Originally Posted by Rillette

Hello, I have been trying to find some comparison between the Shimano Alfine 11 hub and the Deore XT. I think many of you could help me.
Here's some background on me:

I used to (I say used to because I stop a little while to have 2 kids) MTB in US, I have a Jamis hard tail with XT that I absolutely love. Nothing too hardcore, but I enjoyed the hills.

I just moved to Munich (from Baltimore) and this is the most bike friendly city I have ever seen. I have yet to find a street that doesn't have its dedicated bike lane, now that is cool! Anyway, I want to buy a good commuter bike, something that will last. We made the move to Munich as a permanent move. We are also considering adding a bike trailer for the 2 kids (10 mths and 3 years).

I have came across 2 bikes that I liked. The first one, Hercules Avanos Pro comes with Deore XT front & back (Euro 1300). The second one, Staiger Luxe 11.8 comes with Alfine 11 (Euro 1,400). I prefer the frame of the Hercules, which also comes with front suspension. But I have to admit I felt in love with the Alfine, for a lot of similar reasons listed on this site.

The bike shop is willing to put the Alfine on the frame I like, for a little labor fee. The bike price would stay the same. Would that be a stupid thing to do? Is XT much more expensive than Alfine, and by doing that, I'll get screwed, or are they comparable price wise?

I absolutely love how the Alfine shifts, plus having 1 shifter is so much easier, simple, no overlap.

Let me know what you think. You can probably look the bikes up online, but all what I can find was in German.

Thanks again!