Ngl I used to re-grease hubs every 6 weeks like clockwork

Took a class with a Philly framebuilder last year who runs them dry with a light oil and my hub bearings now last twice as long. Anyone else switch away from standard grease and see big changes?

3 comments

3 Comments

blairc901mo ago

500 miles with grease" and I was out here re-packing every 6 weeks like a chump.

the_jamie1mo ago

...and honestly I wonder if some of it comes down to where you live too. I used to live in the desert and my hubs would just collect this fine dust that mixed with the grease into basically lapping compound. Moving to a wetter climate actually made things easier because the dirt doesn't turn into that same grinding paste, you know? The oil thing makes sense in theory but I'd be worried about it just leaking out over time especially if you ride in rain a lot like I do now. Grease at least stays put even if it does turn into a mess eventually.

claire_grant341mo ago

I switched my touring bike over to Phil Wood oil in the hubs about 4 years ago after a mechanic in Portland recommended it. I was skeptical at first because I'd always used grease like everyone told me to. But man, the difference is real. My hubs used to get that rough feeling after maybe 500 miles with grease now they spin smooth for over 2000 miles easy. The key is to add just a few drops every couple months and keep the seals clean. I think grease just traps all the grit and turns into grinding paste over time.