Originally Posted by
CliftonGK1
I've beat the snot out of my Ultegra freehub (fh-6600 model) at 230 pounds and riding on some very rough roads (including gravel forestry roads); the axle is as straight as the day is long. There's no need to drop the coin for a Phil hub when the 105 will work just as well for less than half the price.
The cartridge bearings in the Phils make them a lower routine maintenance choice, but a pain when you finally do wear them out and need to replace them. The 105s just require an adjustable and a cone wrench to tear them down and fully service them. Not saying that one is better than the other; just a comparison... The 105s will require more frequent maintenance than the Phils, but it's easier to do. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
The Phil Wood Field Serviceable hubs are much simplier to work on than you think. My rear hubs require two 5 mm wrenches to completely disassemble. Front hubs are a little more difficult but certainly not that hard to disassemble.
Cost is certainly a consideration but...Damn! They are purty
If you got the cash and the desire...go with Phil. If you want something that will do the job, either will do.