Tim wrote: ↑Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:12 ambaabaa wrote: No idea why anyone would not buy sealed bearings hubs - no one needs should need to own and know how to use cone spanners in 2021
Because Shimano's cup and cone hubs are actually sealed from the elements much better than so called sealed cartridge bearings. From my experience they last much longer than cartridges. Replacement bearings if ever needed are just loose balls and don't require special tools for extraction or pressing for installation as with cartridges. The quality of cartridge bearings varies enormously from absolute garbage to very good. High quality ball bearings are cheap and readily available.
Many of Shimano's higher end hubs don't require cone spanners. They utilise a system of an indexed, knurled cone and lock nut slotted interface. Very simple to adjust perfectly.
I'd take quality cup and cones in preference to cartridges any day.
I have Shimano hubs that are 45yrs old and roll almost as good as the Dur-ace hubs that I have now, so yes, I'm with you on how good and simple they are.
Foo