I was just looking at the specs again ... the flanges are symmetric such that the rear wheel is dishless?

At least, that is what it looks like here (http://www.fallbrooktech.com/docs/Datasheet_N171B_030108.pdf) ...

Also comes with a disc brake option ...

The only thing that makes me hesitate is its weight. No one has ever called me a weight weenie -- at least not seriously -- but there are times I would like to ride the bike for recreational purposes; i.e., picnic basket + blanket, riding with some slower buds and providing SAG, and so on. Maybe it is just a simple predjudice that I can't get my mind around ... but a reported 11 pounds seems relatively heavy compared to the alternatives. :twitchy:

I guess a 40-pound bike really isn't that different from a 35-pound bike. :D

What are the best prices out there? I find $400 with a quick web search.

I think that the electric assist (Allen G, is that a StokeMonkey?) will do more to stress a hub than the extra torque from these drivetrains

It's THIS ( http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/XtraLite/XL1.jpg), a Giant Twist/Lite. The electrics are made by Panasonic, 350 watt motor, NiMH battery, and no throttle. There is a pressure sensor (of sorts) in the bottom bracket; the harder you step on the pedals, the more juice from the motor.
After about 16 mph (with the hub in it's tallest gear{range}) the motor slacks off, and if you want to go faster than that you have to do so with muscle alone.

Yep, 400 pounds, four bags @ 50 lbs each on either side of the wide loaders, and band straps holding them up and on. Normally my battery is good for about 20-25 miles, I carried my spare with me, popped it in right before I left the nursery and it was all but flat by the time I got home.

My Xtracycle creeks and rattles more than I do now. I've gotten more than my money's worth out of my Xtracycle and Giant, but they are well on the way to being ridden into the ground.

The only thing that makes me hesitate is its weight. No one has ever called me a weight weenie -- at least not seriously -- but there are times I would like to ride the bike for recreational purposes; i.e., picnic basket + blanket, riding with some slower buds and providing SAG, and so on. Maybe it is just a simple predjudice that I can't get my mind around ... but a reported 11 pounds seems relatively heavy compared to the alternatives. :twitchy:

I guess a 40-pound bike really isn't that different from a 35-pound bike. :D


Yes, I've been thinking about an IGH for my next bike, but as it's primarily going to be a commuter with maybe some short tours, I pretty much ruled out the Nuvinci based on weight. But if I were building up something as a serious utility bike, I don't think the weight would bother me. I figure anytime I'm not loaded up with crap the bike is going to seem lighter, whether I have a ten pound hub or not.

Wow, it is quite heavy: around 4300g, or 9.5 lbs, according to this PDF (http://www.fallbrooktech.com/NuVinci_Experience.pdf) from the Fallbrook Technologies website. That does give one pause for thought.

Of course, if you're going with electric assist, you're going full "supertanker" anyways so it's probably not as much of an issue.

But for a purely human powered rig, one has to wonder if the Rohloff (at 1700-1800g / 4 lbs.) or the Nexus 8 (at 1600g / 3.5 lbs.) doesn't start to sound a bit more appealing. Or even a typical derailleur setup which I guess runs around 1300-1400g / 3 lbs.

I'd be interested to know how many Nexus 8s have been destroyed in purely human powered (not electric assist), on-road cargo applications, i.e. on bakfiets and similar. For some reason (wishful thinking?) I suspect it's not too many ;)

Steve

The published weight of 9.5 lbs is for the original version of the hub, the 07 model, that is. For 08, the shell has been machined a bit more and the weight is down (!) to 8 lbs. To someone used to comapring weights of bicycle components, this seems astronomically heavy, but this is all a matter of perspective. First, this is a Utility Cycling thread, right? We are all here because we are planning to actually use the bikes to haul stuff. When you head to the grocery store, you don't pick up a bag of flour, read the label and say to yourself "Ten pounds - no way, I can't carry that." You don't go to the hardware store and choose a ladder based on its weight. The question is not simply how much something weighs, but what that weight does for you. In this case, it gives you a hub that will hold up to the worst abuse that I and Allen G (in our selfless efforts to test things for everyone) have been able to dish out, while allowing you to fine tune your gear ratio under any conditions, for about 1/3 the price of the Rohloff. It is definitely not for everyone, but for me, the function and durability more than justify the weight. Look here for another impression of one on a bike which is normal and light enough for the weight to be more of an issue: [B]http://tinyurl.com/3lgur3 The Bike Commuter boys actually have several posts about it, if you browse around in there. Second, it is important to remember that bikes roll. As Utility cyclists, most of us probably do very little carrying of our bikes anyway, and we should be in the vanguard of the shift in attitude about bike weight that is beginning to happen here: http://tinyurl.com/5o3ook Wheels make it easy. Oh, yes, I almost forgot: it is indeed a symmetrical hub, so the wheel winds up being very strong. Cheers!

