For years and years, I've run Hope hubs – so of course never needed to touch them, but went for Shimano SLX on a set for the hardtail before the winter but the rear's come loose. Tomorrow's job's going to be stripping and rebuilding (once I've remembered how to fettle cup 'n' cone hubs) – though I've consumed the Park Tool guide on it as best I can.

Should I put new bearings in, and if so, anything special about them, or will the standard ones from Halfords do? Alternatively, can I just nip it up and not worry about it too much?

Cheers in advance. 🙂

I'd just clean it out, grease it up and put it all back together.

Obviously if a bit's properly kippered I'd replace it – probably with whatever replacement the shop had.