Originally Posted by Duragrouch

True, but I posted it because the whole kit these days can be had for not much more than a good quality taper BB cartridge, and half the price of a really good one like a Phil Wood. Gosh I can't recall which website, they also sold ones that were I think stainless steel spindle and SKF bearings that were $150 but looked really good. EDIT: Whole thing by SKF, made in Germany, USD$169, Rene Herse website, really good seals, 10 year warranty including bearings. Yowza.

But even a cheap external BB bearing set, has been super durable for me, provided I maintain bearing preload, readjust immediately if any slack. Ton of miles so far. High on my list of great designs.