Originally Posted by
cicliste666
That's super sweet!! Sounds like the ideal candidate and probably a pretty high quality foundation. My Fuji didn't have one single braze-on, everything was just a clamp. Also, I can't remember because it was eight years ago but I am 99% certain that the Alfine thing needed a differently placed cable holder on the chainstay than a derailleur bike has. Maybe I'm misrecalling.
The silly thing is that the Fuji has been the most low-maintenance bike I ever owned. I think I put new tires on once and I oil the chain once a year and try to wash it once in a blue moon -- that's really about it! Still completely rattle-free and silent. (As I learned from motorcycling, Loctite Blue is your friend!!!)
By buying a complete bike, I got everything I needed - a complete bike, not just a frame, but cranks, wheels, brakes,...and it only cost $250 (?). I waited and picked a good bike in near new condition. This was especially pleasing considering it is 30 years old.
The gear shift cable worked out very well. I used the bottom bracket's rear derailleur cable guide and a short section of lined brake cable housing to reach down to the Alfine - no problem. I replaced the knobbies with balloon slicks (Schwalbe Kojaks). Lubing the bearings was easy to do. The single biggest task was lacing the old rim to the new Alfine hub.
Regarding maintenance, I've never needed to do any. I put some oil on the chain and wipe off the excess. That's it.
The modern, multi-speed rear hubs are under- or un-appreciated by the public. I was surprised at how nice the Alfine is. One chain ring up front, 8 speeds in the rear = quiet and fun, even up the hills.