Originally Posted by
bwgride
I've been using Shimano hubs for almost 30 years - mid-level versions such as DX, LX, and Deore - with no failures yet. I weigh 220 lbs and carry a load when touring and riding daily. I know folks often recommend more expensive hubs, but Shimano mid-level hubs tend to work well, and one can get a good Shimano hub for $25 to $50, much less than PW and other expensive hubs. Possible to obtain new rear wheel with Deore hubs and good rims for $90 to $130. Might be worth giving that type of wheel a try.
Jobst used to be slightly confusing to me on this point. He seemed to believe the forged hubs by the shimanos of the world were better than billet hubs, but he often seemed to mention Phil with ultimate respect. My problem with SHimano LX is that I have had bad quality control parts on them. I didn't actually have a problem because few of my tours are a lot longer than 1000 miles, and I rebuild after every trip. But I was obviously on the verge of a failure because water was getting in and the lube was going bad. If I could only use LX I would be fine, I guess, but when I have a part failure I don't see any reason to return to that part (which obviously is where MEV is on his Phill...)
I wonder if there isn't a helmet type deal here. Helmets make people feel safer so they push a little harder, and have the same or worse accidents. Likewise you get some bombproof hubs, and you stop feeling the need to pay attention to the parts. It is still just an alloy part.