheaper than ordering from White and much higher quality. I also have replaced the pawls and springs and the cassete o-ring at no charge - thanks White - because, like all things that are used, stuff wears out. If you hear funny noises don't ride them too long, just open them up and have a look. I have been able to limp home with just two pawls, unlike with a shimano freehub body that fails you can easily open these things up in the backcountry. Only complaint is the required play in the hub (so you dont put too much side load on the bearings) some times make the rear wheel shudder on high speed rocky downhills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry Willett
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgeland, MS
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Little Colorado | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
light, easy maintenance | | Weaknesses: |
color | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR | | Bike Setup: |
98 Trek 950, Manitou SX-R, XT/XTR drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | These hubs are fantastic! I bought a highend cro-moly frame to spite all of the aluminum people out there (if I had more $$$ I'd have gotten a Ti). It's been great upgrading the entire bike, but putting these, paired with some Mavic 217s, on has been the second best upgrade to the bike (next to the shock). They are smoothe, easy to maintain, don't sound as bad as Hugi, and cheaper than King. If you have quite a bit of money to get a new wheelset with, but still can't afford King hubs, get White Ind. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rev. Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from mass
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very light wieght | | Weaknesses: |
very light wieght
weak freehub | | Similar Products Used: |
xt lx hugi mavic | | Bottom Line: | if you are under the 160 mark this might work for you ! me on the other hand tip the scales at 200
i have striped out the spline on the free hub twice got a new one with in a week for white (there good about repairs) then i did it again snaped 3 rear axles and cracked the shell once and once again got new part in a week so i found that i dont like them too much. just there repairs and warrenties rule i'll stick to xt or xtr aleast they last through a tough new england beating | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Washington
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
light weight, durable,home mechanic friendly.Good factory service. | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
shimano-LX,XT,XTR | | Bike Setup: |
GT - LTS,RTS,ZASKAR
BIANCI-EL-OS STL | | Bottom Line: | These are great hubs. Have used for 4 years in PacNW (MUD, ROOTS WET). Have replaced bearings approximately every 1.5 years-obtained from factory within 2 days, everytime! Hubs are light weight, durable and home mechanic friendly. To the whiners below - bearings in any hub need to be replaced REGULARLY if you ride at all - replacing bearings 3 times in 4 years is not extraordinary. Hubs are easy to disassemble and reassemble unless you are hamfisted, in which case you would destroy any hub! DON'T SPRAY WATER DIRECTLY INTO YOUR HUBS!! ANY HUBS!! These are FANTASTIC hubs with outstanding factory service - if that is what you are looking for buy them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a cross-country rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding these hubs for four years. They seem to require a great deal
of service The rear axle required replacement (under warranty) before the bike was ever taken off road! The EXPENSIVE bearings have been replaced three times (at my cost). I recently required Whiteind's assistance (after running into
a slight problem adapting the Hub to a 9 spd. cassette, the Hub was designed
for 8 spd. and therefore my LBS believed they would be compatible). The
folks at Whiteind. informed us that the problem could be resolved by replacing
the axle or adding a spacer, and that they would send the part (not sure which one). However, that was two weeks ago. No part! We have been informed
that the part is in the mail....MAIL?! I give them one dwarf star because
they are light, but just not worth all the down time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don S
a cross-country rider
from Jamul CA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The hubs are lightweight and look great. They need to be redesigned with a better seal. Both front and rear let water and dirt into the expensive Sealed bearings. The play is from worn bearings. The springs in the rear also fail. I want light weight and durability. Back to the drawing board. Noisy too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My Tracker was excellent for a year, and then I had to strip it down. The bearing sealing is duff, and the way the hub is fixed together (2mm grub screws !!!) is so duff. This hub has been rubish for the last 2 years, constantly coming loose, until I did up the grub screws so loose, that it probably won't ever come apart again !! I've bought a King hub now - pay the extra - go King. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyrone
a weekend warrior
from L.A., Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great hubs, look great, durable and light. Never ever given me a problem. Have them on my Merlin hardtail and use them on local trails. I expect that they will last me a long, long time. Great product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
About a year a go I wrote a gleaming review of this product. As I stated in my earlier review both my brother and I are large individuals...in fact an R and D department's nightmare. We both have WHite on our bikes. They suck...both have failed this year...I'm moving to the KING-Chris King | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zark
a downhiller
from SB
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
They have got to be the most laughed at hub I have ever seen. The pawls self destruct axles bend. I don't know how many wasted pairs I have seen in three years. Why White still sells them I do not understand! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WHITES RULE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE WHO THINK THEY SUCK SCREW YOU BECAUSE THEY RULE I HAVE THEM ON MY MOUNTAIN BIKE AND MY ROADBIKE AND THEY ARE LIGHT AS A FEATHER SMOOTH AS BUTTER AND HAVE NO PLAY. THEY ENGAGE LIKE A CHEETAH | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a cross-country rider
from MI
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using my white hubset for 3 years now, with only 1 problem. Some stupid person has manged to strip out 2 of the screws in the lockring for the rear (stupid me). The free hub also shows some mild damage, but what do you expect from a light weight hubset.
