MTB hub out there ATM?
Really happy with my 5 year old American Classic hub set up on my XC wheel set.
Now looking for another build so is there anything better out there for a wheels on the ground, no jumping cross country 29er wheel build?
I put DT240S in everthing I can, they're ace. Not the lightest, not the fastest engaging, not the prettiest, not really best at anything but extremely bloody good at absolutely everything. Light enough for a weight xc race bike and strong enough you could throw the exact same hub into a 135-rear DH bike and still have it last forever.
Other great, longlived, adaptable hubs are available though. That's why they invented Boost, too many people already had nice hubs that they'd never have to replace 😉
Lightest would have to be Mack or Extralite although durability is probably questionable at best, I certainly wouldn't run them on an everyday wheel.
Tune are still silly light but I'd still keep them for racing only.
I reckon DT Swiss' are at a good point of lightweight but still appropriately durable.
I've not even touched on Hope, Chris King or Goldtec etc.
I've got DT240's on a hardtail and a proper DH bike (standard spec on a YT Tues). The best I can say about them is that I've never given them a thought. They've been quietly taking the abuse for years now and I haven't touched them.
Since you mentioned smooth and fast, they roll noticeably faster and longer in an upside-down-bike spin test than my old Hopes. Much less resistance. My mate has very similar bikes to me but both with Pro 2's and both of mine pull away in a rolling drag race. Much to his annoyance. Not that it makes much difference in 'proper' riding scenarios but it's nice to know!
So yeah, I've never really thought about them but I'd have another set.
I like my Hope hubs but the hubs on my SRAM ROAM40s are rebadged DTs I think and are very very good.
Another vote for DT240S. I've had a pair for 5 years and they've had a significant amount of neglect but they don't seem any worse for wear yet.