29er MTB Hubs C&C v.s. Sealed Bearings

[love2fly]

I have had issues with three sets of MTB wheels with play in the wheel - Mostly rear when you hold rim in the bike and pull/push hard.

Looking at going to sealed bearing hubs.

Is there a worthwhile difference?

[HowardSteele]

Yep sealed bearings make worlds of difference

[rvdm1]

Sealed bearings all the way. I would never again use a C&C hub.

[PhilipV]

There is nothing wrong with C&C hubs.

If you know how to use cone spanners and don't mind getting your hands dirty, then cup and come hubs will ask nothing but time and a bit of grease to last forever. I service mine about three times a year. Quick 30min job as part of a bike service.

If you are the type of guy who takes his car in to the dealership to change a headlight bulb, then sealed bearings are where it's at for you.

I have 8 year old cup and cone wheels that are still running perfectly and hasn't cost me a cent.

I also have sealed bearing wheels. They get new bearings every year. The only Las is that you need a bearing press to replace bearings, and that the bearings cost between R50-120 each, and add lbs labour to that as well.

 

All wheels need servicing. Sealed bearing wheels also develop play. If you don't tighten play on sealed bearings the bearings wear out prematurely. On some sealed bearing hubs the process is just slightly easier than faffing around with cone spanners.

[Sepia]

There is nothing wrong with C&C hubs.

If you know how to use cone spanners and don't mind getting your hands dirty, then cup and come hubs will ask nothing but time and a bit of grease to last forever. I service mine about three times a year. Quick 30min job as part of a bike service.

If you are the type of guy who takes his car in to the dealership to change a headlight bulb, then sealed bearings are where it's at for you.

I have 8 year old cup and cone wheels that are still running perfectly and hasn't cost me a cent.

I also have sealed bearing wheels. They get new bearings every year. The only Las is that you need a bearing press to replace bearings, and that the bearings cost between R50-120 each, and add lbs labour to that as well.

 

All wheels need servicing. Sealed bearing wheels also develop play. If you don't tighten play on sealed bearings the bearings wear out prematurely. On some sealed bearing hubs the process is just slightly easier than faffing around with cone spanners.

Agreed!

[lechatnoir]

Properly adjusted C&C bearings are a joy... but low end ones are a PITA and I can never get them right

[Matchstix]

C & C can run smoother than sealed bearing if adjusted perfectly, but it is a skill.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Like I said earlier... Just properly adjust and take care of them(like with anything else) and they'll be great