What do we need to worry about with rear hubs? Any good picks under $100 that should be fine for a 280# Clyde?

I have a Campy freewheel that stevesurf gave me but I think I may go for a freehub which will support the axle better. I'd like to go with Shimano compatible, 36 holes up to 8 speed (don't want to go to a narrower chain). I'm using friction shifters so I'm not all that concerned with groups and types and so forth.

What do better hubs really do? Does spacing matter?

Background if you're interested from oldest to newest:

De-Evolution of a Wheel, From Warning Towards Solution:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=253192 - First Roadie
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=262759 - Dialing in a Roadie
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=294905 - How many broken spokes are dangerous [new 5-5-07]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=298310 - Rear deraileur rubbing - bad tension? [new 5-14-07]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=342373 - Bombproof 27" Rims [new 9-10-07]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=338555 - Spokes Rant [new 9-10-07]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=349283 - Shot Rims and Clyde Recommendations? [new 10-1-08]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=349519 - Deep V vs Dyad vs Mavic Opens [new 10-3-07]
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=352240 - Friction Shifters

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Edit - For example, how's the Tiagra 4500 (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hubs.html#road) vs the Shimano XT M-760 vs Shimano LX M-580 (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/rearhubs.asp)? Is the XT really worth an extra $20, if so why?

I've had 105,Ultegra and DA rear hubs. Honestly I can't tell a difference when riding. Some say weight but I don't feel a diference under my body. Matter of fact 105 have been bombproof for me.

I tend to think that sometimes the upper level stuff is too delicate and touchy. High maintenence in most components.

I will say that when I lift the bike and spin the rear wheel, my DA hubs sound much cooler than the others. But then I paid twice as much. I think most of what you pay for is the cool factor and finish.

Found DA on sale,9 speed for $99 when Supergo wa around. Ultegra 9 for $50. 105 was stock on one of the bikes.

I have a bud tht is 75 lbs, maybe 5'8 and totally kicks butt on DA hubs. Never been a problem for him.

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Edit - For example, how's the Tiagra 4500 (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hubs.html#road) vs the Shimano XT M-760 vs Shimano LX M-580 (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/rearhubs.asp)? Is the XT really worth an extra $20, if so why?

Yeah, XT stuff is basically the mountain bike equivalent of ultegra. I believe I have been riding that same hub on my mountain bike for years. Whenever I bend up a rim, I just rebuild around it. Are you looking for a mountain bike hub?

No, road - but 135mm is close enough to 130 that if it's a stronger and more durable hub than I'll have it built with a spacer. (http://www.usenet.com/newsgroups/rec.../msg21588.html) Considering that one I can get for $60 and Ultegra I haven't found under $100 than it sounds like it might be a good choice.

I've had my ultegra 9spd hub almost as long. You can't go wrong with either of them.

So I cross posted in the mechanics section - also got some great replies including one from Sheldon Brown on why mtb hubs are better for heavier riders (the spacing of the hub makes the wheel stronger, not the hub itself).

http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355761

I also added a 'Hub' section in my siggy.

I ride a pair of 17 year old 105 hubs on my PDG Series-5, and my dad and I (both Clydes) have ridden them pretty hard. It used to be my dad's distance bike, now it's my distance bike, and the wheels ride very smooth.

My commuter has XT hubs (after finally destroying my Specialized hubs, which lasted a long time.) They're smooth running, too, and I've got a few thousand miles on them already.