MBc-Member Product Review: GruBee Solid Hub Heavy-Duty Axle Kit

A

alesterfeind

Guest
Ok, I got my new axle, hub and sprocket yesterday by FedEx from bicycle-engines.com. I called them on Tuesday and got it on Saturday. This is the 2nd order I have made with this vendor, and they have been very quick to deliver both times.

Now, about the hub:

It's HUGE! The picture on the website does not really give you an idea of the size of this thing. I had planned on threading and building my own wheel. After getting it, I realizd the diameter is bigger than my other axle, so I have to replace the spokes as well. I took it up to the bike shop along with my wheel to talk to the techs about it. And, just so everyone knows, the guys at Bicycle's Plus here in Flower Mound were really cool about it being a motorized bike. One guy mentioned, "I have seen a guy riding one of these going north on FM-2499." I said, "That was me!" They can't wait to see the bike once it's put together.

After talking about options, I decided that if I am going to put any more money into this, then I am going to do it right. I purchased a heavy duty rim, (2 ply), new spokes, and I am letting a tech build it so it will be true when I put it on. It was $35 for the rim, $18 for spokes, and $45 for labor. So, it's going to cost about $100 to build the wheel around this new hub, and the hub cost about $50 with S/H. I really think the end result will be worth it in the long run. This new wheel should last forever and run much smoother compared to using the assembly kit we get with our engines that compresses and bends the spokes.

One great thing about this hub is how easy it will be to interchange different size sprockets since it just screws onto the axle. My hub kit came with a 44T. When Andrew gets his, I am sure he can come up with some custom sprockets to fit. I really want a 36T or 32T for my bike.

I should have it ready by this next weekend, and I will post pictures of the parts and the final result.
 
This part through bicycle-engines. Where does it say it's from Grubee? It may well be, but I missed that. Also, the hub kit says it comes w/48t sprocket and brake.The solid hub picture doesn't show the brake, the freewheel one does.
 
thanks for the clarity...it's good to hear you've been treated "above & beyond", also :)
 
Freewheel hub

When I get the freewheel hub, I'll write a review on it.
I'm expecting the brake too.
 
Pictures of the Hub and sprocket

I thought I would post a few pictures of the hub and sprocket before the wheel gets built. There are threads on the freewheel hub attached to the sprocket that allow the sprocket to directly attach to the axle. I believe the reason why there is an extra long threaded side to the axle is in case extra spacing is need for certain frames. However, no spacer is provided, so I am not sure what would be used. Anyway, I am eager to get this wheel back, mount my engine and see how this rides.
 

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Alester,
Part of the extra space is for the strap brake that can be installed. Here's a couple of pictures of that. It seems like there is still a lot of extra thread.

IMG_1583_1.jpg

IMG_1588_1.jpg

PS Delivery was very fast, and a question about my order was resolved very quickly.
Sorry to horn -in on your review Alester. I won't be installing mine for a while. Carry on.
 
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overall, the hub seems to be well thought out and versatile...

i'll be interested in hearing how the band works out, as there are many similar assemblies already available off the shelf, maybe could/should be standard on a future production bicycle approved for motorizing.

thanks for the great consumer-input, guys. details and pictures makes for
an easier build for people just discovering us :)
 
No problem Alaskavan. Any input is good for everyone. It makes more sense to me now after seeing the brake why there is the extra threading. I am still waiting on my wheel to be built, and it looks like it might be delayed now. Too bad, because I was hoping to get it all put together and test it out this weekend.
 
Perhaps my brain is overly tired, but can someone explain to me where you would use the solid hub versus where you would use the freewheel hub? Thanks.
 
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