The Hubub Is All About: White Industries H2/H3 Hubs

 

It's too bad they are a couple of the least visible parts on the bike because these White Industries H2 and H3 hubs sure are gorgeous. This kind of bling needs to be on display where it can be easily admired. To say the design and craftsmanship is beautiful would be understated, but then maybe understatement is most appropriate to reflect their simple beauty. A few weeks back I ordered two H2 hubs - one front, one rear. To my surprise what I received was one H2 front hub and one H3 rear hub. A little research revealed that the freehub body of the H3 is an updated design to accommodate the Campagnolo 11-speed systems. A nice convenience for me if I ever replace the 10-speed drive train with an 11. Holding one of these in the hand, they are light - the front is reportedly 97g and rear is 252g. The White Industries rear hub is one of a few brands known for a characteristic noise when it spins. The ratcheting sound of the spinning freehub is not as loud as a Chris King hornet's nest, but it is distinctly louder than most. I'm curious to hear it buzz when I have the Soma Smoothie out on the road.

Velo City, Here We Come

The Velocity Aerohead rims are in hand and they look pretty. They are quite simple looking, but it's a simple beauty. The outer side walls are machined to a shiny metal finish while the rest of the rim is a matte silver. I'm still getting used to the unusual appearance of the rear rim with its off-center design and am curious to see the final wheel build. The idea was this Soma Smoothie would be an American-Italian venture, though with the Shimano pedals and now these Aussie made rings it is a multi-nation union. The hubs are on order and I will be building the wheels myself, a project I'm excited to begin. I'll be documenting the process in this very blog. These wheels will be sweet.

Mercy Seat: Selle San Marco Zoncolan

The Selle San Marco Zoncolan is not made of gold, nor is it accompanied by the angelic presence of cherubim. It is however deceivingly comfortable and freaking light as a feather. My hope is that with this seat when I am attacking a particularly steep climb on the Soma Smoothie I will feel the heavenly wings of those cherubim carry me upward to the summit. The Zoncolon is long, lean and versitle, designed to accomodate the agility needed for moving around and out of the saddle when climbing. The nose has a little extra padding as well. At first I found the design of the nose a bit odd looking, but soon came to really love it's flair. Quality materials went into this seat with a leather cover and titanium rails. Bike Radar gave it a glowing review, but user reviews I have found have been mixed. Only time in this saddle will tell if it is well suited for me.