Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Acera-X, Alivio, vs. ...else?

This thread could probably go in multiple areas, but I'm putting it here because building a new touring wheelset is what got me thinking.

I consider myself a pretty good mechanic. You could probably put my smack in the middle of novice and pro. I build good wheels, and I've done plenty of sets. Now I'd like to ask this just to get some opinions and input. I'm looking at all the options for hubs for a touring wheelset. I'm frugal, so I'm looking close. How about these Acera-X hubs? Why not? I know they're really low on the totem pole - but am I against them for any good reason, or just because a 'real' cyclist would use something more expensive? Is there a true measurable funtional disadvantage to the hubs on the lower end of the tier? Where on the scale do you think these disadvantages start? How cheap would you go? What makes the cheaper hub worse? Where is the best value? This is something I'd be very curious to hear opinions on. I'm going to try the Acera-X hubs and keep a log of how it works out. Experimentation beats conjecture, but in the mean time I'd like to hear what other people think.

I think Acera would do fine for touring unless you carry TONS of weight. I have used them for mountain biking and they perform well... a bit on the heavy side but who cares? Regular lubrication in a must but if you are a good mechanic that wont be much of a hassle and you will be saving lots of bucks compared to the LX/XT/XTR stuff.

Alivio also works nicely. It is aimed to recreational/entry level mountain bikers and should work well in touring applications.

Ricardo

You can go too cheap on quality and I think that Alivio and Acera are just a bit too low for comfort. They are entry level and If you are an experienced rider- You will be riding at above entry level. The minimum I would contemplare is LX. A good hub, aswell as the rest of the group, at a reasonable price.

That is also my belief. It certainly would seem that Alivio is too cheap. On a mountain bike I wouldn't touch it - but it seems that for a road bike you might not be using it 'hard' enough to have a problem. Even for touring. The hubs are on the way, so the wheels will be built soon enough - then the miles begin ticking, and we'll see for sure.

Thanks for adding your opinion,
Chris

I had Acera on the first bike I bought. After three months, and very little actual riding, the plates on the RD were badly corroded. I would start at Deore level.

Alivio parts are very good. I bought a used (early 90's)low end GF mnt bike in the late 90's as a beater commuter that I would run through all weather conditions. It was Alivio everything. I decided to rebuild it when parts broke. Well after 12,000 miles the right shifter/brake died so I replaced the entire drive train( I had replaced the chain and rear cassette at 7000and again at 12,000) as well as the shifters/brakes except for the RD. The RD is still running strong as are the wheels(I have rebuilt the hubs). I will be replacing them soon as the brake wear is bad. I, like you, hear many speak poorly of the Alivio but no longer listen. While it is heavy there is quality in them. All this said I did upgrade to XT. The price difference was not that significant since I was doing the all of the work. If I needed to buy another low end mnt bike with Alivio I would.