Front hub hoopla

I never quite understood the fuss about boutique front hubs. Like $150, $200+ ? Come on. To me, the only thing that makes a front hub "good" is if it fits what it's intended to be used for. I don't really think a White is better than a King, is better/worse than a Ringle, Hershey, or whatever. With the only exceptions really being poor wheelbuild (busted flanges) or use WAY beyond the hub's intended purpose, (busted flanges OR axle) front hubs just don't really break.

It either has a QR or bolt on axle. It's thru hub or not, has canted flanges or not, has good spoke fit or not. Rear hubs - obviously different story. Anyone else understand what I mean?

I'm liking the Hope Pro II front hub. It can be converted from QR, 20mm thru axle, or even for a Maverick. I like that flexibility. And, I know I can get Hope Pro II hubs in cool colors... Gotta color match! :rolleyes2

And, yeah, rear hubs are where I want the rocket science.

BSS- I agree... not much going on up front. I would only add a weight consideration to your list, but there are plenty of lightweight strong (front) hubs for reasonable money, and plus you're only talking 100g or so between a "heavy" and "light" front hub.

I always wondered about this. I have aging mt bike that has hubs 10+ years old. Never was sure how long the hubs would last before facking me up badly from catastrophic failure. You are my new gospel maybe?

Edit: If I wreck via busted front hub, you can hide, but you cannot run.:)