I have a great soccer mom setup in my basement right now, a Giant Lite electric with an Xtracycle. It has one problem, the SRAM P5 internal geared hub that came with the bike won't shift when spaced to 135 on the X. I've been scrounging the web for a killer deal on a Nexus 7 or 8, but can't get to a full build for less than $250 (shifter, hub, wheel build). While I continue to bottom feed for a better setup, my LBS has a box of Nexus 4 hubs built on 26" wheels that they'll sell me for $40 each. I can get a shifter for about $20 or so, and figure this would be great for a MTB commuter build later.

This particular bike needs a single speed chain due to the electric drive chainring width, and an internal will work best for the loaded stop and go. I calculated the gear range at 44 - 81 gear inches, which seems reasonable for our relatively flat neighborhood, plus, the electric assist will help on the low end for the few big hills that it might occasionally take when loaded.

Before I pull the trigger, I'm curious if anyone has had any bad experiences with a Nexus 4 under load (assume I'll keep the cable alignment in order, I use a Nexus 8 for winter), I would rather avoid a breakdown call from a stranded mom.

Legot,
I've not tried the Nexus hubs on the XtraLite yet.
I do know that none of the SRAM's and none of the S-A's I tried held up.

--A

Probably not the best choice. They were mostly made for cruisers and based upon the same design as the Current Nexus 3spd. I had the 3spd and never had any problems commuting with it for over a year. For 60 bucks it would be worth a try.

Check with BAH (here on BF). He has several Electra's Xtracycles with 3 or 4spd hubs.
Here is his website. http://www.bikerubbish.com/

The raito's in the Nexus 4 is all wrong for any sort of hauling.
There is one "low" and 3 "high's" or "overdrive". Not so good.

That's also why the dealer has "a bunch" of wheels/hubs to sell.
The 4speed is great on the flat but where can you find 100%
flat roads all the time????

The Nexus 4 is fantastic for small wheel bikes, but for big wheels, you're going to need a big sprocket. 1st is 1:1, and it all goes up from there.

The Nexus 4 is fantastic for small wheel bikes, but for big wheels, you're going to need a big sprocket. 1st is 1:1, and it all goes up from there.

1:1 sounds much worse than 44 gear inches, and the old hub low gear is 28, which is much lower. I think I'll have too keep looking since I can only go one tooth bigger on the sprocket, which doesn't change much.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll keep looking for a 7 or 8.

If you can, save up for the NuNinci. It's a perfect match for the XtraLite, even better than the Rohloff I had on there.

1:1 sounds much worse than 44 gear inches, and the old hub low gear is 28, which is much lower. I think I'll have too keep looking since I can only go one tooth bigger on the sprocket, which doesn't change much.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll keep looking for a 7 or 8.

Worth throwing any ideas you have through Sheldon's internal gear calculator - hubs really vary. The Sturmey Archer 8 speed does the same thing, starting at 1:1. It's great news for those of us who want 16" wheeled bikes to go fast, but they're not always the best choice for other projects. I only found this stuff out when I started investigating how to do stupid things to my Moulton Mini!

I laced a S-A 8 I acquired horse trading, with the LBS, to my Xtracycle last year. I over torqued it and ruined it in short order. It's not meant to be used in a utility fashion.

If you happen to horse trade another of those, Allen, and want to find it a new home, I'll be interested.

Instead of a 7 or 8 speed why not use a nexus 3 sp with small 23 tooth chainring?

Worksman industrial bike ,ment for HEAVY hauling, only offer the 3sp on their work bikes.

I have a Worksman PAV 3sp trike ,which has a load rating of 500+ pounds, and I can tell
you that with the large trunk I have mounted on it the 3sp will take the load easily. I've
hauled 300# of bird seed and my 300# butt with this trike in low gear for two miles to
my home. It was work but the bike didn't fail me. In fact, none of the 3sp's I owned ,over
the years, every failed me inspite of youthful abuse.

That said, the Nexus 3sp doesn't have the gee whizz zip or flash of the 7/8 speeds but they
are well known for their work reliablity and toughness.

Remember, you DON'T want to overdrive your brakes when loaded!!

Give it a thought.........

If you happen to horse trade another of those, Allen, and want to find it a new home, I'll be interested.

Next time I see one, I'll see what I can do.

If you can, save up for the NuNinci. It's a perfect match for the XtraLite, even better than the Rohloff I had on there.

+1. I really like the NuVinci on my Xtracycle. I have a Nexus-4 that I've tried in various configurations and never liked very much. It is ideal for 16" wheels. I don't know if it can handle the weight of an Xtracycle. Getting the Nexus-4 cable adjusted correctly is not easy.

Next time I see one, I'll see what I can do.

If you should happen to succeed, I'd be immensely grateful.