Folding Bikes - Nexus 8 on 16" wheel?

I'm thinking about saving up for a nexus hub (either the 8 or 7)for my Dahon V. But I'm wondering if it is even possible to put a nexus on a 16" wheel; one example: do they even make spokes that short?

Size shouldn't be a problem, but gearing will. It'll be very low unless you have a huge chainring.

Isn't the Sturmey Archer 8 better suited for the small wheeled bike? I also seem to recall seeing a Brompton with a Rolhoff too.:eek:

Aaron:)

Dahon CSL 2008 is using Nexus 8 speed.
I install Shimano Alfine 8 speed on my Dahon Dream 16". It was done by first LBS and unsuccessfull, then I brought it to second LBS which is very famous as wheel builder.
You have to make sure with your LBS that they can do it before you buy it.

Regarding short spokes, LBS can customize stainless steel spokes for the purpose.

Alfine is very nice. The shifting is smooth. We can do shift when stop at traffic light.
but it's weight is quite heavy.

Size shouldn't be a problem, but gearing will. It'll be very low unless you have a huge chainring.


I counted 52 teeth..... I think. Is that big enough?



Dahon CSL 2008 is using Nexus 8 speed.
I install Shimano Alfine 8 speed on my Dahon Dream 16". It was done by first LBS and unsuccessfull, then I brought it to second LBS which is very famous as wheel builder.
You have to make sure with your LBS that they can do it before you buy it.

Regarding short spokes, LBS can customize stainless steel spokes for the purpose.

Alfine is very nice. The shifting is smooth. We can do shift when stop at traffic light.
but it's weight is quite heavy.




Weight. That's something I didn't take into consideration. The damn thing already weighs probably 35#-ish. Which hub is the lightest, and how much does the nexus weigh? It sure was a pain carrying it around the store today, until a lone shopping cart abandoned in the canned goods section saved the day.

Another thing, I tired measuring the "not drop outs" and it measured about 120mm (I didn't get a completely accurate measurement because I didn't want to mess with taking the wheel off right then). Could I possibly cram the hub in between the rear triangle, or do I have to cold set it?

Season Tikits all have the Nexus 8, and some (like mine!) have the Alfine. They all use a 53 tooth chainring with a 14 tooth cog, which gives a nice gear range.
I know Bike Friday use a special wheel building machine (of their own design I believe) to build these, as it is not easy to work with such short spokes!
I also have a Nexus 8 on my Joey, and shifting on both hubs is nice, although the Alfine is smoother, can shift better under loads, and is completely silent (no ratcheting when freewheeling), it is also disk brake compatible.

Another thing, I tired measuring the "not drop outs" and it measured about 120mm (I didn't get a completely accurate measurement because I didn't want to mess with taking the wheel off right then). Could I possibly cram the hub in between the rear triangle, or do I have to cold set it?

My Dahon Dream is also 120mm and LBS "cold set" it when installing Alfine.
I believe Nexus has same OLD with Alfine.

My Dahon Dream is also 120mm and LBS "cold set" it when installing Alfine.
I believe Nexus has same OLD with Alfine.


How much did the the LBS charge you to cold set it?

Season Tikits all have the Nexus 8, and some (like mine!) have the Alfine. They all use a 53 tooth chainring with a 14 tooth cog, which gives a nice gear range.
I know Bike Friday use a special wheel building machine (of their own design I believe) to build these, as it is not easy to work with such short spokes!
I also have a Nexus 8 on my Joey, and shifting on both hubs is nice, although the Alfine is smoother, can shift better under loads, and is completely silent (no ratcheting when freewheeling), it is also disk brake compatible.

Chiapas, is that 14T cog dished? Was it installed by you or bike friday? I have been looking for a a cog smaller than 16T that will work with a nexus/alfine hub. Thanks

Chiapas, is that 14T cog dished? Was it installed by you or bike friday? I have been looking for a a cog smaller than 16T that will work with a nexus/alfine hub. Thanks

sorry, my mistake. It is a 16 tooth cog, installed by bike friday ( I believe it is the standard one that comes with all Alfine hubs).
gives me a nice spread of 28-86 gear inches, which is fine with me.

How much did the the LBS charge you to cold set it?

It's around 2 USD with current exchange rate.

sorry, my mistake. It is a 16 tooth cog, installed by bike friday ( I believe it is the standard one that comes with all Alfine hubs).
gives me a nice spread of 28-86 gear inches, which is fine with me.

+1 - the gear range on my Seasons Tikit is excellent for commuter/utility use around town and I love how nicely the Nexus 8 shifts...:thumb: