Internal gear Hubs and Disc brake Performance?
 

I'm in the market for a winter ride and have recognized the importance of some components like treaded or studded tires. I also will make sure fenders are installed. Where I need help is learning about the actual performance of at least two more: internal gear hubs and disc brakes.

In theory, I appreciate how a hub like the Shimano Nexus with eight gears is enclosed, thus protected from the elements. However, few winter riders actually seem to have this on their snow bike. The same with disc brakes. So, I think it would be benificial to hear from others who have these components installed or at least have some experience worth sharing.

Thanks!

I've been using a Nexus-7 and drum brakes for nine winters. They have worked fine, the only issue being moisture getting in the Nexus cables and freezing. Annual cable eplacement can prevent this. I've never tried disks, but the drums are much less hasssle than rim brakes.

Paul

Discs = flawless

Are there specific bikes that employ both an internal multi-gear hub and disc brakes? Or do winter riders make up their own bike with these components?

I can't find many winter worthy models that have an internal gear hub and front disc brake. Swobo has the Otis although not much written on it yet:

http://www.swobo.com/product_b.aspx?...000&p=SBB08001

The ones I've seen are like the Swobo except the rear is a rim brake with a front disc. A lot of bikes have/come with disc brake mounting points on the fork, so some just make the change and buy a new wheel or front hub to mount the rotor to....the front is going to do most of the braking anyways and with a disc brake, there won't be as much dirt, mud, leaves, etc clogging up the brake pads. My cousin has a full chain case on his bike to keep the chain and drivetrain cleaner/less maintenance during the winter months.

Where did your cousin get that full chain case? I'd really like to have one for my winter commuter but I've never found a source. Is it custom?