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This is a pretty big launch day for Shimano, the bicycle component giant not only released its new mid-level product line, CUES … but it’s launching its new mid-level hubs today as well. More than just a new hub, this marks a radical departure for Shimano from its tried-and-true cup and cone bearing system to sealed cartridge bearings. The TC600-HM hub with HG freehub body; photo c. Shimano These new hubs mark quite a departure from Shimano’s previous hubs at this level. Shimano says these hubs were designed to be reliable like its earlier offerings, but also much more versatile.
These new mid-range hubs come with modular and removable end caps so you can run either quick-release or thru-axle-type axles. The freehub body on these new hubs is also modular, allowing for easy swapping of an HG cassette body to a Micro Spline cassette body, or vice versa. The use of cartridge bearings is also new for this hub line (and Shimano in general). The top-of-the-tier TC600 hub uses as many as six cartridge bearings with four (twin double-row) in the freehub body. The cartridge bearings are also used in conjunction with Shimano’s Labyrinth & Contact seals, providing what Shimano calls a “double-sealed hub” — not just relying on the sealing of the bearings themselves.
The tiers of the new hub line look like this: TC600: twin double-row bearings and quick engagement, […]
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