Originally Posted by
base2
The smaller the front chainring, the higher the chain tension is. Aluminum freehub bodies just don't stand much of a chance against the individual skinny cogs of modern cassettes. Especially against strong riders. If you can't have a Titanium or steel HG freehub body a monoblock cassette really is a smart way to go unless you have a ready supply of replacement freehubs kicking around.
I have never been a fan of boutique hubs with alloy freehubs. The only hubs I have built wheels with are Shimano, White Industries and Bitex. Yes, Bitex hubs have an alloy freehub, however they have anti-bite splines. That being said, my preference are Shimano hubs as I don't like the noise level of the WI or Bitex freehubs. The trouble with Shimano is that if you want to build with a spoke count other than 32 or 36, you will have to go with Dura-Ace. Not to mention it doesn't appear Shimano makes any rim brake hubs anymore, so you have to look for new/old stock.