XT hubs vs LX hubs?

[Rocky B]

I'm about to purchase some new Rich-built 650B wheels from Riv.
Anybody know if the XT hubs are THAT MUCH BETTER than the LX hubs?
There's like a $50 difference between the two.

I went onto Shimano's website and tried comparing the two hubs. They
look pretty much the same except the XT hubs have an aluminum axle
while the LX hubs have a steel axle. I would think a steel axle would
be better to have - right?

Should I spend the extra $$ to purchase the XT wheelsets? Or is LX
ok? I just want the best possible wheels I can buy under $400.

[Mojo]

I have both and can't tell a bit of difference on the bike. I have
heard the LX occasionally comes too dry and too tight from the
factory. So I loosen the cones and apply more grease and adjust just
right. LX and XT are both quality hubs that will last forever, if
maintained. Only you can decide if the $50 is worth it.

From a business point of view, it is important to have several price
points so customers' varying desires can be tapped. If you want the
very best, whether that is lighter, shinier, smoother, or just gives
you a status boost (at least in your own mind), there is a Shimano
product for you. If you are looking for the best value, there is a
product for you too. I think the LX line fall in the latter category.

When I am riding for time up my local hill (4 miles/1500 feet
vertical), and am at maximum desired pain threshold, I don't give a
rat's patootie if my hubs are a bit lighter, and I know that such
details have no effect on my ride enjoyment or quality. For me that is
the litmus test.

Now answer me this: a whole season of rides up my hill on a Rivendell
custom, or occasionally, my 1986 Dave Moulton made Fuso produced best
rides within 30 seconds of each other, regardless of bike. In
September, I got the bug and bought a Legolas frame. I traded out the
Fuso parts except for required new stem, threadless headset, and canti
brakes. First ride up my hill on the Legolas, I take 2 minutes off my
best time for this season. The weight is close to the Fuso build. So
am I planing? Psychologically enhanced? I love the feel of the
Legolas. In fact, buy the LX hubs and save your $50 for a new Legolas
or Roadeo, or flowers for the one you love.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

The new 770 series XT hubs are actually quite a different design than
older XT hubs and current Deore/LX hubs. If you are experienced with
traditional hub cone adjustments and servicing, and don't care to try
something new, you will not like the XT hubs.
Personally, I'd go LX. A little easier to service (especially if you
want to remove the freehub) and no real disadvantage.

[Kris]

LX is just fine, but what's $50 in the long run? For $50 I would go
for the XT because the finish is a bit nicer.

>
> > Should I spend the extra $$ to purchase the XT wheelsets? Or is LX

> > ok?  I just want the best possible wheels I can buy under $400.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Jock Scott]

On Nov 8, 7:15 pm, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery <thill....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> The new 770 series XT hubs are actually quite a different design than
> older XT hubs and current Deore/LX hubs. If you are experienced with
> traditional hub cone adjustments and servicing, and don't care to try
> something new, you will not like the XT hubs.
> Personally, I'd go LX. A little easier to service (especially if you
> want to remove the freehub) and no real disadvantage.

Hi Jim,

I can see that the new XT hubs use the same style of lock nut (with
hex opening) used on D/A and XTR hubs. Is this design difference what
makes it more difficult to service? Can you expand on how this is so?

[Brad Gantt]

Mojo,

Nothing like "New Bike Legs"! It will be interesting to see if that
differential holds up over time. I suspect things might average out
but then again, if names are any indication, your Legolas will always
be the swiftest.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

The serviceability issue is mostly related to the freehub requiring a
14 mm allen wrench for removal/replacement. I fix bikes for a living,
and never needed a 14 mm allen wrench until this new XT hub came out
(just got the wrench a couple weeks ago). Not a big deal for me, but
if you don't have a 14 mm allen wrench, or if you don't like to learn
to use/service "new" designs (see past debates about master links in
chains, for example), then XT may not be the way to go.

I have serviced both LX and XT hubs, and don't have a strong
preference. If I was inclined to spend a few bucks extra for a hub
upgrade, I'd go with Phil freewheel hubs or something else with a
cartridge bearing.

[Rocky B]

Thanks guys. I think I will go with the LX hubs. I really see no
real advantage the XT has over the LX so I'm gonna use the extra $50
and buy me some Nitto Noodles. :)

[DAVID BLESSING]

This discussion brought back a memory which had me digging in my basement.  I have an XT hubset which I know little about.  It looks shopworn, but does not look built up to me.  The rear reads FM-H730 and the front reads HB-M730.  I'm thinking that it is 8 speed, but you'll probably know, if it rings bells to you.  Any interest?
david blessing