Need new bearings for my rear hub, SS ones cost 4 times as much, how much longer do they last, anyone with experience?

never used them, but would wager thet they wont last any longer.

Becasue:
SS is generaly softer than CS.
CS won't rust if its covered in grease anyway.

The shielded (not sealed) bearings in the commuter are a good case in point, I dread to think how old they are, not a sign of corrosion though.

TINAS if you've not seen rusty sealed bearings, you must live in California.

OP – I don't know but I'd probably try them

Second the softer comment – only use them if you really need stainless (esp at x4 costs) due to highly corrosive environments eg salty coastal routes etc. All IMO of course.

We used to use ss bearings in most of our food processing machinery with no shields or seals , BUT only because we could then pressure wash all the rubbish out of them. 🙂