You will need a few different measurements:

-ERD (Effective Rim Diameter)- The distance from one nipple bed to the exact opposite.
-Flange Diameter (hole to hole)- Keep in mind on the ELF this will be the same for both sides, but the ORC has different sized flanges from the drive side to non drive.
-Center to flange- Again for the ELF, this will be the same on both sides. The ORC will have a different center to flange distance on the drive and non drive.
-Hole count
-Lacing pattern.

_________________
http://www.zencyclery.com

http://www.wheelbuilder.org

The more I look at these Novatec SLs, the better they look. I believed they would have compared very well had they been included in the FW hub shootouts. Clearly better than the DT240s or C4s ( expensive junk based on member reviews). Even ignoring price they seem like they could hold their own with most of the hubs tested, on paper anyway. Never read anything negative about their build quality or durability ( unlike Datis, in their $ range ).
I suppose at $150/set they're not glamorous or "boutique" enough or have the profit margin to included in the comparison.

I find it hard sometimes to convince people who come into the shop that the Novatec hubs are a good high end option. They do not have a high end proice or a name that people accosiate with. Mention DT Swis 240's and there eye's light up. I think this is a shame as I know which hubs I would use my self and it's not the DT's...

_________________
www.thecycleclinic.co.uk

With the Novatec hubs, do I HAVE to change the side-caps when I change from Shimano to Campy? I've built my wheels for Shimano, however I am now running Campy and swapping the sidecaps means I will have to re-dish my wheel (which I am too lazy to do). Would it be possible to run the Shimano sidecaps with a Campy cassette?

_________________
Apparently my bikes were talking the other day & are undecided whether to upgrade the current rider or get a new one...

one of the schemers...

You will have to redish either way, just slightly less.

By not swapping the endcaps you're effectively increasing the OLD (like Alchemy did for their Campy hub) but the rim will still be slightly left of center.

I do this all the time because it improves the dish for Campy wheels, and the dropouts on most frames are further apart than 130mm anyway.

Yeah, the DTs have very little going for them and the msrp is a joke. The bearings may be better than the NTs, but they should be considered a wear item. I suspect that the Novatecs are like some Formula hubs I had once. You could replace all the rear bearings in ~ hr with $4 worth of bolts, nuts and washers + a few mechanic's sockets.
Cyclist are no different than other consumers in that many automatically equate $$$ with superior quality and performance. I'm not immune myself, once owning some pos 0Gs that wouldn't stay centered and would drive me to distraction when I tried to remount the rear wheel with the tire inflated.
Anyway the SLs will definitely be included in my next build. Bob D. is 1st rate and it will be a pleasure to send him my hard earned $150 ( + postage )

I think the Novatec uses EZO bearings. It doe not cost much to replace them with SKF bearings or even ceramic if you are really bothered about bearing quality or weight. They are very easy for pull apart as well and require no special tools.

_________________
www.thecycleclinic.co.uk

I'm sure the stock bearings are fine. And at 290gms a set, the weight is very competitive.

Is it true that you can't or shouldn't build a 24-hole wheel 3x on the drive side. I'm building a Stan's Alpha 340 rim to the new Shimano 9000 24-hole hub and was looking to go radial on the non-drive side and 3x on the drive side. Would it be better to build a 2x on both side for this build. Needs to be stiff and light.

Scott

Where does one find these Novatec hubs everyone is talking about? I'm struggling finding a good (online) source...

_________________
Storck Fenomalist 6.8kg

http://www.bdopcycling.com/Hubs-Road.asp

I've bought stuff from them; they're good people.

I second the above, very helpful and deliver quickly to Australia

_________________
Apparently my bikes were talking the other day & are undecided whether to upgrade the current rider or get a new one...

one of the schemers...

You can, but it serves no purpose, and the spokes would interfere with one another at the flange.

I'd lace 1x DS heads in, 2x NDS.

Can someone with actual experience confirm for me that the SL211 is ok with 11 speed Campagnolo? Something a few pages back made me doubt this.

Is 16:8 build reliable, on a 32h Powertap with a 24h, 38mm Boyd carbon clincher ?

I know the powertap flanges are not very wide, so stiffness wouln't be at it's best...

160 lbs rider.

Anybody tried this ?

I am trying to find an answer her, nothing so far in the road section.

Louis

_________________
http://www.ccsalma.com