Switching to IGH, new frame or old?
11-19-08, 08:58 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: NYC - where bicycles go to die
Posts: 1,313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Switching to IGH, new frame or old?
Before someone yells at me: IGH = internally geared hub
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
11-19-08, 09:10 AM
#2
Guest
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Grid Reference, SK
Posts: 3,768
Bikes: I never learned to ride a bike. It is my deepest shame.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Before someone yells at me: IGH = internally geared hub
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
The Alfine hub has 130mm spacing, I think, so it should fit in place of the road hubs that come stock on the bianchi;
Also remember that the hubs may be disk compaitble, but it won't mind one bit if you run a rim brake - I have disk hubs on my mtb and run rim brakes. A front disk makes more of a difference anyway and the rear cantis will do just fine.
Just build a 700C rim onto the alfine, mount up the shifters and you are off to the races!
11-19-08, 09:30 AM
#3
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
Before someone yells at me: IGH = internally geared hub
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
I've been planning out a everyday/commuter bicycle build for a few weeks now and have come to a point where I need advice from people who know more about this stuff than me.
I have a turn of the (current) century Bianchi Volpe, which means it has got a threaded fork. My plan was to stick some Shimano Alfine components on it and call it a day but of course there's the issue of not having disc brake tabs. I also am not sure if I can squeeze an Alfine hub in the back?
Now I was thinking that I can just get a new (threadless?) fork/headset/stem, which would allow me to run a disc in the front. I'm quite comfortable with only having a front brake.
On the other hand, I could peruse ebay/craigslist/nashbar? for a new frame/fork with tabs and all, though this would be more expensive.
What do you think?
Go get the Alfine and just use your rim brakes. You will be very happy.
The Alfine is 135mm OLD, (just measured one, 134.96)but you should have no problem spreading your frame to accomodate.
I've done numerous Alfine and Nexus conversions, and the type of frame you have is one of the best candidates.
If you want to be rid of your rim brakes, a Nexus 8 with roller brakes front and rear makes a great all weather, low maintenance ride.
11-19-08, 11:08 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: NYC - where bicycles go to die
Posts: 1,313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd like to run a disc for wet weather, as long as I'm building a bike up to my specifications. I forgot to mention that the frame does indeed have great dropouts for running the rear without a tensioner. I'll also be getting some swept-back handlebars, a Brooks knock-off (maybe the real thing if I find a deal), some panniers, and wide tires for the NYC potholes. Looking forward to having a more relaxed ride, and I figure this setup will keep me outside when the weather goes to hell.
