Hybrid Bicycles - Next Generation Hybrid

This seems to be the next Generation in Hybrid bikes in response to the growing commuter population. Though not out long enough to provide results on the test of time the concept is sound. Basically it is a belt drive with an internal 8 speed hub. Virtually a maintenance free bike. Just tire pressure and ride

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/

Belt drives are also being applied to mountain bikes which speaks to their ruggedness.

The late great Sheldon Brown also predicted that in a very short period of time most non competitive bikes would be fitted with internal gear hubs and combining this technology with a belt drive = win.

Not at a $1000 they aren't. $400 - $600 seems to be the sweet spot for commuters right now. Obviously, in time, the price will come down on these. I know I'm looking forward to that happening!

Maintainence free isn't completely correct as Shimano IGH hubs do need regular servicing and this is especially important after a break in period as all those new parts will mate with each other and in the process leave a lot of tiny metal bits suspended in the grease.

If this is done you can expect a much longer life from the hub and after that a service interval of 1 to 2 years is suggested depending on use and riding conditions.

The Nexus series is not nearly as a good as the Alfine 8 speed and they have been known to fail at 10,000 miles if they do not see regular service and believe this has been updated in Shimano's technical documents.

I get this information from a shop that specializes in internally geared bikes and does a great amount of servicing on them.

Servicing them is not that difficult as unlike an old SA 3 speed hub the new IGH hubs are modular and come apart fairly easily.

Internal gear hubs are still the bomb and an excellent choice for urban cyclists... the Alfine is showing itself to be durable enough for off road and touring duties as well.

To take the ultimate commuter one step further...

A belt drive and a NuVinci CVP (continuously variable drive) would be nirvana.

Oh... and a Schlumpf Speed Drive.

Gotta have that too.

All of these things are available but beyond the budgets of most blue collar types or struggling entrepreneurs... even when they own a bike shop.

The NuVinci is nice in that it can be retrofitted to existing bikes but carries a $400.00 price tag for the hub (msrp) and controls and pre-built wheels can also be purchased.

I am aware of a distributor that sells these hubs for $275.00 and that the NuVinci can also be set up with a belt drive if you have the right frame.

Raleigh offers the "Carlton" which is NuVinci equipped but it comes with a $1400.00 price tag... it is a very nicely equipped bike.

http://www.cosmosbikes.de/fahrraeder/images/trekking/big/ra_carlton_nuvinci_retusche_ret08.jpg