Shimano Alfine 11-speed

Triathlon Forum
1

This might be kind of a dumb question, but I recently noticed the Shimano Alfine internally geared 11-speed hub:
http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/0/alfine/product.-code-SG-S700-L.-type-..html

Since it’s 135 mm, it’s a mountain hub, right? Has anybody used one or seen one in action? I’m wondering if the lack of a rear derailleur and external cassette shows some promise for aero bikes.

2

Less efficient than a conventional derailleur drivetrain so any aero advantages are wiped out.
Awesome for an all seasons commuter though.
Check out the 14speed Rohloff Speedhub.

There is a national TT champs in the UK for igh bikes.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stu_collins/tincanten/

3

This might be kind of a dumb question, but I recently noticed the Shimano Alfine internally geared 11-speed hub:
http://www.shimano.com/…-S700-L.-type-…html

Since it’s 135 mm, it’s a mountain hub, right? Has anybody used one or seen one in action? I’m wondering if the lack of a rear derailleur and external cassette shows some promise for aero bikes.

Shimano did it right here, but you won’t overcome the friction losses for use on a high performance bike. The Di2 equipped version of this hub complete with Dura Ace 9070 or the dedicated Alfine road controls would make a great addition as an all weather commuter. The flat bar Di2 shifters are backwards compatible, too if you wanted to set up an 11 speed derailleur shifted bike.

I think Raliegh is making a road bike with Alfine Di2, not sure if it is coming to the USA.

-SD

4

The Di2 Alfine seems a little nuts, but I’m wondering what the final cost will end up at.

Anyone have approximate percentages for decreased efficiency over a standard derailleur drivetrain? I’m probably moving soon and will have a substantially longer commute (~16mi). Planning to build a TT-style bike path commuter to keep things rolling quick and have been leaning towards an IGH since it’ll be a year-round thing.

5

Thanks for the thoughts. I’m curious as to how much the drivetrain losses are compared to a conventional derailleur system. They are pretty heavy, too. I like the idea of having everything sealed up for my mountain bike…

6

Thanks for the thoughts. I’m curious as to how much the drivetrain losses are compared to a conventional derailleur system. They are pretty heavy, too. I like the idea of having everything sealed up for my mountain bike…

This link claims derailleur systems are 98% efficient while internal gear systems are 92%:
http://hubstripping.wordpress.com/geared-hubs-vs-derailleur/

7

I have a friend who absolutely hates derailleurs. He built up his MTB with an IGH, was super stoked about it initially, then went back to a derailleur. Just too much weight concentrated in a bad spot I guess.

8

My upcoming winter project was going to be a belt drive IGH all-weather Ti commuter. I’ve been talking to people about the Shimano 8spd hub but it’s not getting good reviews
I know some guy named Bowthorpe rode around the world on a rohloff 14 spd belt drive Santos and set a record.