Originally Posted by
pnwcommuter
Detailed specs on rear hubs are hard to come by, as is sourcing. Any suggestions on exact models that would work and where to get them? For instance, what's the difference between a Shimano Ultegra 6700 and 6800? Or a Shimano 105 5700 and 5800?
I would grab any of the 8/9/10 speed Tiagra, 105 or Ultegra rear hubs for what you are talking about doing. Tiagra 4500 & 4600, 105 up through 5700 and Ultegra up to 6700 will all work. You can use the 5800 & 6800 stuff but it's 11 speed compatible and not really needed for your game plan. That said, I've used all three (Tiagra, 105, Ultegra) and I'd buy a Tiagra rear hub. Any of them will need more grease and cone adjustment even when new.
Might as well go 8 speed and skip the spacer if you are using a 130mm rear hub. Like Bob said, friction shifting up to 8 speed works great, 9 speed and above I like indexing.
Your rear derailleur will work.
Chainrings will be fine.