Help and advice needed for a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub....

[Fylde_coast_Pies]

I'm currently riding a single speed hybrid bike with a 17 tooth sprocket on the back and a 38 tooth chainwheel on the front.
I'm looking to fit a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub on the bike but I'm unsure as to what combination to run with. I've read that a set up of 20/38 is a good neutral combination but can anyone offer any guidance or advice.
Thanks......

 

[Pale Rider]

Quite a lot of complaints from Alfine 11 owners about first not being low enough, particularly for loaded touring.

Your proposed set up is within Shimano's recommendations - the following is lifted from their Alfine 11 tech document:


"It is recommended that the gear ratio of the front chain ring be set to approx. 1.9.
●
"Example: F34T – R18T, F39T – R20T, F45T – R23T."


I believe the problem with going outside the above is you may put too much torque on the hub.

Shimano would be very iffy about a warranty claim if they knew the hub had been used with more extreme front/rear gearing.

 

[Sharky]

Need to check the rear triangle width. If your bike is based on a proper track frame it will be 120mm. I think the Aldine hub is 135 mm

Keith

 

[Fylde_coast_Pies]

Thanks Gent's.