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TBF almost every Shimano hub that I service fares a lot better with being neglected than anything else. Hardly any problems other than the pressure washer crew.
Netakure-
In my experience, the weak point is water ingress into the freewheel. Pressure washers will definitely hit that, as will being rode hard and put up wet.
The good thing is that (apart from DA/XTR) they're pretty cheap and a full transplant from a new hub renews everything but the shell and NDS cup, which usually has the better seal anyway. -
better with being neglected
My 10sp DA I just ‘checked’ - always perfect. Did nothing to them in the 15,000 all-weather km I had them.
Tiagra 4700 ... I managed to drive all the grease out in three big rides (mountains+rain). That’s my limited experience.
gbj_tester
miro_o
Dura ace hubs are the shit. Tiagra a bit shit.
I expect 105 and above are better sealed than Novatech and I’ve heard of Bitex bearings spinning on axles. They’re ok for summer wheels.
For your intended use I think you can’t go wrong with 105 or Ultegra. Just be aware they’re cup’n’cone, adjust them and don’t neglect them.