that is certainly the case with people I know.

and thanks for your take on this, lots of interesting comments, especially about loose bearing hubs needing to be adjusted and serviced properly vs someone who doesnt want to do mechanical stuff and get cartridge bearings replaced by a store mechanic-a good take on it pointing out that one isnt necessarily better.

As you say, I still like the idea of doing this stuff myself, and realistically the time spent on it for my bikes really isnt that much per year, so the time spent isnt a factor. I would have to say that spending easily 2-$300 more for top cartridge hubs vs very good loose ball hubs for me would come down to that I would rather spend the saved money on some new panniers, or other camping stuff for a bike trip. I still havent really priced various hubs like Cycoo mentioned, but thats my feeling, to stick with ball and cup and put the money into other bike stuff or whatever (especially as I am somewhat competent at repacking and adjusting, have all the tools, am fairly quick at doing it and like doing it).