i'm looking into maybe building a 48h wheel around a bmx hub. i'd love to buy the ben's 48h wheels, but I don't really want the front... just the rear.
anyone use old-school BMX hubs on their polo bike
In the ongoing evolution of my polo bike, the one part that has really needed attention is the rear wheel. I have thought about going single speed a couple of times, but I want to the bike to be comfortable to ride around town. For me, on 26" wheels and fat tires, this means a multi-speed drivetrain.
I thought about an IG hub, but cost and durability were factors.
The other criteria for the wheel is strength. I've looked at tandem hubs, but they're too expensive. What I have seen though is that 5 speed freewheels will thread onto old 48h bmx hubs no problem. I've taken some measurements, and I think I could fit a 48h bmx hub with a 5 speed freewheel into 130mm dropouts. The wheel will also by symmetric and will need no dish.
The result should be an absolutely bombproof wheel with 5 speeds for comfortable cruising around town. I'm still at the purchasing stage, but this project should be coming together soon.
I am just curious to see if anyone has ever tried this or if is there anyone out there using bmx hubs on a polo bike.
If you are building the wheels for yourself, $45 per hub is a pretty awesome deal. You could just set that front hub in your spare parts box or sell it off. Those guys at Ben's/Milwaukee seem really eager to please. Have you asked them to sell you just a rear hub or just a rear wheel? I kinda think they would do it.
Seth Higbee
Hastings/Ionia
Here are the specs on the hub:
3/8" axle, 175 mm
55 mm flange to flange
60 mm flange diameter
cartridge bearings, buttery smooth
black
threaded for standard freewheel on one side
Likely going to go in a Salsa Gordo or Sun Rhyno Lite cause those are my only two choices for 48h 26" rims.
Any good reasons why I shouldn't do this before I pull the trigger?
I believe that BMX axles tend to be a little larger diameter than road or mountain bike axles. You can grind or file the dropouts to fit, or file a flat on both sides of the axles, but it's something to keep in mind. The flanges of the BMX hub will be closer together and the included angle between the spokes has something to do with the lateral strength of the wheel. This is exactly the type of project I like the most, so please post pictures! Good luck!
Seth Higbee
Hastings/Ionia
Seth Higbee
Hastings/Ionia