Originally Posted by
Marcus_Ti
I have a set of Bitex laced Pacenti SL25 hoops....and the Bitex, for what they are--they're not bad. What they are, is bottom-dollar cartridge bearing hubs. But the freehub isn't that durable, even "anti-notch" revision will notch because they only reinforce one side of the splines. But cheap hub, there you go. The ratchet/pawl engagement is okay but I've found it hit/miss on one of the pawls.....resulting in one pawl not fully seating sometimes--resulting in a frustrating loud "BANG" when applying power--as the pawl fully seats.....They work and spin well, but they won't put a grin on your face as much as a nice hub probably would.
Faint praise is faint, as you may have noticed.
+1 about Bitex hubs.Both Bitex, and Novatec use tiny bearings, so wear can be an issue for heavier riders(or off-road use). Luckily it's cheap + easy to replace them.
I've used Novatec hubs(291/482 SB, and 291/482 SB-SL) for several builds, with very good results. I chose Novatec 411/412 hubs because I'll be using this wheelset for road only, and most of the roads in my are are quite good.
The DT350 upgade is a pretty good value through LB, but it would put you slightly over budget.