Commuting - Shimano Nexus 8?

Anyone got any idea when the Nexus 8's will be available? Any conjecture how on how much they may cost? I've seen the new trigger shifter... its not quite the same as the old one - sadly I like the old one better, but at least there is still a trigger shifter as opposed to just a twister (I also hear there will be an STI/lever for drop bars with the sport edition, but I assume there will be no V-brake version of that). I was going to get a 7, but read just recently that Shimano announced the 8's - lighter and more efficient, so I might as well wait... I look at the frame-to-be sitting next to my desk everyday and imagine it with a full compliment of components. But until that day, I shall ride the SS beater.

I saw a Nexus 8 on a new '04 Bianchi Milano in one of my local bike shops earlier today, so they should currently be available. The casing is a little larger and differently shaped than the Nexus 7; the model I saw had a cable operated drum brake which seemed to work better than the cable operated roller brake in my Nexus 7 hub. The shop owner said the low gear is 17% lower and the high gear 17% higher than the corresponding low and high gears in the Nexus 7.

I think the Nexus 7 hubs had a choice of cable operated roller brake, coaster brake, or no brake (v-brake instead); I'm not sure about the 8.

I know that you've already got a frame your planning on building your bike with, but I was just surfing around for info, and see that in addition to Bianchi, Cannondale, Giant, Trek, Electra and others are all using this hub already; Cannondale has now entered the fully equipped commuter bike market with a Nexus 8 equipped bike, but for some reason it's also still got a derailleur hanger on it?

Pics of bikes w/ Nexus 8:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4SS3K.html
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2004&bikesection=8808
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-3.html

Pics of shifters and hub:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html

Shimano is releasing two versions of the Nexus 8, a Standard and a Sport. They both offer some real advantages over the 7 including better seals and reduced drag. But the Standard is quite a bit heavier than the existing 7 speed. The Sport will be a much better contender in the weight category. As for production bikes on the floor, my understanding is that only the Standard (heavier) model is in production. If weight is a concern, scrutinize the bike carefully to see whether it is stocked with the Standard or Sport version. I think the Sports will be available in late spring '04. (see Shimano-Europe website for more...)

Hmmm, guess I could just buy a bike with the 8 on it and take it off... but, I don't think that's such a marvelous idea.

>>>>>They both offer some real advantages over the 7 including better seals and reduced drag. <<<<

The drag is for real on the Nexus 7. I was really looking forward to the Nexus 8 until someone said it was heavier! I'm not sure now if I want to move to the 8 if that's the case.

Well, I think the sport will be lighter, maybe as heavy as the 7? But, who knows when THAT one will be available since there's no clue when the standard version will even be available to purchase seperately. I wish Shimano would put some useful information on their website(s).. or in the case of the North America - ANY useful information besides XTR and XT stuff. The standard might be alright for me though - commuting and maybe some longer distances... (the way I see it, if some old guy could go half way across the US on a single speed cruiser and the old Civil War platoon could go 1/4 the way on 75 pound single speeds, I can go anywhere on a 30-50 pound 8 speed)... but would still be nice to see how much a sport would cost... heck, even how much the standard will cost... but the wait.. oh the agonizing wait of an undeterminable time.

>>>>>the way I see it, if some old guy could go half way across the US on a single speed cruiser and the old Civil War platoon could go 1/4 the way on 75 pound single speeds<<<<

Do you have the link to these stories? I thought the Civil War was before the safty bicycle?

I wish there were more bikes other than those heavy cruisers that use the Nexus 3 speed. Alright so there are the Breezers but they are but the few who use the 7.

The Nexus 3 speed is light and the friction is less in direct drive (2nd gear) than the Nexus direct drive (4th gear). Since my town is basically flat, I can use either one but prefer the 3 speed because it's lighter.

The second problem with hub gears besides the weight is cog wear. Since you basically use one cog all the time, it wears out faster than a bike with a full cassette.

I saw a Nexus 8 on a new '04 Bianchi Milano in one of my local bike shops earlier today, so they should currently be available. The casing is a little larger and differently shaped than the Nexus 7; the model I saw had a cable operated drum brake which seemed to work better than the cable operated roller brake in my Nexus 7 hub. The shop owner said the low gear is 17% lower and the high gear 17% higher than the corresponding low and high gears in the Nexus 7.

I think the Nexus 7 hubs had a choice of cable operated roller brake, coaster brake, or no brake (v-brake instead); I'm not sure about the 8.

I know that you've already got a frame your planning on building your bike with, but I was just surfing around for info, and see that in addition to Bianchi, Cannondale, Giant, Trek, Electra and others are all using this hub already; Cannondale has now entered the fully equipped commuter bike market with a Nexus 8 equipped bike, but for some reason it's also still got a derailleur hanger on it?

