Hello, I have been trying to find some comparison between the Shimano Alfine 11 hub and the Deore XT. I think many of you could help me.
Here's some background on me:

I used to (I say used to because I stop a little while to have 2 kids) MTB in US, I have a Jamis hard tail with XT that I absolutely love. Nothing too hardcore, but I enjoyed the hills.

I just moved to Munich (from Baltimore) and this is the most bike friendly city I have ever seen. I have yet to find a street that doesn't have its dedicated bike lane, now that is cool! Anyway, I want to buy a good commuter bike, something that will last. We made the move to Munich as a permanent move. We are also considering adding a bike trailer for the 2 kids (10 mths and 3 years).

I have came across 2 bikes that I liked. The first one, Hercules Avanos Pro comes with Deore XT front & back (Euro 1300). The second one, Staiger Luxe 11.8 comes with Alfine 11 (Euro 1,400). I prefer the frame of the Hercules, which also comes with front suspension. But I have to admit I felt in love with the Alfine, for a lot of similar reasons listed on this site.

The bike shop is willing to put the Alfine on the frame I like, for a little labor fee. The bike price would stay the same. Would that be a stupid thing to do? Is XT much more expensive than Alfine, and by doing that, I'll get screwed, or are they comparable price wise?

I absolutely love how the Alfine shifts, plus having 1 shifter is so much easier, simple, no overlap.

Let me know what you think. You can probably look the bikes up online, but all what I can find was in German.

Thanks again!

No!! It would be a very smart thing to do given your explanation of use.

In looking up 'hub gear' on Wikipedia all IGHs except the Rohloff and the Alfine are recommended for city use only. Both the Rf and Alf have 'sport' attached as well which gives one the impression they're a little stouter. I'd go for it.

Here's the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hub_gear

Meanwhile, maybe this as a Valentine's Day gift?: www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/big_apple_da_big.html Then she'll get you the Men's version: www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/big_apple.html in black the next year. Both are equipped w/a Rohloff and Schwalbe Big Apples...you'll thank me later.

Btw, congratulations on making the big jump 'cross the pond. The bicycle is most highly respected in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and all the Scandanavian countries. The UK while more bike friendly than the US, certainly isn't like the mainland at all! You're living the American commuter's dream.

I just bought my first IGH bike, a hybrid Spot Brand ACME model. Used for daily 12 mile commuting on lots of bike lanes here in Vancouver. This bike also has the Gates Carbon Beltdrive...a true commuter heaven.

The Afine 11 spd meets all my needs. Ratios are percect for the elevation changes on my daily ride. While I'm not hitting the top speeds I used on on my previous bike (~30 mph down a big hill), I'm not sure I need/want to go that fast. Reduction in gear maintenance, esp. with the belt drive vs greasy chains, is a big plus to me.
I choose my bike based on the fact it was designed around IGH & belt drives...so it's got some very nice to haves...like a rear drop out bracket designed to allow wheel removal/replacement without needs to reset belt/chain tensions
I've had the bike for 1 month now. I'm seeing some occassional gear jumping at random moments. LBS has adjusted shifter cable a bit & I'm now doing test rides to see if it's cured. Apparently Shimano now has a wet weather kit to reduce cable performance issues in the wet...might need to go that route as I ride in many rain soaked days here.

IGHs have some benefits for sure, but keep in mind that they're not meant for high-torque riding, heavy duty, hauling, touring, etc., except for Rohloff. Also, taking the wheel off to fix a flat may be difficult.

I don't like them because I don't like to have anything on my bike that I can't take apart and fix. I had a 4 speed Nexus once, it broke, in under 2 years and it was not possible to fix.

Taking the rear wheel off my Alfine 8 speed has not been an issue. You need to release the shifter cable which is pretty straight forward. I love the IGH since it has been almost maintenance free. I have it cleaned once a year. I have had the bike for almost four years and commute daily. Very nice that you can shift without having to pedal. Also with just the one shifter you don't have to do any thinking. I also tow a small trailer and have not had any issues. Have had up to 60 lbs on it. Agree that fixing an IGH would be beyond my abilities, however it has been very reliable for me.

For riding around in Munich, the Alfine might be better. You can ride all year 'round there (one of my brothers worked there for 2 years and bike commuted) but it's really rainy in the winter time.
That said, the maintenance differences between internal gear bikes and derailleur gear bikes is not as great as it once was. Modern derailleur bikes have all sorts of sealed bearings everywhere.