After several months of using my uptown with the N360, i can say i couldn't be happier. The ONLY thing i'd change is the high end ratio, which would in real world terms only really translate into more speed over flat areas & downhill. My specific bike is rim brake only, so i'm not sure there s a big case for more speed. It's not built for speed, it's built for hauling.

This hub, with the recommended chainring & crank sizes, is built for climbing hills, especially ones where on a internal geared bike you'd be running out of low end ratio, or in some cases attempting to switch down on an internal hub with 10+ gears which we all know is not fun when they are under load.

What size wheel are you going to be building around this? Local bike shop would be able to do this for you. I would also recommend looking into the harmony automatic shifting system which is designed to pair with this hub.

One final note on the low end climbing... That low ratio puts out a LOT of torque to the spokes, so it might behoove you to get ovoid (semi-aero)or heavy duty spokes and corresponding nipples. I would also recommend a medium depth double wall rim for optimal performance, if not a deeper/aero v rim.

As for the weight & efficiency..... The old hub (N117?) was heavier and had about the same ratio range as a 4 speed internal hub, the N360 is more like a 8-11 speed. It weighs less than the old design, and is more compact. I have found no noticable difference in efficiency coming from my shimano nexus 4 speed with coaster brake. I have now ridden in 90+ temps, as well as down into the low 50's, and no issues with thermal variation. It remains to be seen how it will handle the winter, but based on the performance thus far, i'm extremely optimistic.

Keep us posted if you do purchase, photos of wheel etc!

- Andy