Circus Monkey Hubs

[Mulger bill]

I'm going for a new wheelset for the interminable commuter build. I'd probably be happy with 6 bolt XT hubs if I could find them...
Does anybody have experience with a Circus Monkey hubs? How have they worked out for you?

Thanks
Shaun

[MichaelB]

I have them on my Volagi Liscio.

The front was swapped out for a Dynamo hub, so I only got about 1500km on it, but had no issues at all.

The rear is still on the bike (HDW3-R) which is the lightest of their disc hubs. The alloy freehub has some marks on it, but then I installed the AM Classic clips for the 10sp cassettes and all good. So far, I have done about 5,000km with minimal attention (i.e. neglect rather than regular maintenance).

The freehub was a bit loud at the start, so I added a bit more grease, and have just redone it again. Easy to do and no dramas were revealed when the internals were opened up.

I have just purchased the 11sp version (HDW3-R+) direct from CM in Taiwan (it took some emails and patience to find out that they had one, but it's pretty new as it isn't even on their latest site update !!!).

So that will be getting relaced into my rear wheel.

If I had the money, I would have gone for w White Industries CLD, but at US$80 vs US$349, it was a no brainer. Weight is about the same as well. Would have gone CL if CM had that option, but they don't

Other than that, I'm happy.

[mitchy_]

see if you can find out what bearings they use. some of the cheap taiwanese hubs use odd size bearings (i know the Bitex ones used some odd size)... whereas i know Novatec hubs are pretty run of the mill, so at least if you have a bearing fail you can replace it with something decent/better.

[Mulger bill]

Thanks for that, I'll give 'em a go.

[Crawf]

Shaun, do a search for my name and circus monkey, there are some posts a little while back, I got some good mileage out of them for pure commuter duties (so they were thoroughly flogged in all conditions!).
The bearings did go just before warranty, but they didn't cover them. Had to order replacements which I could never get to work. The bearings are not all easy to get out. Some almost impossible, some easy.
Nutshell: Light, with ok durability. Bearings the definite negative.
I'd do what MB said, just pay a bit more for the quality and easy maintenance.

[Mulger bill]

Thanks Crawf, a day and a bit too late. The GLW pulled the trigger as soon as I mentioned the feedback seemed OK

I did mention Whites and Chris King options as a nice way to celebrate the season and got "The Look" as soon as she looked at prices

Ah well, If I get a year outta them it gives me time to save for better hubs.