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07-14-12, 11:53 AM
Hi,
I recently fitted a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub system to my hybrid for road use with 26" wheels. I was wondering what experiences other people have had with the system. I use a 32t chainring and the chain line is perfect. I use the Shimano 'single wheel' chain tensioner.
Firstly, after an initial announcement, it was about two years before Alfine 11 became officially available - were they working on solving niggling, lingering 'issues' with the system..
Anyway, the system generally works 'ok', but it is not without its foibles and idiosyncracies. I'm talking about mishifts, delayed shifts, non-shifts, drop backs and crunches. These don't happen 'all the time', but in a twenty mile ride I would expect to get at LEAST four or five issues like these.
I am currently considering changing the cable supplied (the normal cheapo Shimano one) to a an XTR grade coated slippery one and associated outer. Has anyone done that and found improved results? My current cable is well lubricated, I know what I'm doing in this respect having owned, raced and built bikes for over 45 years.
Also, re the expandable rubber gator that sits at the end of the outer cable by the hub, it has a circular 'grip clip' at the end, and this clip has been compressed to an eliptical shape so that it applies a degree of grip on to the inner cable. What's that all about? I'm thinking it could be adversely affecting shifts a little by putting a bit of delay in the system - or maybe that's what it's trying to do - dunno. So why is this clip 'crushed' on to the inner cable?! Is it a Shimano retro mod?
By the way, my two 'yellow lines' are lined up perfectly, so no issues there.
One more point, the mishifts seem to happen more so when pedalling under higher load conditions - though I stress, nothing major like standing on the pedals. Whilst I can understand, and to SOME extent accept that this is the case, let's face it, you cannot always change gear when pedalling pressure is low, especially when climbing and you have to make your way down through the gears, there's nothing you can do about it, and crunched or missed changes are not acceptable. I've tried different ways of operating the lever; quickly, slower etc - no better.
All in all I love not having to bother about a front mech, the ability to 'just change gear' without having to really think about it, but those mishifts are not acceptable in my opinion. The odd one would be ok, but to have four or five during every short ride is not really up to scratch in my opinion.
So, how has your Alfine 11 performed? faultless? perfect changes every time? a little 'hit and miss' like mine?
I recently fitted a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub system to my hybrid for road use with 26" wheels. I was wondering what experiences other people have had with the system. I use a 32t chainring and the chain line is perfect. I use the Shimano 'single wheel' chain tensioner.
Firstly, after an initial announcement, it was about two years before Alfine 11 became officially available - were they working on solving niggling, lingering 'issues' with the system..
Anyway, the system generally works 'ok', but it is not without its foibles and idiosyncracies. I'm talking about mishifts, delayed shifts, non-shifts, drop backs and crunches. These don't happen 'all the time', but in a twenty mile ride I would expect to get at LEAST four or five issues like these.
I am currently considering changing the cable supplied (the normal cheapo Shimano one) to a an XTR grade coated slippery one and associated outer. Has anyone done that and found improved results? My current cable is well lubricated, I know what I'm doing in this respect having owned, raced and built bikes for over 45 years.
Also, re the expandable rubber gator that sits at the end of the outer cable by the hub, it has a circular 'grip clip' at the end, and this clip has been compressed to an eliptical shape so that it applies a degree of grip on to the inner cable. What's that all about? I'm thinking it could be adversely affecting shifts a little by putting a bit of delay in the system - or maybe that's what it's trying to do - dunno. So why is this clip 'crushed' on to the inner cable?! Is it a Shimano retro mod?
By the way, my two 'yellow lines' are lined up perfectly, so no issues there.
One more point, the mishifts seem to happen more so when pedalling under higher load conditions - though I stress, nothing major like standing on the pedals. Whilst I can understand, and to SOME extent accept that this is the case, let's face it, you cannot always change gear when pedalling pressure is low, especially when climbing and you have to make your way down through the gears, there's nothing you can do about it, and crunched or missed changes are not acceptable. I've tried different ways of operating the lever; quickly, slower etc - no better.
All in all I love not having to bother about a front mech, the ability to 'just change gear' without having to really think about it, but those mishifts are not acceptable in my opinion. The odd one would be ok, but to have four or five during every short ride is not really up to scratch in my opinion.
So, how has your Alfine 11 performed? faultless? perfect changes every time? a little 'hit and miss' like mine?