Shimano Alfine hub

[sendoodoo]

Just wondering if anyone has been using the new Shimano Alfine 8spd. rear hub on their bike?  If so how long?  Any issues?

I have one and have ridden it on about 15 good XC rides here in Flagstaff and it has been great.  Curious about using it on a trip and it reliability from someone else's experience. 

[Rob]

Do you know if there is a minimum allowable front chainring count(so as to not transfer too much torque into it)? My thinking is to use a Truvativ Hammerschmidt crankset/transmission, this way you could get a wider range of gears and some really low gears.

[Andrew]

I don't know much about them yet, but I am really interested in putting one on my s.s. for longer trips.

[John G]

Do you know if there is a minimum allowable front chainring count(so as to not transfer too much torque into it)?

That is also my question.  I think the photo of the whole group in the manual shows a 33t on one of the cranks.  There is a thread on MTBr about them, and some folks are running 32 fronts.

[sendoodoo]

I am using an SLX crank with stock 32t middle ring and it is working great.  Only time the gear runs out is on road descents.  I could see using a 30t in front if carrying more weight in steep terrain.

[WillyK]

Do you know if there is a minimum allowable front chainring count(so as to not transfer too much torque into it)?

I called Shimano tech about this, they said there is no minimun chainring size to be used with the Alfine (pronounced Al-finney) hub. I even told him it might be going on a mountain bike loaded for touring. He said it wouldn't break anything in the hub. I guess only time will tell.

I wonder how well sealed they are?

[Rob]

Nice!

Now I wonder about running it with a belt drive...too bad no belt drive for the Hammerschmidt...

[chuckc1971]

My thinking is to use a Truvativ Hammerschmidt crankset/transmission, this way you could get a wider range of gears and some really low gears.

Had that same idea, but you have to remember that the Hammerscmidt is engineered to mount to frames with ISCG 03 or ISCG 05 chain guide mounting tabs.

http://magicmechanics.com/hammerschmidt/download/HammerSchmidt_UserManual.pdf

So, you may need to chat with a custom frame builder to get what you want.

If you want to keep your same bike, but enjoy the same benefits of the Hammerschmidt, you might want to look into the Schlumpf 2 speed drive:

http://www.schlumpf.ch/antriebe_engl.htm

There is also a Schlump made for an EBB and/or with a belt drive. However, most of the reports from Interbike and mtbr.com indicate there are still plenty of issues with the belt drive on off-road applications. Belt noise, slippage and breakage are still problems.

[Guitar Ted]

Just throwing this out there, but Nuvinci recommends their constantly variable geared rear hub for off roading, as long as it is XC/Trail usage. They also warrant it for 5 years. the rep I talked to at I-Bike said that  they have a guy mountain biking with one and there has been no issues. They also support belt drive. I didn't ask about minimum chain ring size, unfortunately.

It sounds like a great option except that it weighs a ton!

[chuckc1971]

I wish one of these drive systems was mounted in place of the bottom bracket vs. the rear hub. That way, you wouldn't have the the bike tail heavy like a volkswagen.

The only one I have seen like this was a Honda downhill mountain bike back more than a few years ago.

[neve_r_est]

Just put a dyno on the front, that'll ballance it right out 

I've got a Rohloff, new Sturmey 8sp, and a Nuvinci, and I've played with the Slumpf drive. They all have the same downfalls: weight, can't shift under load, feels like your "pedalling under water" in the low ranges (and occasionally in the middle and high ranges). And the same advantages: minimal maintainence, fewer parts to rip off, and you can shift while stopped. I'd be curious if the Alfine is any different.

I've got about 2000miles on the Rohloff and it's just starting to break in, I think it'll out last me.
The Sturmey is in a 20" wheel and seem well enough, but I hear they explode when used in large wheels offroad.
The Nuvinci I've been beating on for a few months on my motored Xtracycle commuter (http://picasaweb.google.com/neverest1979/OrganicHybrid#), and I don't know what you'd have to do to kill that thing. However they don't function well below 30degrees(the traction oil lets the cones slip), they weigh EIGHT POUNDS!, and they're hard to gauge your output with without the shift detents and all(really weird).

The efficiency of the derailer system is really hard to beat. On the other hand if you're a single speeder at heart and have a tendancy to rip things off your bike, yes, gearhubs all the way. I'm so torn.

DG

[moosevt]

There is proof that the Alfine8 IGH is a viable choice for the TD. I am going to attempt the TD in '12 and will be running the 8 speed or maybe even the 11 speed. I am also considering pairing it with the Hammerschmidt. The other option I am thinking of is belt drive. I think that there will be two bikes on the TD this year. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[ruthslp]

i have ridden on one for a few years with pannier pack weight (winter camping gear) on the bike, but easier terrain than typical XC. no problems so far.

[DoctorRad]

Apparently, the Hammerschmidt drags really badly in the high gear:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/09/09/review-truvativ-hammerschmidt-a/

[moosevt]

Apparently, the Hammerschmidt drags really badly in the high gear:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/09/09/review-truvativ-hammerschmidt-a/

I would have to say that you wouldn't notice any more drag on the Hammerschmidt than you do with an IGH. If you run the Alfine 11 you would probably be fine with nothing more than a 1x. That's alot more gears that a SS'er.