Originally Posted by
Banzai
BF has a lot of love for the Alfine, but if you check MTBR, a number of people had the same problems I had.
I have an Alfine 11 on my folding commuter bike which has just turned over 5,000 miles. It's never complained when I stand on the pedals. A couple years ago I did a century on this bike and climbed a few hills; the hub performed flawlessly.
IMO, geared hubs are ideally suited for commuter bikes, especially if the wheels are small. On my folder, which has 20" wheels, a derailleur would hang down perilously close to the road where the chain would be exposed to dirt and water.
As to the flat-repair issue, I don't find removing the wheel a problem at all, though I *do* carry a 15mm box-end wrench to remove the axle nuts. But I haven't had a flat in years because of the tires I use: Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Flats are a non-issue.
Don't think I don't like derailleurs though! I have a nice 9R/3F-speed Ultegra drivetrain on my road bike which also works really well.
Steve