alfine 8/11 speed

[gbs]

What experience do you have of this equipment in winter/wet/muddy conditions? I know Genesis have used it on a 'cross bike so I guess the answer is positive but forum response would be reasssuring.

Assuming always that Gensis or someone else allows choice, 8v11 speed - which is to be preferred?

 

[Piemaster]

I've got an 8 speed one. Haven't used it in the weather conditions as bike is still very shiny and staying that way (no guards and 23's). It is the conditions its supposed to be ideal for though.
I've not found any problems with the gear range but then I live in a flat part of the world and don't need a big range so wouldn't have gone for the 11 even if it had been available at the time.
How about working out the gear range you use (not have on the bike) at present and see which one will best suit from that. My hybrid has a triple chainring but I can only remember actually using the smallest one a couple of times.

 

[Moodyman]

Me got one.

Alfine, like all the hubs gears, is best for wet / muddy weather as the internals are shielded from the elements.

It's that good, that Shimano approved for the 8-speed to be built onto MTBs.

 

[Wobblers]

I have an alfine 8 hubbed hybrid for bad weather commuting: in fact I was using it today in the sleet and snow! All the gears are protected from the elements and the straight chain line means you can use 1/8 inch chain meaning drivechain longevity should be better than derailleurs. I have heard of people having their alfine hub stick in one gear when it's very cold, though I haven't had any issues in temperatures down to about -5[sup]o[/sup]C or so. Probably that's due to the gear cable icing up.

 

[gaz]

I've got an 8 speed. I'm not too happy with the spacing between some of the gears. It means if i want to change up i will have to get up and out of the saddle again to get to a comfortable cadence.

 

[gbs]

Thanks every one; you have confirmed the expected which is reassuring. So I have ordered the Day One Alfine and will now wait patiently until the later of a) mid january when I expect the ulna to be confirmed as having fully healed after a break and 2) deliveryof the orange machine.