i9 Torch Road - freehub drag

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BigBoyND
Posts: 1347
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 1:51 am
Location: Berlin, DE

by BigBoyND

I'm only finding bits of information here and there on this topic, usually as an aside.

Do these freehubs loosen up over time? Or is everyone just removing the seals on them?

I bought a second hand i9 wheelset from a bike shop that came with Torch Road hubs and supposedly only had 100 miles on them.

Changed the end caps for my bike (QR to 12mm TA), so I don't know how it was before. But freehub drag was so bad that I was worried I messed up the endcap install somehow.

My thru axle says 10Nm-15Nm. Anywhere near 10Nm, the chain would just sag down to the chainstay before freewheeling. 5Nm was max that it would freewheel in the 11t cog, but still with significant drag compared to my other wheelsets. Went for a short ride at 5Nm and now it's a bit better, but still can't get to 10Nm without significant drag.

Wheel spins fine otherwise, it's just freehub drag that's an issue.

spdntrxi
Posts: 5791
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2013 6:11 pm

by spdntrxi

have not noticed this myself... fast as any other of my wheelsets with DT240s.

Loud as F though.
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TobinHatesYou
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Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm

by TobinHatesYou

I haven't noticed any weird drag with i9 rear hubs either.

BigBoyND
Posts: 1347
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 1:51 am
Location: Berlin, DE

by BigBoyND

Here are two examples:
viewtopic.php?f=113&t=160148
https://www.mtbr.com/threads/industry-n ... el.799221/

Some say it breaks in, some say remove the seal, and some (including you) say they never noticed drag to begin with. Odd.

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Mr.Gib
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by Mr.Gib

Contact i9 and talk to them. They are super helpful.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.

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BigBoyND
Posts: 1347
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 1:51 am
Location: Berlin, DE

by BigBoyND

This worked itself out after a few rides. Kept adding torque to my thru axle as the freehub loosened up. Now I can tighten it up properly and the freehub freewheels with minimal drag

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