http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Tag: Alfine hub gears - Recent Topics en Wed, 13 May 2026 05:53:04 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13256#post-161530 Fri, 08 Aug 2014 13:53:37 +0000 Baldcyclist 161530@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Still in search of the 'perfect' commuter, this year was the new frame, building my first wheel which was of the touring variety, and later this year I'll be building a dyno front wheel, and santa might bring me a Brooks for my birthday.</p> <p>So far, I seem to have managed to build a bike that weighs an absolute ton, but to be fair only 'costs' me 6 to 10 minutes in 22 miles, and it is so comfy the cost is actually worth it.</p> <p>I think I have persuaded myself that changing to hub gears will make that 'perfect' commuter a reality. Less maintenance will hopefully be the end result, and a cleaner look may just be an incidental bonus.</p> <p>I have no real experience of hub gears other than on my Pashley - 5sp Sturmey Archer which I don't particularly like, but interestingly hasn't yet put me off... I've heard that the Shimano Alfine hubs are pretty good, and reckon that's what I'll go with, so.</p> <p>There are 8 speed, and 11 speed versions available, does anyone have experience of both, and is the 11 speed worth the extra £100?</p> <p>And, what about Di2? The components seem to be similarly priced, but the cables, battery, and charger will set you back about £170. Is Di2 proven yet, would it stand up to 7000 miles a year in all weathers, and being left outside, not sure? Is it worth a £170 premium over mechanical Alfine?</p> <p>Am I just bonkers, should I stick to a derailleur system, easier to maintain, and put up with the need to replace something on the system every 3 months? Views.... </p>