The folks at White Industried were more than happy to help me out, and a new lock ring is on the way to my house, can't beat that for service. These hubs have lived up to a great deal of beating without so much as a complaint. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Nashua, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a White Hubset for about 3 years now with no problems whatsoever ! I have the Ti rear and the Tracker front , I bought from Performance years ago. I'm not exactly a feather weight at 215lbs and 6'0. I even submerged these hubs once cause a stream was deeper than I'd thought it was ! I guess it depends on the luck of the draw ...I'm replacing the Mavic 217 with a 517 this winter and having it relaced for my Girlfriends rig. She's been riding it as it is and loves how she can glide with these hubs !!! I'm currently riding a set of Chris Kings and the internal resistance (til they're fully broken in ) is killing me ! But it'll be well worth it !!
I like my Whites though so much I bought a SpeedRacer hub from Cambria because it was such a good deal !
Overall Rating ... I'll give it a 5 cause the thing was lighter than ever and yet never dissapointed me ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a cross-country rider
from Chatsworth, CA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I no longer own a White Industries rear hub. First time I was climbing and the sucker starting spining. Had it repaired costing me $30 to have the wheel respoked because Supergo would not touch it on the wheel. Second time about 2 weeks later the same thing happened. I had it warrantied again then I sold the wheel. If I were purchasing a hub, I would stick with NUKEPROOF. I have had a pair (titaniums) for 4 years and they were only serviced once. VERY RELIABLE HUBS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Washington
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I used a Ti front and Ti Tracker year consistent 4+ times per week for 3 years including. Wore through two rims - replaced them - still running smooth. I have replaced bearings once per year. Just replaced the Ti rear axle with a new steele axle thru White - great service-delivered in two days-plus gave me a great deal on a new Tracker. This hubset is light, reliable, serviceable and gorgeous. If you are looking for a great hub - buy em! They are now on sale at Cambria if you want a great price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently did a trip through BC Canada starting in Prince Rupert to Lake Louise to Seattle fully loaded (bike+gear=110 pounds). I used a tracker front hub and a newer Speedracer rear hub. Now problems at all, but must have the correct spacers for 8 speed cassette, Good product!MMMMMMOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDSSSSSS
?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!Yeha! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce
a cross-country rider
from Ferndale, CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had a Tracker Front hub since '92. It makes the bike track where its pointed much better than a non-suspension hub. Super smooth rolling and very little maintenance. Grease the bearings annually by lifting off the grease seal of the bearing by prying the outside radius with a very small jeweler's screwdriver. Just put some high quality bike grease on top of the bearings and press the seal back down to force the grease into the bearings.The nice thing is if the bearings get rusty or dirty, they can be replaced. Don't use bearings made in China. The outer race is too thin and can deform. Japanese are preferred, I don't even like those made in Singapore. I wish they made some bearings here. You can even pop out the bearing and take both seals off and clean the old grease out with solvent, dry them, and put new grease in.The old titanium axled free hubs are not very good. They are light but maintenance intensive. Stick with XTR. I don't like cartridge bearing hubs for the rear. I have also have had bad luck with TNT's hub. The company is good, though. You can't beat XTR's titanium axle and freehub and stainless steel bearings for under $100.My bike is made mostly with American parts. But its hard to beat French rims, Japanese derailleurs and rear freehubs.I also use the old threaded White Ind. rear hub with Ti axle. That hub is excellent and it comes with different spacers for different dropout widths. A hub to last a lifetime. Kind of like Phil Wood's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Jones
a weekend warrior
from Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My tracker rear hub developed play within 3 months of weekend riding and in two years both the axle and cassette were fried. I could have had White overhaul the hub but it would have taken a couple of weeks and cost me as much as two new XT hubs. I bought one new XT hub instead and will use what is left of my White hub as a paperweight !To be fair to White, it is my understanding they have since introduced a Cro-mo axle and cassette to correct this problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a racer
from Hamilton, NY
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding/racing a pair of White hubs (Cro-mo front/Ti rear) that I purchased in 1994. I've gone thru several pairs of Mavics in the process but the hubs have required no attention with the exception of periodic regreasing of the bearings. It is true that the original bearings were less than adequate-esp. the non-drive side rear which sees the load. The hubs are extremely easy to disassemble and White's customer service is excellent if you do happen to have problems or require advice. Also, there are detailed instructions available on the Web page re: servicing of the hubs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Foochow Ang More
a cross-country rider
from Oz, then Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got these hubs laced to 217's built up in NoCal in Sept 96. Do lots of fast fire roads in Oz and lots of technical mud in borneo. These babys are good for both. Recently took the rear apart (I was worried that they were still the same after 18 months riding - wish I had this problem with more bits!) with help from White's home page and they were ab fab. Nothing needed to be done, except to lube pawl. Damn clean inside, despite lots of mud riding. Got used to loud pawl clicking. Five shots for these honeys. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik spirit of the north Kratzer
a cross-country rider
from Savonlinna,eastern Finland
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the tracker front with a mavic 217rim and dt spokes.
It ran heavenly smooth for 2 years of epic rides in the alps and singletrail
in the Blackforrest in Germany. Then i got a new set of rims with lx hubs.
They need more maintenance and adjustment , but if their needs are met
they run nearlly as smoothly. Going to built a new front wheel soon - with my
oll' luv' Lady in White.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Otanez
a cross-country rider
from Corona Del Mar Ca.
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had a set built when they first came out. Always did maintenance 2 or 3 times a year. On the third year had to replace rear axle and driver unit. White sent these to me free of charge. At year 4 hub would get a little play. I saw White in Mammoth last summer and they fixed the hub while I checked out the expo. Loved the hubs so much had a second pair built in Sept. of 97 with the new SPEED RACER hub. Killer !!! Have put many miles on them with no problems. Great hubs (TRACKER AND SPEED RACER) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bowis
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had both White hubs for a year now. The front hub (as most are) is pretty low maintenance. It's light and spins forever. The rear hub is functionally great, and is also super light. The only problem I've had is with too much cassette play. When the cassette moves in toward the center of the wheel, it rubs agains a rubber bushing which sometimes causes a squeaking sound. It's more annoying than anything else, but can be adjusted out by breaking the hub down. Aside from the pricing issue, I would recommend these hubs highly, but I can't go five chilis because of the squeak. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a racer
from Carlisle, PA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I took a chance on a mail order wheelset after suffering sticker shock at my local bike guy's shop. Feel guilty, but this is a sweet wheelset for a cheap price: anodized 217s on XT rear/White Tracker front laced with Wheelsmith double butted spokes and alloy nipples (built up by Wheelsmith). I've used them double duty for racing and hard trail riding for a couple of wet, sloppy months, and haven't been disappointed. The White Tracker's bearings are silky smooth, and the beefy axle firms up fork rigidity noticeably. The added rigidity is really noticed on rocky, technical terrain, allowing the wheel to go where pointed,
not where deflected. I can't comment on the hub's weight as the wheel was pre-built, but the front end feels lighter (and stiffer) since this wheel replaced my old LX hub/st gauge spokes/silver 217 rims. Because the wheelset arrived without documentation, I'm uncertain of how to maintenance the hub -- plus the tiny hole on one flange that allows access to the adjustment screw looks like a direct pathway for water and mud into the sealed bearings. *If anyone has info on servicing of this hub, please e-mail me. So far, I give this hub 5 chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim catterson