I don't disagree with you Val ... I think you have excellent points. Just not too sure whether the Nuvinci is the best fit for my purposes.

Then again, I have time to think about it!

I am thinking of doing something to the gearing of my longtail. Did 40 km on it today, me, my 26 kg dog (he was riding with me for approx 20 km) plus some chlotes. This is what I normally carry.

I find it difficult to get a good chainline with a normal 3 x 7 setup. Also I worry the rear wheel is not strong enough, I am afraid spokes is going to start breaking.

I`we got a Shimano 7 wheel lying around I could use, but worry since I read that they can break.

Also I am thinking of using a 3 speed hub with 2 rear chainwheels (and a shifter for it), and 3 in front. That should be 3 x 2 x 3 = 18, did not look into range and overlap yet. Somebody said three speed hubs are much stronger than 7 and 8 gearhubs. Anyone tryed this? Suggestions?

Also I am thinking of using a 3 speed hub with 2 rear chainwheels (and a shifter for it), and 3 in front. That should be 3 x 2 x 3 = 18, did not look into range and overlap yet. Somebody said three speed hubs are much stronger than 7 and 8 gearhubs. Anyone tryed this? Suggestions?

yuk

I like the inchworm;);)

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/NuVinci/Shifter.gif[/QUOTE]

If I still hit the weed, I could see myself burning a fat hunk of cheeba and staring at that for an hour or three...

I am thinking of doing something to the gearing of my longtail. Did 40 km on it today, me, my 26 kg dog (he was riding with me for approx 20 km) plus some chlotes. This is what I normally carry.

I find it difficult to get a good chainline with a normal 3 x 7 setup. Also I worry the rear wheel is not strong enough, I am afraid spokes is going to start breaking.

I`we got a Shimano 7 wheel lying around I could use, but worry since I read that they can break.

Also I am thinking of using a 3 speed hub with 2 rear chainwheels (and a shifter for it), and 3 in front. That should be 3 x 2 x 3 = 18, did not look into range and overlap yet. Somebody said three speed hubs are much stronger than 7 and 8 gearhubs. Anyone tryed this? Suggestions?

By the time you are done, I think you would have come out cheeper and easier to just use a NuVinci, or a Nexus. I also expect you would have considerable gear overlap.

One of the (IMO great) advantages of an internal hub is the less wear and tear on the drive train compared to a derailer system. A derailer's chain is good for 2K-ish miles, I've gotten as many as 8K miles before my Salsa's chain was stretched enough to be changed. An IHG's cog and chain ring will last longer as well because of the straight chain line too.

If I still hit the weed, I could see myself burning a fat hunk of cheeba and staring at that for an hour or three...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zBsxqQIu_5s&feature=related
^^^
When you decide to fall of the wagon, that's funnier.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zBsxqQIu_5s&feature=related
^^^
When you decide to fall of the wagon, that's funnier.

Mmhmm...Good pick, AllenG. This is another trippy one (turn up your sound):

http://www.zannel.com/viewupdate.htm?id=RKJ3SJ6DH3

By the time you are done, I think you would have come out cheeper and easier to just use a NuVinci, or a Nexus. I also expect you would have considerable gear overlap.

Price is not an issue, got all the parts I need lying around. I worry about the end result, if it is strong enough and giving the gears I need and running smooth.

One of the (IMO great) advantages of an internal hub is the less wear and tear on the drive train compared to a derailer system. A derailer's chain is good for 2K-ish miles, I've gotten as many as 8K miles before my Salsa's chain was stretched enough to be changed. An IHG's cog and chain ring will last longer as well because of the straight chain line too.

My worry on the present setup is I think the chain is rubbing in some of the gear combo`s. That means breaking MUCh faster than any other setup. Buying a new chain is not my main worry, but the chain breaking on the road. I`d hate that since my trips is getting longer and longer. I think I am going to try the Nexus. Easyest solution.

