Not taken as contrarian at all!

I too like the idea of things built to last. I get jeered for having electric fans from 1918 and 1940 around my house - but they'll still work perfectly in 2018 and 2040 so I'm happy.

Do Phil Wood hubs really last forever? Sounds like a great investment if they do. I don't know what's involved in servicing one - sealed or loose-bearing? (I'm a novice when it comes to hubs and headsets)

Know what you mean about gears - unless I get a sponsor (ha!) I'll likely never have anything more than 8 cogs and less is fine too.