Shimano 105 FH-5500

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
2001 Trek XO-1 cyclocross, bar-ends, LX rear derailleur

Summary:
A good, solid hub for the money. These came stock when I bought a new wheelset: 105 hubs, Mavic MA 3 rims. The rear rim needs to be replaced, but hub is fine.

Strengths:
Solid and durable. A great choice for general purpose riding of all kinds. Can handle just about anything, except ultra-rough roads.

Weaknesses:
Comparatively heavy (but considering it's intended use, so what?). Not as smooth or elegant as high end hubs.

Similar Products Used:
Deore LX hub (mountain bike), Sora hub

Price Paid:  $150.00 at private sale

Favorite Ride:
anywhere without cars

Bike Setup:
med-compact frame, 105 hubs on CXP-21
Ultegra double 53/39

Summary:
After a few months on my new 105's built with CXP-21's, I want to post this review for the people who are thinking about upgrading their wheelset on a budget. I was previously using the Sora wheelset before my upgrade. I would like to say that there is a dramatic increase in performance between the 2 sets. I love the way the 105's pick-up speed, as you crank on the pedals, the wheels just keep buliding momentum and when you're at your peak speed it does not take much effort to maintain it as the hubs want to spin forever. This is the best way I can describe these wheels. Keep in mind that I'm coming from an entry level wheelset. The 105 hubs are so smooth that its like pedaling through butter. In my opinion, one of the best upgrades you can do for your bike is upgrading the drive train. This includes the Crankset, BB and wheels/hubs. I also upgraded my crankset from a triple Sora to a double Ultegra crank and BB. This upgrade has truly transformed my ride that my bike feels completely different. These little upgrades I'm most happy about since its such a joy to ride my bike now. I can't wait till spring/summer comes along. My commute will be so much more enjoyable with my new transformed ride. I recommend the 105's strongly.

Strengths:
buttery smooth, they hold their spin for a longtime, low price compared to dura-ace, ultegra etc.

Weaknesses:
none whatsoever

Similar Products Used:
older 105's mid 1980's

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Montgomery Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Rural roads

Bike Setup:
2002 Giant TCR2 stock

Summary:
I have all 105's components on my bike. I agree, the hub weight is irrelevant. This is a smooth hub and I have no complaints.

Strengths:
Smooth, durable, low replacement cost

Weaknesses:
It doesn't say Ultegra or Dura Ace

Similar Products Used:
Various

Price Paid:  $10.00 at Trade-in, customer's old hub

Favorite Ride:
Yacolt, Amboy, Battle Ground

Bike Setup:
Misc. Shimano, Ritchey, Dia Compe parts

Summary:
Shimano has not made a bad hub yet. 105's may be the most hub for $. Hub weight is irrelevant. This will work for any type of riding. Each new version seems to get slightly better cones and seals. Besides, many are thrown away because of upgrades and the relatively low cost of new ones; it's the best hub that can be had for cheap or nothing if you build your own wheels.

Strengths:
Smooth running, dependable, flange shape facilitates
spoke tensioning

Weaknesses:
None!

Similar Products Used:
Many Campy, Shimano, Phil, Bullseye, Maxicar, Sansin

Price Paid:  $30.00 at lbs

Favorite Ride:
long & hard

Bike Setup:
65 cm Italian Steel. D/A & Ultegra drive train. Mavic rims

Summary:
It's a good solid component. (Emphasis on SOLID)
It is easy to service, but it's not worth enough to rebuild with a new rim.

It's my second set of 105 hubs because I didn't bother to rebuild the old hubs... It was cheaper to buy a new set of wheels!

Excellent hubs for training when you are fat from the off season... They will deal with whatever your bulge will dish-out.

Excellent value product.

Strengths:
Smooth, durable. I think it could last forever.

Weaknesses:
It's heavy. And, when the rim dies, it would be more expensive to rebuild with new spokes and rim than to purchase a new built-up model

Similar Products Used:
ultegra, d/a, & king