I like some troubel,but not too much:D

Sixty Fiver did this http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=398693 on a R20. He stayed with one chainring in front, but then a R20 has got a much shorter chain. I am sure that two rings in the front is plenty enough. The "granny" would not be used.

The way I ride i am not looking for a lot of close gears but a wide range of them.

The published weight of 9.5 lbs is for the original version of the hub, the 07 model, that is. For 08, the shell has been machined a bit more and the weight is down (!) to 8 lbs. To someone used to comapring weights of bicycle components, this seems astronomically heavy, but this is all a matter of perspective. First, this is a Utility Cycling thread, right? We are all here because we are planning to actually use the bikes to haul stuff. When you head to the grocery store, you don't pick up a bag of flour, read the label and say to yourself "Ten pounds - no way, I can't carry that." You don't go to the hardware store and choose a ladder based on its weight. The question is not simply how much something weighs, but what that weight does for you. In this case, it gives you a hub that will hold up to the worst abuse that I and Allen G (in our selfless efforts to test things for everyone) have been able to dish out, while allowing you to fine tune your gear ratio under any conditions, for about 1/3 the price of the Rohloff. It is definitely not for everyone, but for me, the function and durability more than justify the weight. Look here for another impression of one on a bike which is normal and light enough for the weight to be more of an issue: [B]http://tinyurl.com/3lgur3 The Bike Commuter boys actually have several posts about it, if you browse around in there. Second, it is important to remember that bikes roll. As Utility cyclists, most of us probably do very little carrying of our bikes anyway, and we should be in the vanguard of the shift in attitude about bike weight that is beginning to happen here: http://tinyurl.com/5o3ook Wheels make it easy. Oh, yes, I almost forgot: it is indeed a symmetrical hub, so the wheel winds up being very strong. Cheers!

Here is a weight comparison between a Nuvinci built into Sun Rynolite rim
http://tinypic.com/fullsize.php?pic=2i9046g&s=3&capwidth=true
http://tinypic.com/fullsize.php?pic=2dj712d&s=3&capwidth=true

And a Rohloff in a heavy downhill rim
http://tinypic.com/fullsize.php?pic=103aipl&s=3&capwidth=true
http://tinypic.com/fullsize.php?pic=119nzw1&s=3&capwidth=true
Think I'll be stickin with my Rohloffs fer now.

Dan : would you be able to ship a NuVinci hub to Ireland? I'm still having real trouble sourcing one, no-one has responded to any of my e-mails yet.

Thanks.

Dan : would you be able to ship a NuVinci hub to Ireland? I'm still having real trouble sourcing one, no-one has responded to any of my e-mails yet.

Thanks.

Try Ben Cooper the proprietor of http://www.kinetics.org.uk/ . He's in Scotland, but deals with bicycle esoterica.

Try Ben Cooper the proprietor of http://www.kinetics.org.uk/ . He's in Scotland, but deals with bicycle esoterica.

I sent him a quick e-mail last week and he hasn't replied. I understand that he might be busy but I would have expected a response by now.

Dan : would you be able to ship a NuVinci hub to Ireland? I'm still having real trouble sourcing one, no-one has responded to any of my e-mails yet.

Thanks.

I do not currently have a direct source for NuVinci.
You might give these guys a try.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/nuvinci.html

Besides weight and the gripshift, can someone bring up any cons on the Nuvinci? I really like the thought of this hub, I just want to be sure on my purchase.

Besides weight and the gripshift, can someone bring up any cons on the Nuvinci? I really like the thought of this hub, I just want to be sure on my purchase.

I don't see the grip shifter as a con. It has an excellent feel, to me second only to my Rohloffs' shifter feel.

Weight and size (makes triple cross lacing dodgy to me--although my giant is triple laced and still true) are the only caveats I've found.

I don't see the grip shifter as a con. It has an excellent feel, to me second only to my Rohloffs' shifter feel.
I'm not super impressed with the feel and value of the NuVinci relative to Nexus 8/Alfine. I've put a couple hundred miles on one on a bakfiets, that previously had a Nexus 8. I have many thousands of miles on multiple Rohloff hubs -- those are indeed best, but overkill for many people's needs. Nuvinci isn't bad, but I'm not sold that the extra cost and weight is worth the minor increase in gear range versus Nexus 8 (350% v 305%), at least not in all cases.

