Unchained
10-31-10 | 05:11 PM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
But after riding it for that many miles, I've developed a handful of complaints:
1. The Nexus just doesn't have the gear range I'd like, especially on the low end. I'm big and there are hills on my commute, so it's a problem. I'm sure a Sturmey-Archer would be better.
2. Because there are only 8 gears, it's harder to find just the right gear. I usually want to be somewhere between 5 (direct drive) and 6.
3. Changing a flat on the rear is a real nightmare. Maybe with practice I'd get better at it, but it took much much longer than a typical setup. Part of the problem might be the drum brakes.
1. The Nexus just doesn't have the gear range I'd like, especially on the low end. I'm big and there are hills on my commute, so it's a problem. I'm sure a Sturmey-Archer would be better.
2. Because there are only 8 gears, it's harder to find just the right gear. I usually want to be somewhere between 5 (direct drive) and 6.
3. Changing a flat on the rear is a real nightmare. Maybe with practice I'd get better at it, but it took much much longer than a typical setup. Part of the problem might be the drum brakes.
1. This is one of the main limitations with the current belt drive cog selection for the nexus/alfine hubs. The only rear cog is a 24t. If you have a 55T up front, you can get a 50T to gain some lower gear range, otherwise, we all have to wait for more rear options to become available.
2. ohhh the 5-6 jump. This is the oddity of the nexus/alfine design. Why they designed such a large jump between the two most used gears is beyond me.
3. The Nexus roller brake does make wheel removal a pain, IMO. The belt drive and nexus are very straightforward without the added hassle of the roller brake operation. If you haven't already done it, be sure to have a 2mm hex key (or a short length of an old spoke) in your toolkit - the nexus/alfine has a hole in the cassette joint that is designed to accept these things, whereby the cassette joint can be easily rotated, making cable removal and installation a snap.
Also, consider getting some better tires if you are getting that many flats. well worth the extra money, IMO. I REALLY like my Schwalbe Marathon Supremes.
10-31-10 | 06:39 PM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA USA
I think that these are a great idea for certain types of bikes. The obvious upside is not having to do chain maintenance. The downside is that internally geared hubs are less efficient than derailleur systems. I am a little curious if they can be adapted to any internally geared hub or if the hub has to be specially made to support the belt cog.
Not worth buying a new bike for, but if you were in the market for this type of bike anyway, it's an option worth considering.
Not worth buying a new bike for, but if you were in the market for this type of bike anyway, it's an option worth considering.
10-31-10 | 06:45 PM
#54
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 0
From: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
1. This is one of the main limitations with the current belt drive cog selection for the nexus/alfine hubs. The only rear cog is a 24t. If you have a 55T up front, you can get a 50T to gain some lower gear range, otherwise, we all have to wait for more rear options to become available.
2. ohhh the 5-6 jump. This is the oddity of the nexus/alfine design. Why they designed such a large jump between the two most used gears is beyond me.
3. The Nexus roller brake does make wheel removal a pain, IMO. The belt drive and nexus are very straightforward without the added hassle of the roller brake operation. If you haven't already done it, be sure to have a 2mm hex key (or a short length of an old spoke) in your toolkit - the nexus/alfine has a hole in the cassette joint that is designed to accept these things, whereby the cassette joint can be easily rotated, making cable removal and installation a snap.
Also, consider getting some better tires if you are getting that many flats. well worth the extra money, IMO. I REALLY like my Schwalbe Marathon Supremes.
Also, consider getting some better tires if you are getting that many flats. well worth the extra money, IMO. I REALLY like my Schwalbe Marathon Supremes.