a weekend warrior
from ny
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
have had the ti cassette hub for years now w/ no trouble whatsoever. bearings are finally flat spotted and customer service at white couldn't be more helpful. w/ new bearings, seals, and springs this hub will last til the milenium. i weigh 195 and have beaten the hell out of this hub on tech eastern single track as well as moab and mammoth....got my $$ worth | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skid
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my rear hub used from a friend. Ratcheting noise a bit louder than my old hub. But very light and over one year now without a problem. Got it with already a miniscule play, though I can't say the play worsened. Tough to compare it with my front hub, a Nuke Proof, which is just totally smooth. Overall I like my wheels now. If the White conks out (maybe in three years) I'll get a Nuke Proof. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justo
a racer
from maine
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding these hubs for two years now. I have NEVER had as many problems as some of the people here have had. I take good care of them and they work pretty slick! I think they deserve more credit than people give them. I do agree that my Hugi's are better but white's are high quality hubs. As a matter of fact they are lighter than my Hugi's!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a weekend warrior
from Bowling Green OH
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THEY SUCK.In one season of Ohio/Michigan/Indiana (FLAT) riding, the pieces of sh*t loosened up 6 times before White sent me new croMo Axle...so much for light weight. Still loosened. Replaced bearings, lost prawl...another week lost. The hub doesn't engage all the time, for the cash I thought it would be reliable in this flat midwest terrain. Front hub loosens too, I wasted money. Should have gotten Hugi or King. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Rouse
a cross-country rider
from Auburn, CA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would rate the rear hub a 3. It seems to develop play no
matter what I do to it. But it is extremely easy to rebuild
and even a Moron could service this hub.
As for Customer Service, I would rate White Ind. at a 5+. I purchased
the hub used in 1993 and have ridden it hard for probably close to 8,000
miles and no matter what problem I have, White Ind. is always willing
to replace parts for FREE, and fast. In fact, just recently my cassette
body was starting to crack and they replaced it with a refurbished
(practically new condition) unit with brand new bearings at no charge.
Plus, the whole process took only a week! I've heard of people returning products to other companies for repair and they go into a black hole!
Thumbs-up to White Industries on Customer Service! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a cross-country rider
from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Tracker front is o.k.- when you get down to it, it's pretty hard to f_ck up a front hub. At least I've had no problems with it. Now the rear cassette- what a hunk of crap! I wouldn't sell it to my worst enemy, and for that reason it's going in the trash. Don't buy one. Ever. Go for Chris King- expensive? Yes. But so is mountain biking. If you're reading this then you're probably going to spend a lot anyway, and when you're willing to spend $ on high end stuff, spend the extra and get something good. I've had the thing rebuilt three times, and I weigh in at 140lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the White Industries Tracker front hub. GOOD SH_T! I have a Manitou EFC and I couldn't keep the damn thing straight for crap! Plus, it didn't track worth a hill of beans that is, until I put that Tracker front hub on it. I haven't found anything that I disliked about it yet but as with all things everyone has their own opinion. I'm not a big technical guy that knows everything about gear but I do know that this hub works extremely well. Also, it look real pretty doesn't it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mt.bikr
a downhiller
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a wrench at a local shop and have been wrenching for a few years now and
I have the Tracker front and rear hubs. I've had them for over three years now. They were my first set of high end wheels. They we're originally built by
Colorado Cyclist w/ Mavic 230/231 rims and rode them for two years. Not a
single problem other than three or four adjustments to the front bearings.
