Phil hubs are wonderful and I own two sets (one on a tandem). The are not worth the extra expense though, but if budget is not tight they just feel and sound good to ride. I love them but cannot sat the are worth the extra cash. I have worn out a set of bearings though and they were easily replaced. The same hub eventually wore out the ratchet ring and I sent the whole wheel back to Phil where they machined out the ratchet and installed a new one. That felt much better than tossing the hub and rebuilding the wheel. I am willing to pay the extra cash for Phil bling. I love the sound of the pawls and I have to say that the solid and confident feel of the hub is a really nice thing! I NEVER worry about anything concerning the Phil hubs and feel good about employing a fellow American machinist.