Internal Speedhubs!

[Victorian]

I took the plunge today!

For many years already I had my eyes on a Rohloff internal speedhub. The price was (and still is) a major issue... $1800!
http://www.rohloff.de/en/products/speedhub/

For the last couple of weeks I was getting together a wish list for my future touring bike. For that, a speedhub is a must! So far I have settled down on a custom made frame from http://timetogetnaked.com/index.php/gallery/special-projects/ racks from Tubus, Shimano disk brakes and Schwalbe tires.

The hole project will be done within the next 6 months. I want that bike to be perfect and outfitted with parts I really want without cutting corners....

Anyhow, today I went to my bike store, had a closer look at the Rohloff seeing the pricetag was not just small shock! Just too far out of my range... After all, I don't want to be riding a $10.000 bike...

Another option was the new Shimano Alfine 11 http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/first-look-shimano-alfine-11-speed-hub-gear-24930

Not much to read about it on the web as it was only introduced to the market a couple of months ago. But never the less, my dealer had 5 in stock! So I ordered a 36 spoke, black set up!

As I don't have my new frame yet, I will have it installed into my mountain bike and if everything goes well, I will get the bike back by tomorrow!!!

I can't wait to go out and give it a shake down :wings:

As for the actual touring bike build: I will slowly source my parts and put it together bit by bit.

Please stay tuned!

Andreas

 

[Victorian]

Anyone else running a speedhub ?

 

[Christophe Noel]

I used a Speedhub for a couple seasons on a bike I used mostly to guide MTB trips in Europe and Africa. It did what it was designed to do. I can't say it was better than a traditional derailleur set up for my needs. I think it really depends on your needs for your travel machine. For some people, it's just the ticket.

 

[Victorian]

First ride and impression:

1. super smooth shifting, no matter if under load or at a stand still
2. no noise from it at all!
3 the gear range needs time to get used to. The higher gears are very high in my mind and not that useful on a mountain bike but could come handy while touring. The lower gears are maybe not quiet low enough for steep climbs... I may have to put a bigger sprocket on.
4. Price: Not cheap, but because I ordered a complete rear wheel, set up for disk brakes and V-brakes, I can also use it for my existing touring bike till I get the new custom tourer. Including a new chain,new rim, spokes, new single chain ring set up, chain tensioner, hand control unit and install it came out at just under $1200.

Sorry, no pictures yet...

Andreas

 

[Victorian]

Alright, here are a couple of pics :sombrero:

 

[kmacafee]

Alfine vs Rohloff

The Rohloff has one huge advantage over the Alfine -- ease of wheel removal. Up here in Minnesota, many of our customers ride the Alfine hubs in the winter and they always seem to get a flat in the cold and dark. Removing one by the side of the road is much like eating soup in the rain -- it can be done but is an exercise in frustration. Difficult to do with cold hands or in less than ideal outdoor conditions.

The 8 speed Alfines are very reliable for normal conditions but reliability has been in issue in extreme and/or dusty conditions. The 11 speed Alfines have been improved so will hopefully not have the same problems.

As someone who has ridden and worked on most of the internal hubs out there, the Rohloff would be mu choice -- certainly for an adventure bike.

Kevin :bike_rider:

 

[Christophe Noel]

The 8 speed Alfines are very reliable for normal conditions but reliability has been in issue in extreme and/or dusty conditions. The 11 speed Alfines have been improved so will hopefully not have the same problems.Kevin :bike_rider:

I tried one of the first 8 speed Alfines for use on a backcountry mtb rig and while it never outright failed, it was on it's way there. As you said, they did make good efforts to beef up the newer system.

The one thing I could never get used to with my Speedhub was the weight. It truly is a chunk.

 

[kmacafee]

Chunk indeed

At one point, we compared and measured a Rohloff drive train with a 9 speed cassette, rear derailleur set up. While the Rohloff was still heavier, not by as much as we thought. But it is rolling weight.

Cheers

Kevin

 

[Victorian]

I would have loved to buy the Rohloff... But the speedhub is not the only part I'm planing of buying... Therefore I had to make that call. And as you guys said, the new Alfine11 should be better than the 8 speed version.

I will take it out for some trail riding next weekend and will let you guys know how it went.

 

[Victorian]

ARRRRGGGGGGG! Still too busy and/or crappy weather to go out for a ride... Hopefully tomorrow...

 

[kntr]

I tried a Rohloff and loved it. I wish they made it in a 150mm.

I have a Hammerschmidt on both my bikes. My wife runs one on hers too. The HS rocks.

 

[Victorian]

Alright, here is the scoop:

1: I love it! :victory:
2: Instant, smooth gear changes no matter on the situation!
3: Quiet! No rattling chain, silent gear changes.
4: Able to shift in between "situations" where otherwise you would have been stuck in the same gear.

Other thoughts:
Lowest gear is alright but wouldn't mind a lower ration on steep long climbs. Have to put some research in and find out what my option are without trashing the gears.

So far so good and I'm VERY happy with this set up!