[wXman]

I have the distinct pleasure of being a new owner of a VP Free, at least I hope it lives up to my expectations based on the parking lot test rides and all the threads I've read here.

Anyway....in trying to work out my part list I've run into somewhat of a stumbling block on the rear hub. I had ordered the Hadley 12mmx150mm for it, which Universal emailed they were out of. After reading many reviews of said hub...this seems to be a good thing as it was the 108pt. engagement version which appears to have many reliability issues - and Hadley has in fact pulled from production (best I can gather).

So all you VP owners.....what do you feel is the best 12x150mm hub out there right now, specifically for the Free and the style of riding it was designed for.

Most important to me is reliability, followed very closely by quick engagement, cost and appearance bottom out selection criteria for me. I own more than 6 sets of CK hubs and wish very much, based on my experience with all of them, that King made a hub that could be used on a Free rear wheel.

 

[james_giant]

best is a hadley 108 there is nothing wrong with them, they were just concerned about supply of quality of materials.

Mines just starting to get nice and loud now after the factory grease has been expelled.

 

[Innocent Bystander]

Hadley with price being no object... of course.

 

[indyfab25]

Wrong...

Hadley with price being no object... of course.

Ask Sparky about his. The seals blow on Hadley hubs. Rebuilds twice a year are common. Mine is getting new bearings after only 8 months. Wait, actually only six...seeing as though my Heckler didn't see action for two. And I road an SS for most of the winter. They are nice to look at but be prepared to do some maintenance....something I don't mind. Just calling it as I see it...:thumbsup:

 

[Dusty Bottoms]

I have a Hadley for sale on ebay.

 

[Innocent Bystander]

Sparky has confirmed that, but it seems as of late rims are the thing he is having a hard time with on his bike. Kid rides hard. Anyway, the Hadleys have King performace.. for a King price.. but will fit on the Free. I love my Hadleys.

 

[indyfab25]

King performance, but not King reliability. No way, no how. I like mine too. However, I know I am going to have to clean it out every two months to keep it working the way it is now. If I can get some Kings for a good price...bye bye Hadley forever. BTW how often do you ride?

 

[wXman]

speaking of king.....


I just spoke with them "....is there any way to use a king hub on a TA frame...please please pretty please....."

Techie type on the phone intimated...many requests for such..they're listening...and there "might" be something in the future...no time line when or where....but they're looking at it apparently. Of course....a few years back (like 1999) I asked em where their bottom bracket is...and we're still waiting on that ;-)

BTW...I'd have to agree with Indy on the reliability issue with Kings...I have about 7 sets of them on my various bikes, my kid's, wife's etc....not ONE lick of problems with any of them. They do have mucho drag when new....and they cones need to be re-set once if not twice in the first year as they set in...but once that period is over...they've been bomb proof for me.