Just as with most bike transmissions, you need to let up a bit to change gear on a NuVinci. This goes counter to what I'd hoped/expected to be a selling point of a CVT: no pause in pedaling effort as you dial in the right ratio. In practice, you let up, grab a handful of shifter and twist, and then resume pushing to assess whether the new ratio feels right. Just like an indexed system. So I'm left thinking ... "continuously variable, except under full load, when it would actually be useful..." And it takes several handfuls of shifter to traverse the 350% range, more hand motion for less difference relative to either Nexus 8 (twist) or Rohloff.

The Nuvinci shifter itself feels too light and squishy to inspire confidence of long life. The rubber is too soft, and as I keep wanting to be able to shift under more than trivial load, I tend to grip it hard to overcome the resistance as I taper off my pedaling effort; this causes the rubber to pull away from the plastic barrel and deforms the barrel enough to add plastic-on-plastic friction to the resistance the cables are putting up from the hub. I've wondered whether the nicely machined Rohloff shifter would be a compatible substitute.

I'm not super impressed with the feel and value of the NuVinci relative to Nexus 8/Alfine. I've put a couple hundred miles on one on a bakfiets, that previously had a Nexus 8. I have many thousands of miles on multiple Rohloff hubs -- those are indeed best, but overkill for many people's needs. Nuvinci isn't bad, but I'm not sold that the extra cost and weight is worth the minor increase in gear range versus Nexus 8 (350% v 305%), at least not in all cases.

How do you feel about the durability of the Nuvinci relative to the other IGH options for use in cargo bikes?

How do you feel about the durability of the Nuvinci relative to the other IGH options for use in cargo bikes?
I don't have enough experience with it to say for sure, but consulting intuition, the hub seems quite durable in design and execution, probably moreso than Nexus 8/Alfine.

The Nexus gearhub family got a bad rap about durability and/or efficiency when their 4- and 7-speed hubs were up, especially in cargo and electric assist applications. Nexus 8, perhaps counterintuitively since more gears means more fiddly inside, seems much better. They are new enough, however, that the bell curve of their real-world service life isn't yet clear.

We've sold around 200 Nexus-8-equipped cargo bikes over the last 16 months, mostly the basic, not the premium "red band" version. 3-4 hubs have had problems not attributable to basic neglect/abuse (e.g., riding hard with shifter way out of adjustment); Shimano has just replaced the internals in these cases. Sometimes a pronounced roughness occurs in gears 4 and 8. We have found that a certain retaining clip inside slipping is to blame, but we don't yet know whether simply re-seating the retaining clip is more than a quick fix; i.e., we don't know why the clip slips in the first place. Ask in another year :-)

I don't have enough experience with it to say for sure, but consulting intuition, the hub seems quite durable in design and execution, probably moreso than Nexus 8/Alfine.

The Nexus gearhub family got a fair bit of negative press/chatter concerning durability and/or efficiency when their 4- and 7-speed hubs were dominant, especially in cargo and electric assist applications. Nexus 8, perhaps counterintuitively since more gears means more fiddly inside, seems much better. They are new enough, however, that the bell curve of their real-world service life isn't yet clear.

We've sold more than 150 Nexus-8-equipped cargo bikes over the last 16 months, mostly the basic, not the premium "red band" version. 3-4 hubs have had problems not attributable to basic neglect/abuse (e.g., riding hard with shifter way out of adjustment); Shimano has just replaced the internals in these cases. Sometimes a pronounced roughness occurs in gears 4 and 8. We have found that a certain retaining clip inside slipping is to blame, but we don't yet know whether simply re-seating the retaining clip is more than a quick fix; i.e., we don't know why the clip slips in the first place. Ask in another year :-)

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your comments as you have enough data points to see statistically valid trends that us "normal" folk cannot using one or two IGH at a time. I'd certainly be interested in updates as you get more data...:thumb:

I don't have enough experience with it to say for sure, but consulting intuition, the hub seems quite durable in design and execution, probably moreso than Nexus 8/Alfine.

The Nexus gearhub family got a bad rap about durability and/or efficiency when their 4- and 7-speed hubs were up, especially in cargo and electric assist applications. Nexus 8, perhaps counterintuitively since more gears means more fiddly inside, seems much better. They are new enough, however, that the bell curve of their real-world service life isn't yet clear.

