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See where you are coming from, but top end hubs are still cup and cone. Bearings can be fit and forget...and the hubs last longer...
EDIT: New Brompton front wheels don't seem to come greased or adjusted correctly. As you warned me.
lynx-
Shimano? Disagree. Most days I tell people they can’t replace the cone and unfortunately it’s a new hub aka a new wheel / build.
Chris king? That’s not quite loose ball or sealed cartridge, but it’s sealed and serviceable. And yes these do have a worth lifespan etc but at an insane cost.
Anyone else?
Bromptons are also mostly commuters.. so less regular servicing and more regular non bike friendly miles - all weathers etc.
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EDIT: New Brompton front wheels don't seem to come greased or adjusted correctly. As you warned me.
Still lose quality etc, but they can be improved slightly. Doesn’t resolve the biggest issue though.
Ps. - axle cone kit here - https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hub-spares/jtek-replacement-front-axle-for-brompton/
When people buy bikes from SJS, it’s like £20 upgrade to a sealed bearing hub, no brainier to me
sbbohr
Even with fresh bearings etc, cones only one place in the country stock it would be a touch on the sealed options.
A sealed wheel starts from £60. Replace the bearings much less frequently and have a better product.
I’m just not a looseball fan, I just see poor economics. You can’t replace the cup, so unless you are constantly servicing it then you are fighting a loosing battle.