Back wheel snapped axel problem

in message <[email hidden]>,
"news.plus.net" <franticspam ....at...... fastmail ......dot......fm>

('') said:

I've got an old Peugeot racer. Nothing too posh, but I use it for
commuting and I really like it.

However, a couple of weeks ago I was out on a ride up in the hills
above Congleton in really heavy rain, and I heard a tappety-tappety
rapid knocking noise coming from the freewheel.

However, it wasn't until today that I got around to taking the back
wheel off. The axel had snapped, and both sides came clean away,
dropping bearings all over the place. The pressure of the wheel being
clamped in place had meant it wasn't a problem until I undid things.

I've had this happen before with other wheels on other bikes. I'm not
sure if it means:

1. I use cheapo wheels (though the axel that snapped today was from an
old Campag hub)
2. I carry too much in my panniers, and my wheels can't cope
3. There's a problem with the way the back wheel is aligned, making it
more likely I'll get these broken axels.

This is almost certainly a wheel with a free-wheel rather than a
cassette. The axles are notoriously weak, which is part of why cassette
systems have become universal.

Campag is as good as you can get. The problem is the design.
Unfortunately, if my diagnosis is correct, a modern cassette hub will be
wider than your existing hub, and consequently you'll have to 'cold
set' (bend) your frame in order to fit one. Talk to your bike shop.

Quoted message said:

And finally - do people think I can rescue my back wheel by just
putting in a new axel? It's a nice wheel, the rim is pretty good, and
the caps the bearings sit in are still smooth and clean.

Yes. In the short or even the medium term that will work. Eventually it
will break again, but eventually might be a long time.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

<p>Schroedinger's cat is <blink><strong>NOT</strong></blink> dead.</p>

Simon Brooke said:

Campag is as good as you can get. The problem is the design.
Unfortunately, if my diagnosis is correct, a modern cassette hub will be
wider than your existing hub, and consequently you'll have to 'cold
set' (bend) your frame in order to fit one. Talk to your bike shop.

Can probably spring it. The worst case will be an old 5 speed with
120mm spacing, so springing to 130mm will make it a bit of a bugger to
change wheels byt perfectly doable for those with strong arms[1].
Second best is 126mm spacing which is trivial to fit a 130mm hub in for
those of moderate strength.

Cold setting is perfectly possible with a judicious use fo a 2x4 (see
sheldons pages) or via other means.

...d

[1] Like wot mine aren't having just got back from my first visit to
the climbing wall in 3 months or more..

David Martin said:

Simon Brooke said:

Campag is as good as you can get. The problem is the design.
Unfortunately, if my diagnosis is correct, a modern cassette hub
will be wider than your existing hub, and consequently you'll have
to 'cold set' (bend) your frame in order to fit one. Talk to your
bike shop.

Quoted message said:

Can probably spring it. The worst case will be an old 5 speed with
120mm spacing, so springing to 130mm will make it a bit of a bugger to
change wheels byt perfectly doable for those with strong arms[1].
Second best is 126mm spacing which is trivial to fit a 130mm hub in
for those of moderate strength.

Springing a modern 130mm hub into a 126mm steel frame is trivial in my
experience, it just needs a bit of careful aligning just before the wheel
enters the drop-outs and maybe a shove to one side.

If the bike is on friction shifting, then any 130mm rear will work, just
select the number of cogs you want.
Best compromise on cheap and long-life might be a decent hub (say Shimano
105 quality) and a 7-speed cassette, keep the old friction shift derailleur
and shifter. Later on, if seeking further upgrades, replace cassette with
9/10 speed and also replace derailleur, shifter, front cranks, front
derailleur, etc..

Not sure if there is a similar Campagnolo route, perhaps someone could
comment on using a Campag 8-speed cassette in a similar way ?

Quoted message said:

Cold setting is perfectly possible with a judicious use fo a 2x4 (see
sheldons pages) or via other means.

If its 126mm, unless a serious problem, I'd just leave alone and spring the
wheel into place.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

[snip]

Quoted message said:

Campag is as good as you can get. The problem is the design.

[snip]

Actually, I've had at least two Campag axles break so I've laid in a
stock of spares.

Anthony

--
Anthony Campbell - [email hidden]
Microsoft-free zone - Using Linux Gnu-Debian
http://www.acampbell.org.uk (blog, book reviews,
on-line books and sceptical articles)

in message <[email hidden]>, Anthony Campbell

(') said:

[snip]

Quoted message said:

Campag is as good as you can get. The problem is the design.

[snip]

Actually, I've had at least two Campag axles break so I've laid in a
stock of spares.

Yup, I accept that. What I was saying was there's no other manufacturer
whose pre-cassette hubs were stronger. Campag ones fail. So did everyone
else's. That's why the design is no more.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

The trouble with Simon is that he only opens his mouth to change feet.
;; of me, by a 'friend'