We've sold around 200 Nexus-8-equipped cargo bikes over the last 16 months, mostly the basic, not the premium "red band" version. 3-4 hubs have had problems not attributable to basic neglect/abuse (e.g., riding hard with shifter way out of adjustment); Shimano has just replaced the internals in these cases. Sometimes a pronounced roughness occurs in gears 4 and 8. We have found that a certain retaining clip inside slipping is to blame, but we don't yet know whether simply re-seating the retaining clip is more than a quick fix; i.e., we don't know why the clip slips in the first place. Ask in another year :-)

Thanks for your experiences.

Any reason to think that the Red Band or Alfine will be any better or worse than the basic Nexus?

What is the lowest gear in gear inches that you recommend with the Nexus?

Any reason to think that the Red Band or Alfine will be any better or worse than the basic Nexus?

What is the lowest gear in gear inches that you recommend with the Nexus?
Shimano says the Red Band is better for high torque applications than the basic. We haven't noticed a difference (yet) except a maybe imaginary sense of greater smoothness. Alfine definitely has a silky smoothness about it, and a silent roller clutch. I understand it is mostly the same as Red Band internally, but with some upgrades/improvements.

We gear the basic Nexus 8 in the mid-20 gear inch range routinely without trouble. I don't know offhand what Shimano recommends.

I ended up ordering this from Harris Cyclery. Should have it in a couple of weeks. I imagine I will have to build the wheel myself as there is a chronic lack of wheelbuilders around here who build wheels from parts they didn't supply.

The Hub came this morning. It really is very heavy. Can't wait to put it on a bike though!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/penexpers/sets/72157605769951417/

I've decided that I'll combine a Rolhoff XIV with a Schlumf Speed.

I've decided that I'll combine a Rolhoff XIV with a Schlumf Speed.

That might win an award for the most expensive drivetrain?

I've decided that I'll combine a Rolhoff XIV with a Schlumf Speed.

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/853_commuter.shtml
^^^
That combo on a non-longtail. 13-133 gear inches.

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/assets/images/853_02_small.jpg

My inheritance is finally coming through and I'll be seeing my LBS about ordering the BD next week.

My inheritance is finally coming through and I'll be seeing my LBS about ordering the BD next week.

Any word on what the next batch of BD frames will cost??

Any word on what the next batch of BD frames will cost??

Not yet.

I've got about 1200 miles on my Big Dummy, All conditions, different sized loads, and a little off road. I am running full Shimano Deore with an LX cassette and Gore cables. No problems!

I know its after the fact by a good stretch on what drivetrain you chose, but I second Allen's comments on the Nuvinci, although it actually has a 340% range. It is as quiet as riding a single speed, according to mfg. spec can take even higher torque input than the Rohloff.

Its also quite remarkable always being in the right gear without ever having the perception of a shift. Anyone who tries it usually comes to the same conclusion, its like riding a single speed thats always geared right. I don't regret putting it on our Big Dummy AT ALL. Heavy, yes, but all other strengths accounted for, I'd do it again on this bike.

Oh and I should respond to Todd's (cleverchimp) comments regarding shifting with the Nuvinci, and the pause, shift, guess, pedal.

This is part of the beauty of this hub in my opinion, the CVP. Lets say you're cruising along on the flat and you start to come up on a little hill. you keep pedaling as you were, and just apply a little pressure to the shifter in the direction you need to go to compensate for the hill and in the softer spots of your pedal stroke it inches with each revolution in that direction, so seriously, there's never the scenario described by Todd.

Even while I'm up and pumping up a hilll I do the same thing and it just shifts a touch with each revolution and you just continue to apply a little pressure in the appropriate direction for the change in terrain, and you are ALWAYS in the right gear.

So to sum up, my usage and experience of it is totally opposite to the scenario Todd initially described, and I think the concept pays off handsomely when used that way.

I've used the Nexus hubs a fair bit, and obviously the Nuvinci for several thousand miles, and I think weight weenyism aside, I wouldn't bat an eyelash at the Nuvinci's strengths in real world riding to the Nexus especially where you want something that can take a beating.

the Nuvinci, although it actually has a 340% range.

From a previous thread in Commuting:

250%

Actually, I think it's more like 350%

Fallbrook does not give a percentage, just states it is comparable to other internal hubs.
Sheldon Brown has it listed as 250%. It doesn't feel like it's more than 250%.

The range is 1.75 in high, down to .5 in low. 1.75 / .5 = 3.5. That's 350%.

OK, so low gear is 100%, high gear is 350%.

350% - 100% = 250%. That's the _range_.

