Originally Posted by
Diode100
If your bike has vertical drop outs then you will need a chain tensioner to use an internal hub gear, this will preclude the use of the rather nice Freedrive.
As to which hub gear it depends on how much you want to spend, and how wide your rear forks are, but either way the 8 and 11 speed shimano alfin hubs take a lot of beating, slickest gear change available.
Thanks for the suggestion of the Alfin hubs, I'll look into them. It's a real shame about having to use a chain tensioner, that's a big reason I'd like to get the hub. I'm a noob with bikes so if you wouldn't mind filling me in with a quick as to why explanation I'd be really grateful please! Could I use half links like Dynocoaster suggests below with a Freedrive?
Originally Posted by
Dynocoaster
half links can be used to tension the chain and there is a bottom bracket tensioner available.
How many gears do you need? The Sram has some nice hubs. I am using a 2 speed Sram on my Kingpin and have a Sturmey Archer 2 speed kickback for my Raleigh. I just ride around town so the 2 speed is enough for me. I have a Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub that I want to fit to my Minivelo. The Rohloff 14 speed hub is the premier hub of them all.
Great, thanks. I'm only around town at the moment and use three gears mostly but this is my only bike and I have very light touring plans for it. I'll take a look at the Sturmeys. Thank you for the suggestion.
Originally Posted by
Nightdiver
Internal hubs are great, but they do tend to add weight to the bike. A big reason derailleur systems are used on folders is to shave some weight off. There are lots of hub options out there. You should determine your budget as that will quickly narrow the field (or keep it open to the high end too). Also determine what sort of gear range you want, as that might also greatly limit the field. Why did you purchase the P9 instead of the P7i (or other internal model)?
Weight is something I'll need to consider. I already feel like the bike is a little weighty. I've been lugging it around trains and shops much more than I thought I would do. It would have made sense to get the P7i when I bought if I do the upgrade yes but the extra £125 was out of my budget at the time and the P9 had everthing I needed. As the bike has fast become more of a hobby than I thought it would, personal upgrades just appeal to me. I like to tinker
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Thanks for the suggestion fietsbob, though I think Bike Friday stuff tends to be in the US. Another one to check out though
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I'm in no rush at all, it's just something that seems like a worthy upgrade and would help me to learn more about bike workings.