Re: [CR]Query about Maillard hubs-different experience

(Example: Events:Eroica)

From: <Wolfman231@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 15:18:42 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]Query about Maillard hubs-different experience
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 3/10/03 12:26:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com writes:

<< *Due to clearance issues, they weren't able to put a standard size bearing with 1/4" balls on the right side. They got around this by using 5/32 balls and a smaller cone. These undersized cones wore rapidly, and replacements are nonexistent. >>

The Maillard 700/team issue rear hub used 3/16" balls...perhaps an attempt at an improvement over the 5/32" balls in the lesser model? After the demise of Peugeot USA, Sheldon's point about the scarcity of replacement parts is well taken. I've bought a few of the cassettes on eBay and I'd guess the lockring tool is available at some former 1980s Peugeot or Trek dealers. A few of tools were usually saved because they had a bottle opener integrated in them. Personally, I have owned 3 sets of these hubs and have nothing but praise for them. I bought a couple of spare axle/cone sets back in the 1980s and have since misplaced them. Good thing the cones are still good. One set has over 10k miles. Another set has less, but very hard service (winter commuting). I've never had the spoke problem Sheldon referred to and I never realized a 1 mm offset in shell spacing would have been so detrimental to wheel strength...but I don't have as much experience with helicomatic hubs as he does.

Ed Kasper Detroit MI

IIRC, it is possible to flip the inner cogs on the body if they get worn...they weren't uni-directional. Maybe this will help you get more life out of your wheels??