See also http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/internal

I just got one on my Greenspeed trike, but I've only had opportunity to ride it for a couple of miles so far. So far, I like it a LOT!

Sheldon "Digital Isn't Always Best" Brown

I have been using a Nexus Inter-8 red line (premium) (http://blubb.at/flatboarder/speed/) for several thousands of kilometers, also I have been using 2 Alfine 8-gear hubs in MTBs (http://home.pages.at/flatboarder/mtb/) and finally decided to put another Alfine into my Big Dummy (http://bla.obda.net/).

The Nexus after 2 years started to make some noise, so I opened it, discovering some corrosion maybe from winter usage with salt and everything. The previous Nexus (SG-8R20/25) hubs suffered from weak seals as to my knowledge and this is exactly what it looked like. Nevertheless after cleaning and greasing it, it still works as it should, but there is still some sort of noise. In my opinion the Alfine hubs are much better. One of my Alfine MTBs was mainly used in winter with lots of salted roads, also considerable uphills even with kid in backseat, where I had to pedal real hard, even with max force. I have been using 34/21 transission ratio. There has been no problem about it up to now, and still there is no noise. Also, the Alfine (1.6kg) is quite lightweighted compared to the others mentioned here.
Due to cheap pricing of it and the ease of use, I decided to use another Alfine for my Big Dummy. And it works as expected. Nevertheless, I cannot yet tell a lot about its durability, but just in case of defects, the inner gearing could be replaced quite cheap and easy, if there is a shop around.

I am using stiff 32H rims with Sapim Force spokes (http://blubb.at/flatboarder/big/hr.jpg) (2.2/1.8/2.0), 3x or 2x spoke pattern (some of my MTB wheels) (http://home.pages.at/flatboarder/mtb/lrs.jpg), and I do not see a reason why this should be weak somehow, since there is nearly no radial force onto the hub. I will see. End of August we will be riding in Italy, taking some mountains with the BD and some load on it. I am looking forward.

The NuVinci seems extremely interesting, but I would not like a 4kg rear hub. In case the Alfine hubs get weak, I might consider it.
BTW, previously LX hubs were recommend for the BD in this thread. Since we had several defective (or grinding) LX hubs in former MTBs I would probably think about taking XT parts, just in case durability matters. It is not that much difference in price, but I believe it is better at least when it gets into dirt.

Phil

Update: there was some discussion in this thread about inter-8 vs. inter-8 red line. When I opened my inter-8 redline I made a picture showing both inner setups compared to each other (http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/178/vergleichns0.jpg). Upper left is SG-8R25 (red line) after 2 years of usage, below is a new SG-8R20.

Does anyone know if I need the Nuvinci Vertical Dropout kit to install the hub on the Big Dummy? I have a chain tensioner.

Thanks.

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/853_commuter.shtml
^^^
That combo on a non-longtail. 13-133 gear inches.

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/assets/images/853_02_small.jpg

The man at the LBS persuaded me that the Schlumpf would not add enough extra performance to justify the excess expense.

penexpers: Yes, you will need the Vertical Dropout kit. You may not be able to use the spiffy non turn tab on the drive side, but that is really not necessary. The crucial part is the assymetrical non turn washer on the left side, which allows the axle to sit evenly in the dropouts.

penexpers: Yes, you will need the Vertical Dropout kit. You may not be able to use the spiffy non turn tab on the drive side, but that is really not necessary. The crucial part is the assymetrical non turn washer on the left side, which allows the axle to sit evenly in the dropouts.

Thanks Val. Do you know any shop in Seattle that would be able to supply it in the next week or so? I'm in Ireland but I have a friend over in Seattle for the next week.

penexpers: Pretty much any shop in Seattle should be able to order it and get it the next day. I know this because I work for Seattle Bike Supply, and we have them in stock right now. What your freind needs is the closest shpo that has a good idea of customer service. Let me know where in Seattle they are; perhaps I can provide some direction. Also, what sort of chain tensioner do you have? Many types are not compatible with the NuVinci shift box. I have made several to work with this setup, and I think that the Paul's Melvin and the Rohloff tensioner should have a low enough profile to sit under the shift box.file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/vkleitz/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/FB%20Pic%207.jpg

Hmmm....sorry about the images, there - I can E-mail them if you like, but maybe you get the idea already.

This weekend a lady was admiring my bike. I told her that it was called "the Big Dummy" and as far as I knew there wasn't another one in the area. She said, "I take it you've never met my husband."