Jon,
The hubs you are looking at are not Mod 501 hubs, but rather, 500/550 RD hubs. The auction item is incorrectly named. To see a 501 (front hub) see #120511822077.
The 500/550 hubs are very nice in any case, and can often be polished up to look even "fancier" than 501s. Mavic hubs are very nice, and are fully serviceable - I believe you can probably find the "special" Mavic hub tools on eBay, but you can service them without thses specail tools. The preload can be adjusted without removing the wheel(s) from the frame.
The 500/550 hubs came in many different axle lengths, while the 501 rear hub was a 127/130 "convertible" and did not require removal of the axle to change the spacing.
I have both series on a couple of bikes and they have held up well for many thousands of miles - but, I don't ride in the rain (or try not to caught in it anyway) so I can't comment of that aspect of their durability, but I suspect it as good a Phil Wood hubs. I have never had to replace bearings, so I also cannot comment on availability (unlike Mavic's bottom bracket assembly!!).
I highly recommend them......
All the best.
Chuck Brooks Malta, NY NEUSA
-----Original Message----- From: Jon Spangler <jonswriter@att.net> To: Dale Brown <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 3:55 pm Subject: [CR] Mavic 501 hubs (and similar) versus Campi, Normandy, Phil, etc.
Bikies,
I have suffered a looks-driven lust for these Mavic 501 hubs (and/or their similar-performing brethren) since they first appeared long ago. The fact that their performance has also been lauded only makes the lust that much harder to resist... :-)
Since they are so highly regarded, I'd like to learn what other listers think who have owned, ridden, and maintained them since buying the hubs new or using them extensively since these earlier (2002-2008) posts.
What are the Mavic's comparative merits when compared to/contrasted with Campagnolo NR ans SR hubs, Phil Woods, and other period hubs. The archives indicate that servicing them was once fairly simple, but these hubs are no longer being made. How are the aluminum axles holding up for CR listers? Can replacement axles and bearings still be had?
Here is the ebay listing that inspired my post:
Item 250570427389 on ebay for 126 mm OLN Mavic 501 hubs.
I am thinking of these as an eventual "upgrade" for my 1970s Allegro, which will feature primarily French components and be a rider, not a period-correct restoration.
ebay # 250570427389
Thanks,
Jon
Jon Spangler Alameda, CA USA where the much-needed but inconvenient rain is back today... :-(