Commuting - any good reason not to get this Alfine 11 wheel for 305 EU!?

I was planning to have my LBS build an Alfine 8 or 11 wheel for my Salsa El Mariachi but just came across this Alfine 11 pre-built wheel:

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k638/a62407/alfine-11-gang-hinterrad-mit-taurus-schwarz.html

or translated

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?client=safari&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&u=http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k638/a62407/alfine-11-gang-hinterrad-mit-taurus-schwarz.html&usg=ALkJrhgOcQTbfFBpI6zgt0gFe2uvxrJ4hA

I think it's exactly what I'm after in a rear wheel for daily commuting and occasional MTB use. I do have Avid BB7 calipers so would need an adapter. The price is even cheaper than the cost of the hub alone on their website which is already pretty good.

Anyone see any issues with this hub/rim combo?

If you live in Germany, or neighboring countries, I see no issue.

If you think nothing will be wrong with the product which will require a return, and customs/shipping will happen without any hitches, go ahead.

I think it's exactly what I'm after in a rear wheel for daily commuting and occasional MTB use. I do have Avid BB7 calipers so would need an adapter. The price is even cheaper than the cost of the hub alone on their website which is already pretty good.


Note that

1) You don't need to pay VAT (19% of the price) when you're not an EU resident
2) Shipping for a wheel might be a lot more than for a hub

Otherwise shipments from the EU are not a big deal. Royal Mail from the UK and DHL from Germany often don't take longer than UPS from the US East to West Coast. Although duties exist for some things they're usually not collected on small shipments.


Anyone see any issues with this hub/rim combo?

Thanks. I should have added that I'm based in UK so I do have to pay VAT but shipping is free and easy. I've just realised it's a 36 hole wheel/hub and my front is 32. I'm back to thinking of buying the parts and having the LBS build the wheel.

You seem to have a 29er, but I believe the wheel you quoted is 26". Bike-components.de has a similar build (http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p26713_Alfine-SG-S700-Disc-Center-Lock---A-319---Sapim-Race-Laufrad-.html) (using Mavic A319 rims, which are 700c) for 339 euro.

jeffpoulin, how did you get to a 26" wheel size? I can't see anything in description that would indicate that. I def need a 29" so that's a good catch if you're correct.

I like the other one you spotted as well but really want a disc only rim to match my front wheel. Picky I know...

I saw the rims were Rigida Taurus and did a search. All the results came back with the 26" size. For example, here's the result for SJS Cycles (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rigida-taurus-26-(559)-mtb-disc-rim-prod23248/) which is clearly 26".