I had a Shimano SG-8R20 eight-speed (free-wheel version, no brake) on my winter bike. It worked well enough for a few months, but after about 3,900 km/2,400 miles it developed nasty noises and mechanical losses, and almost stopped being a free-wheeling hub. According to Shimano, the service interval should be 5,000 km or one year. I suspect that there is a very good reason for the premium price on the Rohloff.
Last edited by Lotum; 09-26-06 at 01:35 PM.