Then rebuilt with Sun Rhyno Lights (much better rim than any Mavic). No
troubles for about four months. Then on Slickrock trail, somewhere on the
back fourty, the rachet gears that the pawls grab onto stripped out in the
hub shell on one of the steepest climbs ever done by me. Probably not to
steep for most. :) Anyways the guys at White were real sympathetic. They
sent me a whole new hub shell, bearings pawl ect. NO charge! I got it in less
than a week and did not even have to send the old one in. Now I've got another
500 miles on them and they still work as good as new. Kudos to White Ind.!!!
I would recommend these to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WILL S
a cross-country rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
HAVE HAD THE FX HUBS NOW FOR 6 MONTHS NO PROBLEMS TO REPORT LIGHT STRONG AND TROUBLE FREE AFTER A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MILES THE ONLY DIFFERANCE BETWEEN THESE AND MY OLD LX HUBS IS OVER A HALF POND OF WEIGHT VERY GOOD HUBS FOR THE MONEY TWO THUMBS UP 50 WORDS MY ASS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these hubs for three years now and here's my report:
Front Tracker hub has had no problems, no play and hads been bulletproof. I give is the full five peps. *****The rear hub has been another story. After the first month, the Ti axle developed some play. I was told that was normal for a White hub so I left it. Two months later, it developed alot of play. Back to the shop where they replaced my Ti axle with a Cromoly version (lost of value Ti to Cromoly) then two pawls failed to engage, two of the three pawls. I was wondering why it was so quiet back there. Again warranteed by the local bike shop. then the whole cassette assembly kept sliding out whenever I took my rear wheel off. My local shop had to press them in hydraulically to keep them from disengaging fromthe wheel each time I took it off.I my opinion, the front trackers are fine, but the rear has some serious problems. They are indeed the lightest hubs around, but I'm not getting another rear cassette hub from White Inds. My rear wheel is ruined because of the looseness of the defective hub. I'll stick with XT or XTR. They cost alot less and are bulletproof. TWO peps because I lost so much riding time and money with the rear hubs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FishMan
a cross-country rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these hubs (Tracker up front and F/S in rear) for 6 months, of racing and riding in all conditions. No problems what so ever. Light and strong. Of coarse, I haven't tried taking them apart yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leonard fancher
a racer
from anch. ak
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
tip if you dont want any play in your white rear hub change the axle to
stainless, also you will need to change the bearings every year if you racethat includes the front; set screws strip easy if you dont drive the wrench
all the way home during adjustment, wash bike at carwash if your a bonewood | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a racer
from Roswell Ga
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Have about 500 miles on rear white ti. At times the freewheel body quits freewheeling which can cause the der. to wrap around the frame. Tried to remove the freewheel figuring it was going to be bolt on kind like shimano. NO. It has 3 tiny little pawls that are misserable to hold in place when you want to put the cassette body back on. Badly designed hub. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had these hubs built up, but I only rode them for two weeks before they were stolen. They are the nicest looking hubs around in my opinion, instant engagement, sturdy as hell, smooth and light. Oh, and LOUD.
But I like loud. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Very Big Daddy From Down Under
a weekend warrior
from New Zealand is da bomb!!!
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Tracker front hub is beefy light and extremely reliable. Hadn't had to repack the bearing in over a year.... Close to bomb proff | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dwave G
a racer
from mass-USA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Despite what other people might say, I think that these hubs are awsome. I have used them for 1 full race season, and had no problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jackson Penrod
a cross-country rider
from Pt. Mugu, CA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My rear hub quit on the upside of a very long hill. I was upset, I'd paid alot for these hubs and they weren't supposed to do that, at least not yet. Well I took it to a local bike shop that would do the warranty repair. Got the wheel back on and the hub just didn't sound right(this hub has a very distint noise) but continued to ride, figuring its just the new parts breaking in. The hub started to skip when I was really cranking. So I decided to break it down on my work bench and fix it myself. When I got it open it was jammed packed full of bearing grease, so much that the pawls couldn't engage the rachet. I called Whites and talked to a very kind and helpful person who told me that there should NOT be that much grease in the hub. Only enough to coat the rachet and pawls and to keep every thing lubed. I scraped all the gunk out and reassembled. The hub has worked wonderfully! Just needs to be maintained a little more. But if you are going to pay the bucks for this product, its worth it to do the maintance once in awhile.
