Originally Posted by
mrmb
There are other hubs that could be used, but thats not really the question. But since you asked...
I selected this hub because it is the best hub that I could find that is suitable for commuting year round, 120mm spacing, fixed gear, 42mm chainline, uses a cog interface that is NOT threaded.....and most importantly....the loose ball bearings are WELL SEALED.
Now that this is out of the way....
What I was getting at is the use of 3/16 balls in the rear and how well they would hold up. I also notice that Formula track hubs, front and rear, use 3/16 balls and Formula hubs are pretty common at the track.
Thanks for answering, as an R&D engineer I get to do a lot of crazy things, but one thing I know is that the better you describe your aims and reasoning the better anyone can help. Sure, some people will always try to discourage you, but stuff is just stuff, and nothing has to be what it is packaged to be.
For me the 3/16" balls in a sealed bearing is a good commuter option, unless you are a hard rider who has to hit those green lights and play with the buses and taxis. I would be careful of making comparisons with performance under other conditions, such as racing - where the equipment used has a lot more engineering work behind it, better materials and is regularly maintained and replaced. The great thing is that even if it does disintegrate you learn something, and before that does or does not happen you have time to more extensively review the options and plan to include any other ideas you might have.