Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,717
Likes: 2,104
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
I have two SP hubs and a Shimano. The Shimano seems to have a bit more drag when I spin the wheel by hand and watch to see how fast it takes to slow down. But riding them I can not feel any difference.
I am not sure if the Shimano has user replaceable bearings or not, if it does that would be one advantage for the Shimano. SP does not have bearings that you or a local bike shop can work on. There are a few you tube videos on Shimano hub bearings, but I have not tried it myself.
I had the two SP hubs before I got a good price on a used Shimano. I found that one of the leads on the Shimano is grounded to the frame, that is not the case for the SP. That caused a lot of consternation while wiring it until I figured out what the problem was.
Taillight, I prefer battery. The wired taillights don't flash and I want the ability to use constant on or to flash. Also, if I am charging stuff, that usually means your lights are turned off. But I want to be able to charge stuff in the daytime while also using a flashing taillight for more visibility. Thus, wired taillight would not make much sense for me. But I use hub powered headlamps.
I am sold on hub units, I would not consider any other.