The I9 hub is very nice, not only aesthetically but performance wise too. I rode a set of I9 hubs with their straight pull spokes laced to 823s for two seasons on my V-10. The engagement is unreal, and while others complain about excessive drag, I found that after a short break in period they roll just as good if not better than other high end hubs. Maintaining them is relatively easy and was done twice a season which took no longer than 20 minutes. At the end of the two seasons they only suffered from one broken pawl, a few nicks out of a few spokes, and some bearing play (bearing adjuster was maxed out).