How rare are Mavic 531 hubs?

[st]

Planning my first retro build for a while and want to put some decent early 90s wheels together. Am I going to struggle to get a pair or 531 hubs? Shall I just go for the first set of nice Shimano hubs I find?

 

[Dossa]

I ran a Mavic 531 front hub when I initially built up my 'Prestige' (see pic below) but swapped to a smoother running Deore DX after a short while as the Mavic was on it's last legs...

They're fairly rare I suppose, don't see too many around, but given the choice I'd say DX or XT would be a better bet for availability as much as anything else. But if the budget allows, then look at Hope hubs.

 

[dbmtb]

Freehub mechanism on this type Mavic hub is maybe not the best for offroad use. I blew one up on my Cosmic rear wheel just doing intervals on a smooth but wet woodland fire road BITD. So if it's going to be a rider and you want Mavic - then the Gao Dakar freewheel hub might be a better option. That's what I'm putting on the Look MI-80 at any rate....

I also have a ti-coloured spare one (130mm axle though), with a silver 501 front if interested.

 

[st]

I've decided to take the easy option, after finding an XT front hub in my Dad's shed I have a rear DX on the way to build up into a pair of unused Sun CR17s.

Not my dream wheels from back in the day but should be tidy enough.

 

[gmac123]

I've got a set and must say they're lovely smooth. Have had an issue with the freehub block, it's an old sachs which i can't find a chain that doesn't skip on, so I've had to revert to a modern heavy basic shimano one.

 

[mynchiboy]

I've got a set and must say they're lovely smooth. Have had an issue with the freehub block, it's an old sachs which i can't find a chain that doesn't skip on, so I've had to revert to a modern heavy basic shimano one.

I too have some of these on my fat and they're beautiful things although the bearings on mine need a replacement soonish

I too had the same chain problem with a Sachs Aris freewheel (I guess the teeth profile needs a specific chain?) - If you want to ditch the shimano one try a Sunrace version - don't be put off by the brand (it's in fact a division of Sturmey Archer) they're good value, well finished and readily available

 

[gmac123]

cheer mynchiboy, I'll look into that