Well, I've got just over 1000 km on my first hub.
- Axle bolt cycles = 30
- Cog bolt cycles = 5 each side.
- Bearing installation = 3x
- Rims = 2
Notes:
The raw aluminum finish is getting a bit cloudy, but these prototypes weren't cleared or anodized in any way, so that's to be expected when riding on salty roads. The bearings are still super smooth after multiple installations, and after all the axle bolt cycles, the 6061 bearing collars are holding up well. I wrecked the bead seat on the first deep V I had it laced to, either from the ice race or casing stairs. The second rim laced up easily with the same spokes, but new nipples.
I've got about 900km on the round profile teeth, and 100 on the straight profile teeth. While I think the round teeth will wear longer, due to increased roller contact throughout the parabolic travel cycle, the straight tooth cog seems to be quieter on deceleration. This is where the bottom of the chain is pulled taught, and the rollers have to find their way into the troughs under load. Further testing will determine which is best.
You can see in this pic that not only is the round tooth cog still dirty, but its got a touch of rust on the inside face. I guess the black oxide coating isn't quite thick enough. That's another minor issue that will have to be taken care of next revision.
If this round tooth profile looks familiar to you, that's because it's the brainchild of Phil Wasson, the machinist behind many of today's best BMX parts. Check out this video of Phil's Super Rat Machine Works shop. Its good to know that what's good enough for Tree is good enough for me.
Things are looking pretty promising. I've been getting a lot of emails from interested bikers, and shops about the release date and price. Honestly, I can't say just yet. There's still a lot more testing to be done before I'll be ready to sell these to the biking public. ..and by testing, I mean hard core riding. Which is what I'm about to do right now!
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