Has anyone noticed that CK seems to have done away with the needle bearing in the hub shell? As you mentioned - I always though the use of the needle bearing was pretty critical to their amazing lifespan, but a look at their Boost Centerlock hub diagram has no mention of a needle bearing. I can’t recall seeing any needle bearings in service videos either.
I think those hubs have been out for a while now, and there don’t seem to be any reports of premature failure, or anyone questioning the decision either. It seems like a change that’s slipped under the radar? Maybe it just doesn’t make that much of a difference? Or maybe all of the ‘real’ cyclists have just been buying the last batches of 6-Bolt hubs that still use the needle bearings? Or is the increased spacing just easier on bearings?
Feb. 7, 2022, 9:05 a.m. - Kachew
Has anyone noticed that CK seems to have done away with the needle bearing in the hub shell? As you mentioned - I always though the use of the needle bearing was pretty critical to their amazing lifespan, but a look at their Boost Centerlock hub diagram has no mention of a needle bearing. I can’t recall seeing any needle bearings in service videos either. I think those hubs have been out for a while now, and there don’t seem to be any reports of premature failure, or anyone questioning the decision either. It seems like a change that’s slipped under the radar? Maybe it just doesn’t make that much of a difference? Or maybe all of the ‘real’ cyclists have just been buying the last batches of 6-Bolt hubs that still use the needle bearings? Or is the increased spacing just easier on bearings?