That fatbike analogy got me thinking. Mtbr is awash with fatbike owners complaining about destroying hub bearings because of axle flex.
Would the same occur with a 157mm hub?
Dont know, Ive had 3 fatbikes (back before they went hipster), started as a beach riding bike and ended with doing 2 x Simpson Desert Races... when I say ended, I have not ridden it as a fatbike for about 2 years (currently a 29+ singlespeed) but its sitting here waiting on another Simpson race, sometime in the future. There's 3 different routs that they race on, I've done 2, waiting on number 3 for a full set of 100% finishers medals
As far as hubs go, I've built all my wheels with Hope Fatsno, the only issue I know of was the Specialized fattys blowing freehubs regular. Hopes go forever...