singlespeed, well almost. internal geared hub.

[wal]

Im about to seriously look into changing to internal geared hubs,instead of staying with the rear derailer set up.

Im looking at the shimano Alfine hub.
Has anyone used these hubs on a long term basis.
I know they weigh a fraction more, but im fed up with the derailer system, which I believe is a hangover from the roadbike.
Sick of broken rear derailers and snapped hangers. When a stick goes thru the derailer and into the spokes, theres usually only one outcome. Snapped derailer.

All mountain/light freeride use.
open for comments

[Misplaced]

Hi Wal,

Unfortunately the internal hubs Shimano have released cant handle the loads and knocks of MTBing, hence not promoting them for any use other than touring and cruisers.

The only current internal gear hub that can stand up to the task is the Rohloff, which is very XXXXy and as you pointed out, heavy.

I'd say we have another few years or so until one of the big S' bring out a hub for the MTB masses, until then, they wont be cutting off their revenue lifeblood from consumables ( Cassettes, chains and mechs).

[wal]

Ive been told otherwise, with the abuse side of things.

Im yet to find a user who would not recomend them.
Rohloff is overpriced but Alfine is much better value, even if it saves me just 1 derailer per year.

[dave]

Yeah, i'm pretty sure that Alfine has been used on MTB's with reasonable success.

Charge do a stock Alfine equipped hardtail, which is definately designed for off road use.

Have a look at RotorBurn for a few threads on there discussing the Alfine, though i think mainly for commuting.

I'm definately interested, but havent got the coin, or right frameset to try an internal mtb setup.

Sure does make lots of sense.

[wal]

I plan to use it on a 6 inch dual suspension, with the aim of getting a hammershmidt cranks one day.

[TrailPig]

Sounds interesting, how much for the shimano hub?

[wal]

Sounds interesting, how much for the shimano hub?

Ive been quoted aprox $350, including grip shifters + tensioner.
However a special deal put the whole lot about 15% off.

[ackoblaster]

Sounds interesting, how much for the shimano hub?

Here you go piggy...
you can do the math...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=alfine

[BOMA]

...

11 speed alfine to be released later this year with over 400% spread rather than the current 300 odd...

Singletrack actually have a head to head on the rohlhoff and alfine in this month's edition.

check singletrackworld - lots of folks over there running them in the current winter of snow and mud!

[wal]

11 speed Alfine later this year?
I dont know If I can wait that long. But Ill look into it.

The nexus gripshifters is what im planning on using for shifters. It has the same actuation as Alfine shifters.
I can get away with only 8 rear gears on my home turf trails. I imagine its just a matter of choosing the right spockets for the front and rear to get the best fit ratio of gearing for my favourite trails.

[singlespeeder]

It will work fine, however. they tend to explode internally if you put to much load thru them . So make sure you don't run to low a 1 st gear.

Also repack the bearings and run some Slick 50 inside it to make it last a little longer.

[BOMA]

http://www.singletrackworld.com/2010/02 ... eared-hub/

might be of interest...

[fritman]

More reading material for you

http://twentynineinches.com/2010/02/04/ ... g-or-hype/

[rodman]

there's a good section on mtbr forums on IGH's.. i plan on running an alfine in a cyclocross frame when i come home for a do it all commuter.

[TrailPig]

What about the SRAM i-Motion 9?

[wal]

Can you throw some info my way?
I havent heard much about it at all.

[singlespeeder]

http://www.sram-imotion.com/us/html/navigation_us.html

[wal]

SRAM i-motion9 looks good.
Gearing range is better than Alfine, but less than Rolloffe.
Heavier than Alfine by over 400 grams.

Havent found a price yet.!

[TrailPig]

It looks like it takes a standard disc as well.

[wal]

A reply from SRAM about the i-motion9
-----------------------------------------------

Hello John-

In Australia your local bike shop can order this hub from Monza Imports, their distributor. The i-Motion internal geared hubs are unfortunately not rated for off road/mountain biking usage. Off road riding with these hubs would place undue and non-intended stresses on the internals. Also, the weight of the hub is not ideal for a mountain biking application. Hence, it is placed it in it's own "comfort" category, as it is intended for on-road, with comfort bike gearing.

Regards,
Tim Jones
SRAM Dealer Service USA
800.346.2928
www.sram.com