Hub Dimensions:

The spreadsheet covers wheel specs for hubs produced in 2008/2009. Please make sure your hub measurements are compatible.

Phil Wood hub dimensions (pdf)

There are a few free, online spoke calculators. A list of them can be found here. Phil Wood does not provide spoke calculations for wheel building.

PDF versions of our instructions:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Bracket Answers

What size (spindle length) bottom bracket do I need?
First, it is helpful to understand chainline. You’ll also need to know the make and model of the cranks you are using. Then take a look at either this chart or this one. For older Campagnolo information, see here.

If you have a press fit bottom bracket (Merlin, Klein, Fisher, Ritchey, Fat Chance) and need replacement parts, we have spindles and bearings that will work. Merlin takes our PWX03 bearings while all others take our PW003 bearings. We do not have replacement spacers/clips. Please see the bottom of this page for Merlin instructions and here for Klein instructions. We also make an outboard bottom bracket that will fit “older” press-fit Klein models.

What is the difference between JIS, JIS low profile, and ISO tapers?
Phil Wood offers all three tapers to try and best meet the needs of our customers who are using square-tapered bottom brackets. An explaination of the different bottom bracket tapers can be found here. In brief, most modern cranks will take the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) taper, in addition to Campagnolo cranks produced before 1994. After 1994, Campagnolo moved to the ISO (a.k.a. Campy) taper. The less common of the three tapers offered is the JIS low profile, which is used in some specific older-model Dura Ace cranks.

image of three different BB tapers

Is it recommended that grease be applied to the axle taper of my Phil Wood bottom bracket before installing cranks?
We recommend that a light film of grease be applied to the taper. This is only a recommendation for Phil Wood bottom brackets, as our taper was designed with grease in mind.

Do I really need to use a thread retaining compound (such as Loctite) on my bottom bracket cups? Can I use grease?
Please use a mild thread retaining compound (242 – blue). Make sure both the frame and the cups are free of grease before applying the thread retaining compound. Be careful not to put any of the thread retaining compound on your frame, as it could damage the paint if left too long.

I have an old Phil Wood bottom bracket, can I buy new threaded cups for it, or do I need a new bottom bracket?
You can simply purchase a new set of cups, as our bottom bracket has not changed since 1971. The same cups and tools will work on our original bottom brackets and our current bottom brackets.

What is an E-type derailleur/bottom bracket? Does Phil Wood make an E-type compatible bottom bracket?
E-type derailleurs connect on the frame at two separate contact points, at the bottom bracket and near the seat tube. Standard derailleurs connect on the seat tube area only. The E-type reaches all the way to the bottom bracket. Phil Wood does make a compatible bottom bracket (part BMRBE) which has a wider drive-side cup and comes equipped with a lockring. The bottom bracket installation procedure is the same as with our standard bottom brackets, and then the front derailleur bracket will slide over the cup and the lockring will be threaded on and tightened down to secure the lower derailleur bracket.

Outboard Bottom Bracket Answers

What size dust cover do I need to fit my outboard bottom bracket?
As a general rule, the standard size (part RXDCS) will work for all Phil Wood OBBs as well as older Shimano, Race Face, and FSA OBBs. The medium size (RXDCM) will fit newer Shimano OBBs. Please note that starting with 2008 model Shimano OBBs, you will need to purchase replacement dust covers if you are replacing the Shimano bearings with Phil Wood bearings. The OEM Shimano dust cover is not compatible with the Phil Wood bearing.

Can I use Campagnolo, Truvativ, or SRAM cranks with a Phil outboard bottom bracket?
No, unfortunately they are not currently compatible. The Truvativ and SRAM cranks use two different bearing sizes and are only compatible with their own OBBs. Campagnolo uses a bearing on their crankset that interferes with our bottom bracket.

Hub Answers

Can I use a radial lacing pattern on my Phil Wood hubs?
Absolutely. Both the front and rear hubs can be laced radially. This does not void the hub warranty for Phil Wood hubs.

Does Phil Wood make a Campagnolo-compatible cassette hub?
Not currently. There are still some legacy Phil Wood Campy-compatible cassette hubs out there, but we do not stock them.

Can I use a 10-speed Shimano or SRAM cassette on my Phil Wood FSC cassette hub?
Yes. Phil cassette hubs will work with Shimano and SRAM 8-, 9-, and 10-speed systems.

My new Phil Wood rear hub has some resistance when I backpedal. Is this normal?
Our cassette hubs have a break-in period, which can last up to 350 miles. It’s perfectly normal. All of the moving parts inside the hub are settling in and gearing themselves up for many years of riding enjoyment.

How often should I service my (FSC) rear hub cassette mechanism?
It’s important to clean and regrease the cassette mechanism every few thousand miles, depending on riding conditions. This procedure will only take a few minutes and will keep your hub happy. We recommend using a combination of Phil Wood Waterproof Grease and Tenacious Oil when relubricating your cassette mechanism.

Does the SLR option reduce the strength of the hub shell?
No. Iit reduces the overall weight of the hub, but will have no effect on the structural integrity of the hub shell.

What cog should I use on my Phil Wood track hub?
For optimal performance, we recommend using the Phil Wood track cog. They are offered in both 1/8″ and 3/32″. Our specification for the threading is 1.370 x 24 tpi, but Phil Wood hubs will accommodate most high quality cogs. If, during installation, the cog jams or binds, STOP. Forcing a cog onto the hub will result in irreparable damage to the threads. As with any cog installation, lubricate both the cog and lockring threads. Some cog manufacturers are making cogs that are not ideal for use with Phil Wood hubs due to their thickness (which is generally a result of plating). For this reason, we do not recommend using Surly or Euro-Asia cogs with our track hubs. The additional thickness can result in stripping of the lockring and/or hub threads because there is not enough thread engagement. Please call us if you have additional questions.

I have an old Phil rear hub and want to know if it can be converted to a different spacing.
In almost all cases, the answer is “yes.” Please contact us at (408) 298-1540 or at service@philwood.com to receive a return authorization number (RA #) in order to send the hubs in to us. Please know your current hub spacing as well as the new spacing needed so we can best assist you.

Bearing Answers

Can I repack the bearings in my Phil Wood hubs or bottom bracket?
We do not recommend this. There is only one way to properly service cartridge bearings: replacement. Removing the seals from our bearings can do more harm than good. If your bearings are rough or dry, please contact your local bike shop or service@philwood.com.