Originally Posted by
interested
Sure, Sachs (Super 7) /Sram Spectro 7 speed IGH's have a better reputation than Shimano regarding durability, but consider yourself very, very lucky to have been able to ride +35000 miles over seven? years without even repacking the hub bearings.
I have seen several failed S7 hubs, in all cases water ingress had caused rust, corrosion, and pitting of the races. Nothing special about that, that is the most common way for all hubs to fail, but on the other hand hand it also a failure mode that can be prevented by maintenance like bearing grease repacking. There is nothing magical about IGH's, without maintenance they will fail prematurely just like any other hub.
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Regards
I doubt that S/S or fixed gear hubs are any less susceptible to water ingress and would "need" just as much cleaning and maintenance to avoid rust, corrosion, and pitting of the races as any other type of typical hub. Chain and sprocket wear should be about the same as any IGH.
BTW, 35,000+ all weather miles in seven years of commuting is correct.