You have a few options if you wish to stay with this hub: (1) use a steel freehub (if one is available) (2) buy the expensive (~$30 and up) wide based cogs from CK or others or (3) you could actually "build" your own wide based cogs using multiple Shimano DX cogs (like what you are currently using).
The last option is doable if you're willing to put in the effort. You can buy DX cogs on sale really cheap, I saw them on Nashbar awhile back for $1.49 each. What you do is get three of them, use one as your drive cog. Take the other two and grind off the teeth and then some so you're left with two little circles. The two circles will sandwich the drive cog. You can then either carefully drill the sandwich and join the group with 3 or 4 small bolts leaving you with an el cheapo wide based cog. Or, if you have access to an oxy-acetylene torch or an arc welder (mig/tig/stick) you can braze or weld them up very quickly (just a few beads will hold them). If you have access to a spot welder, this could be accomplished in seconds. You can also break apart an old cassette and do the same thing.
The only question is how much time it will take you, and would that time be worth $30 or so $$ of effort?
Jesterrider said:
I have one, 15 mile ride on this 2005 WTB Laserdisc freehub with a Novatec cog. I was under the impression that the freehub was steel - I now know different.What can I do to prevent the hub from getting trashed? I had visions of having 3-4 cogs available - do I really have to pop $30++/ea for cogs??
