Cheers!
I both totally understand and wince at the mentality. Unfortunately with hubs longevity _can_ be tied to price if you want something to last a long-long time. I know it's more of an initial investment, but I have to think that - in addition to a better on-trail experience - there's a min-max level that gets you something rebuildable for a lower overall cost of ownership.
If you don't care much for high engagement, these [**Chromag hubs**](https://ca.chromagbikes.com/products/r4-rear-hub) are bomber (and the steel axle makes space for bigger bearings). Not that they're cheap at 300 CAD, but like King, they're a reliable used purchase even if they haven't been well cared for by their original owner.
I've also seen a lot of folks have good luck with Spank hubs (though, as I noted, if there was ever a company that could use a re-branding). The [**Hex hubs**](https://spank-ind.com/collections/spank-hex-drive-hubs/products/spank-hex-j-type-rear-hub?variant=39468180111446) have an e~ version - which is just a ridiculous way of saying they have a steel freehub option - but for folks trying to maximum product life that could be a good choice. They come in plenty of colours too and have a 3.5° engagement. They run ~320 CAD for a rear.
Feb. 7, 2022, 9:59 p.m. - Andrew Major
Cheers! I both totally understand and wince at the mentality. Unfortunately with hubs longevity _can_ be tied to price if you want something to last a long-long time. I know it's more of an initial investment, but I have to think that - in addition to a better on-trail experience - there's a min-max level that gets you something rebuildable for a lower overall cost of ownership. If you don't care much for high engagement, these [**Chromag hubs**](https://ca.chromagbikes.com/products/r4-rear-hub) are bomber (and the steel axle makes space for bigger bearings). Not that they're cheap at 300 CAD, but like King, they're a reliable used purchase even if they haven't been well cared for by their original owner. I've also seen a lot of folks have good luck with Spank hubs (though, as I noted, if there was ever a company that could use a re-branding). The [**Hex hubs**](https://spank-ind.com/collections/spank-hex-drive-hubs/products/spank-hex-j-type-rear-hub?variant=39468180111446) have an e~ version - which is just a ridiculous way of saying they have a steel freehub option - but for folks trying to maximum product life that could be a good choice. They come in plenty of colours too and have a 3.5° engagement. They run ~320 CAD for a rear.