I suggest that you field strip every couple of months or so. This way you are ahead of the situation. The others are right about keeping it out of the water. Its only got a little o-ring holding back all that water. If you have put it underwater, you might want to crack it open and inspect. Also avoid spraying a high pressure hose at your cogs, this could send water right into your hub.
Its a great hub. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Kona Hot came with a White Industries rear. I have experienced problems with it not freewheeling (serious problem). It turned out1 pawl and 1 spring set in the gut were munched. Repair cleared this problem right up like a bad case of acne. The hub is functioning fine.Disclaimer: The bike was bought used so I don't know the abuse history of the bike and Hub. I do know that I am 230 and my brother is 270 and we both have White industry Hubs. No complaints here!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a cross-country rider
from Bragg Creek, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Y-33 came with White Industry Hubs and they have worked great for a year. On a 30 mile long epic cross country ride in the Rocky's the rear hub free wheel quit without any advance notice. It simply would not engage. I ended up pushing the bike for about 10 miles. Occasionally the hub would engage. When I tore is down, I found the ratchet mechanism to be full of filings. The ratchet teeth were all torn up and the pawls were gunked-up. I cleaned it up and it started working again. Two rides later, the hub would not freewheel properly and I had to take my chain off to get home. Inspection showed more filings and a completely ratched inner bearing. White is supposedly going to warantee the hub but it will be 3 weeks to get one here. For now I have to give only a 2 chile rating. I will re-rate after White does their thing on warantee. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy A.
a weekend warrior
from Ashland, OR
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a White Ti Cassette and Tracker in April of 1995. The hubs are great, but the company is supreme. Sure the rear developed a little play, but that was only because I didn't correctly set it up when I pulled it all apart. When I pulled it back apart I noticed the inside bearing on the freehub body was a little rough. I called the company up and they told me to send it in. They fixed the problem and had the hubs back just like that. Completely free also. I destroyed one of the paul springs and White Industries sent me a complete new improved set of springs. I can't think of anything wrong with that company or their product. These things are light as all get out. The ratchet assembly is louder because of the new improved springs but that's because they're more powerful. Those of you who complain about this company or their hubs are a bunch of babies who need to complain about something so you pick on people who can't fight back. I bet you'll even complain about me letting you know the truth. Get a life you babies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buck
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'll tell you what, I just got a pair of Nukes for my Obed and already blew them up! So I put my 2 year old Whites back on That were on my B-3 that I have never had any trouble with and rode on. I don't care what anyone says there a great hub, and mine are the old aluminum ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Moulton
a cross-country rider
from Guam, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned a set for over two years and overall I've been very pleased, but, I must admit they do require a lot of babying. If you want hubs that you can just throw on and ride without ever opening them up to check their condition, you should avoid these. Being an aircraft machinist/welder I'm used to working with precision fits and measurements, therefore I notice if there's even a minute flaw or incorrect sound coming from my bike. What I've noticed with the Whites is that there is slight play in the rear axle (Chromoly), but it's not to the point that it is wearing on the axle, so it's negligible. The other problem is that with the cassette carrier being aluminum, the cassette is galling it pretty bad.
I love these hubs and if I were to buy more hubs I would buy the same. BUT, the key to their long life is maintenance, and DON'T SUBMERGE THEM IN WATER!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Taylor
a cross-country rider
from Nashua, NH
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These hubs are sweet !I have had a set of Tracker and the TI-Rear for
over a year, not a single problem. Very light,instant action upon pedali
ng and they look great besides !! From reading the other reviews it
tells me that their Quality isn't quite at it's best so if you get a
good set of these hubs you are in for a treat ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen Sutton
a cross-country rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Complete shit. The rear hub developed play after the first week! The front wheel
developed play the week after that. The wheelset is completey unrideable.
White does not consider play a defect. I'm now back to riding my XT wheels,
which, although heavier, have been flawless.
Don't even THINK of buying these! If you want to lighten your bike, use Shimano
hubs with lighter spokes and rims.
| | Overall Rating: |
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