hbob

My LBS is recommending the SRAM 7 speed hub (same spread as the Shimano 8) over the Shimano Nexus.
They do a lot of internal gear hub work.
One feature is the ease of removing wheel for tire service. Anyone else have experience with this hub?
SRAM has the external "clickbox" connection that quick connects the cable on and off so you don't have to
readjust when putting wheel back on. It also hangs out a bit.


It is for a Downtube full suspension. I am also deciding on drum, coaster brake versions or keeping
the v brake. I do go on some long downhills and I hear you can burn up drums unless you just use
the front v brake on a long run.

Wavshrdr

I have had both. I personally will stick with the Shimano 8spd Red Label. I like the finer graduation between gears, the hub is faster and it isn't difficult to service. I personally had issues with the clickbox trying to sometimes get it release. It also takes up more room in the suitcase unless you unclick it everytime. The cable is more prone to snags too but that may not be an issue depending on where you ride. I terms of actual usage my 8spd Nexus was smoother than my SRAM. Tire changes are really that different in actual effort.

I would keep the V-brake on the DT if you have a lot of hills to deal with. Any reason you want to go coaster or drum? The brake is easier to service on the v but rim wear could be an issue. In reality though if you aren't going very fast it won't be an issue.

caotropheus

I would go Nexus 8 and keep both front and rear brake either V-brake or caliper.

LittlePixel

I have a SRAM Spectro 7 and although nice I've had issues with the quality of the clickbox after removing it for one of the myriad of punctures (I count about 12) on my rear wheel in the last year. (What can I say but I have bad tyre karma)

Basically - there's a little thumbscrew on the clickbox that you tighten when the wheel is back on and in place over the hub axle to ensure everything stays securely put, but this screw tightens into a tiny little brass collar that is only held in to the plastic body of the clickbox by what looks like heat and friction at the time of manufacture. Over-tighten this once as I did and the ring comes away from the housing and means you can't tighten it, meaning you get stuck in a gear and can't shift anymore. Meaning you'll basically need to replace the whole shifting mechanism (For about £35 GBP; $65 USD?) unless you can source individual parts. Not ideal really!

I have mine kinda fixed temporarily McGyver style (until I can build my proper track fixie wheels) with some epoxy glue but it won't hold for long (it's already loose and I have another punture to fix in the meantime). So I guess I'm saying I like the SRAM as a hub but be careful with the click-box as it's hyper-fragile and doesn't take to be being taken on/off a lot. Which is crap when it has to come off for punctures.

maunakea

time for some kevlar tires, spinskins (just cut a 700c or MTB size to fit 406's) and thorn resistant tubes. I went that way to ride a 700c where there are max debris shoulders.... the wheelset is noticeably heavier, mostly from the thorn resistant tubes (perf. bike) and the Kenda's are heavier than the Conti's ... but NO flats. I've used needlenose pliers to pull pieces of glass out of the tires that would definitely have punctured my previous setup.

v1nce

I agree with most what has been said above but i would like to add the 'other perspective':

I don't like Shimano much, their bizz practices and their dominance in the sport. I do like S-Ram. Both make quality products. From a technical standpoint the Red Label Shimano is better but i think it is usually also a lot more expensive. S-Ram deserves support in my opinion, they are one of the most innovative companies around and pretty small in comparison to Shimano.

From a service/LBS and my point of view any new Shimano hub is terrible. They are very hard to service and parts/units are very expensive. This is not at all the case with the S Ram by comparison.

I picked the S Ram and don't regret it but one day i may get a red band hub or a Capreo der.

I guess in the end it depends on what you prioritize.