Pics of bikes w/ Nexus 8:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4SS3K.html
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2004&bikesection=8808
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-3.html

Pics of shifters and hub:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html


Thanks for the links. The Cannondale is a nice looking machine. As for the deraillur hanger: from the Cannondale web site Rear Derailleur ( Bottle opener rear derailleur hanger )

Here's another bike with the Nexxus 7, although I think the Country Road Bob with the Nexxus hub would be cooler, this one would do with a bar swap...

http://www.vandesselsports.com/b_st_X7.shtml

I
Pics of bikes w/ Nexus 8:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4SS3K.html
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2004&bikesection=8808
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-3.html

Pics of shifters and hub:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-2.html

FYI, looks like the cannondale and giant bikes may only be sold in Europe. Trek will have two 2004 commuter models for sale via it's USA dealers. Finally! Here are two links to the bikes, they have the newer Nexus 8.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/l300.jsp
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/l200.jsp

Mark

There's actually a book on the Iron Men, but here's a quick link: http://cliffhanger76.tripod.com/bikewest/1897/

As for the bottle opener Cannondale, sounds a lot like Surly thinking... I have a 1x1 frame that I want to use the Nexus 8 on... the tensioner for the drop out that Surly sells doubles as a bottle opener which I plan on using because... uhhh, I like beer... and stuff.

Figures about the Cannondales and whatnots only being sold in Europe... The Trek's are nice, I'm a fan of the gear case... but dang it... why can't they get a little creative and do more with the 8 speed hub than make that ugly upright'esque bike... or just not make it so dern ugly! I plan on using drop bars on the 1x1 with 26" wheels and a minoura to mount the trigger, computer and lights... blah blah blah... I just wish there was a date of availability for the hub!

$himaNO NO NO NO!!!!

Rohloff! Ahhhhh :)

Whooo! Rohlogff's for everyone on Simon Ed!

T'would be nice to have that kind of cash to dispense... especially on a commuter bike... alas, I do not.



$himaNO NO NO NO!!!!

Rohloff! Ahhhhh :)

Me either dude, but I would rather shoot for the stars than a public toilet :) Have you though about the Sturmey Archer 8spd?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-show/pages/30-sa-8speed-r.html


5 mins later, dons his asbestos suit :) LOL

Robert,
Joking aside, have a look at this

http://www.cyclingforums.com/t50517.html

Since you are in the US and parts (should you need them) will be readily available, Looks like the SRAM does a good job.

If it was up to me I would go with Sturmey first (I'm a Limey) Then SRAM and finally if all else failed $himaNO. Of course, the Rohloff would be above all and patriotism be damned if I had the dosh :)

>>>>If it was up to me I would go with Sturmey first (I'm a Limey) Then SRAM and finally if all else failed $himaNO. Of course, the Rohloff would be above all and patriotism be damned if I had the dosh <<<<<

Sturmey - Cheap hub, not easy to adjust after removing the rear wheel. You do get used to doing it after a while but it can be a monster the first time you get a flat and have to fix it.

Sram - A more Expensive hub. Easier way to adjust after removing the rear wheel. The attachment sticks out and can get knocked off.

Shimano - Less expensive than Sram but just as easy to adjust. No attachment sticks out from the rear wheel.

The SRAM hub sticky-outy bit is a click-box. It is a removable, replaceble indexing system, which means that wheel changing is easier.
Is there any good solution for removing a Shimano Nexus hub? I gather you have to unbolt the cable clamp. Can you get one of those in-line cable splitters as fitted to Moultons and S+S coupled bikes?

The Sturmey Archer hubs can be ordered from Persons-Majestic. My wife has two bikes with Sram hubs, they do seem to work a bit smoother than the Shimano hubs, and Sram makes schematics and DIY repair info available, which Shimano does not.

Sturmey Archer hubs on the web:
http://www.permaco.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/hubs.html?L+scstore+bthn6269ff398b39+1088187343

The SRAM does not fit on my frame - that fisher price external click box is no good on the outside of the stay... I have recessed track ends - so unless I hack saw my frame - the click box won't fit... and I don't like the idea of having that flimsy thing hanging in the breeze like that... it really does seem quite flimsy. I'll look into S/A -- I'm not quite sure why everyone is poo-poo'ing the Shimano Nexus 8 as it isn't even available yet and I've heard bad things about S/A's 8 - I didn't even think it was available anymore... but I'll look into it again - anyway - the SRAM is out.

This has been a very educational thread. Muchas gracias to all of you.

Shimano-europe online has posted more detailed information on the Nexus 8- its all in frames so no dice on posting a link - or at least, I don't feel like working it... but you can go to http://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/ and to catalogue and search for Nexus 8 and up comes the page... they have the standard and the premium listed (200 grams lighter)... so far though they don't have any shifter pods listed -- only shifter/lever combo's... I certainly hope they'll have some shifter pods available... otherwise I'd just have to hacksaw off the lever I reckon - either way it'll need a black paint job - that silver plastic look ain't so hot... anyway, now its still just up to them to ship product... I'd be really interested in knowing the price of the standard vs. the premium...

still anxiously waiting...

Robert,
Do you want me to ask my guy at the LBS at to whether he can source you the hub you want whilst you cant find it locally?

The Van Dessel Bicycle look very tempting. Good prices.

FYI- I contacted some little bike shop in Germany or somewhere and they say Shimano Nexus Inter-8R sports hubs in April/May. Anyone else heard anything? Heh... yeah yeah... eagerly waiting.

FYI- I contacted some little bike shop in Germany or somewhere and they say Shimano Nexus Inter-8R sports hubs in April/May. Anyone else heard anything? Heh... yeah yeah... eagerly waiting.

Should be available US as a seperate component, Europe in the Spring-that's consistent with your info.