Originally Posted by
mconlonx
I like Alfine IGH, but for the money, and considering Zee components are not crap, I'd probably save a few bucks and go with the 1x10. Especially with the real wide gear 1x10 cassettes popping up here and there--11x36 is pretty standard, but 11x40 is out there, with kits to go 11x42. I still don't think you'd get the range of an Alfine 11 with 1xAnything drivetrain, however. So it really depends on your needs.
I just saw this bike posted on BikeRumor (with a hilarious post by someone claiming this is a "total ripoff of Brompton") and then found this thread. Love the idea, would like to see this option out there, and would definitely consider it against other folders in the same price range.
Again... assuming I actually pursue this... I think I might just go with the Alfine 11. I find that the IGH advantages outweigh the disadvantages in situations I'm likely to use the Helix in.
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?