New bikes sold with internal hub, vertical dropouts?
08-23-12, 09:15 PM
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New bikes sold with internal hub, vertical dropouts?
Hello. Non-mechanic here, but I figured you all would be among the most likely to know this. I'm in the market for a new bad-weather commuter, and I really like the 8-speed Shimano internal hub, but I've found I really dislike horizontal dropouts and nutted axles. Too fussy for me to get just right. I know you can use a chain tensioner to put an internal hub wheel on vertical dropouts with a quick release axle (do I have that right?), but I'd rather just buy new than get into a custom build. Anyone know of any current models that feature this combination? Thanks in advance.
08-23-12, 09:49 PM
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I think most internally geared hubs require a bolt on axle because the shift mechanism usually runs through the axle. Also I think you tend to need anti rotation washers with an IGH and I'm not sure if that's possible with a quick release.
08-23-12, 09:56 PM
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First of all, I don't know of any internal hub that can accept a QR since they need the center of the axle for the gear shift mechanism. So you're stuck with nutted axles.
As for simplicity and repeatability of wheel position, the easiest answer is a forward opening (road style) horizontal dropout with a micro-adjusting screws to set the axle position. This let's you maintain proper chain tension and chainstay centering with every change, and eliminates the need for a chain tensioner (one more thing to go wrong).
There is another way to eat your cake and have it too, and that's a frame with a moveable vertical dropout as used on many hand-built single speed frames, or combining vertical dropouts with an eccentric BB system like those used on tandems. I don't know if any mid priced offerings include either of these, or micro-adjust screws, but it's something for you to look for.
As for simplicity and repeatability of wheel position, the easiest answer is a forward opening (road style) horizontal dropout with a micro-adjusting screws to set the axle position. This let's you maintain proper chain tension and chainstay centering with every change, and eliminates the need for a chain tensioner (one more thing to go wrong).
There is another way to eat your cake and have it too, and that's a frame with a moveable vertical dropout as used on many hand-built single speed frames, or combining vertical dropouts with an eccentric BB system like those used on tandems. I don't know if any mid priced offerings include either of these, or micro-adjust screws, but it's something for you to look for.
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08-23-12, 11:12 PM
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08-24-12, 07:09 AM
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Jeff Wills note that the Rohloff is available in a qr format is interesting but certainly take it out of the mid-price range.
08-24-12, 07:41 AM
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The NuVinci N360 IGH even offers Axle Release quick releases as a factory option.
08-24-12, 08:06 AM
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08-24-12, 09:03 AM
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A few ways to make a IGH (or single speed)with vertical dropouts..
.. and the chain ensioned
sliding dropouts, or an eccentric BB, Tandem common frame part..
That is a Frame builder's design choice,
Or use a chain tensioner screwed into the dropout eyelet.
that is part of Rohloff's Retrofit Kit .. to put the hub in existing bikes
... with a vertical dropout.
belt drive has to be tensioned, so they have to sort that out
with one of the first options mentioned..
Trek Soho..sliding dropout, Paragon Machine Dropouts
get used by smaller builders ..
and bigger ones Like Koga Miyata get their own made .
[Rohloff has engineering drawings online)
Co Motion , Thorn, Tout Terrain; use an EBB
Have a Koga , and Bike friday both R'off, QR, vertical dropout.
.. and the chain ensioned
sliding dropouts, or an eccentric BB, Tandem common frame part..
That is a Frame builder's design choice,
Or use a chain tensioner screwed into the dropout eyelet.
that is part of Rohloff's Retrofit Kit .. to put the hub in existing bikes
... with a vertical dropout.
belt drive has to be tensioned, so they have to sort that out
with one of the first options mentioned..
Trek Soho..sliding dropout, Paragon Machine Dropouts
get used by smaller builders ..
and bigger ones Like Koga Miyata get their own made .
[Rohloff has engineering drawings online)
Co Motion , Thorn, Tout Terrain; use an EBB
Have a Koga , and Bike friday both R'off, QR, vertical dropout.
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-24-12 at 09:24 AM.
08-24-12, 09:13 AM
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If you can find a 2012 model of these (Kona Dr. Fine) in leftover stock (they have discontinued for 2013 models) you can probably get a great bike for a great price:
https://2k12.konaworld.com/asphalt_co...ontent=dr_fine
I have a 2011 model I picked up for $525 new out the door; you may have good luck finding a 2012 now.
Seems to have most of the features you want - Alfine 8, adjustable vertical dropouts - does not have QR, but according to posts above they may be available. Truthfully, once you pop the rear wheel a couple of times, you realize that it's really no big deal.
https://2k12.konaworld.com/asphalt_co...ontent=dr_fine
I have a 2011 model I picked up for $525 new out the door; you may have good luck finding a 2012 now.
Seems to have most of the features you want - Alfine 8, adjustable vertical dropouts - does not have QR, but according to posts above they may be available. Truthfully, once you pop the rear wheel a couple of times, you realize that it's really no big deal.
Last edited by otter22; 08-24-12 at 09:39 AM.
08-24-12, 09:46 AM
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The Brodie Ocho has vertical dropouts and eccentric bottom bracket. I sold as many of these as I could get my hands on when my shop was operating. Great bike.
They also have an 11 speed version called the Once.
Sorry, but unless you spring for a Rohloff, you're stuck with nutted axles.
Edit: Just noticed TCS' post. Since Shimano IGH axles are 3/8 x 26, those should work.
They also have an 11 speed version called the Once.
Sorry, but unless you spring for a Rohloff, you're stuck with nutted axles.
Edit: Just noticed TCS' post. Since Shimano IGH axles are 3/8 x 26, those should work.
Last edited by Dan Burkhart; 08-24-12 at 09:50 AM.
