Okay, thanks for your replies, I really appreciate you donating your time and knowledge to help me learn something about my bike or bikes in general. I feel like I got a lot out of this and that I have a more clear understanding of what is what.

If these external bearing systems don't last as long due to being more exposed to the elements, seal drag is a problem, they are less or non serviceable than internal bearing systems why are all the manufactures using them?

Are their any pros? Less load on the bearings? Anything good to say about external bearing systems?

cheers