Shimano Alfine gears.

[mrbikerboy73]

My brother is after a new MTB and has found a great looking bike on eBay that's been built by the owner.
It's got Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub gears and I wondered if anyone has any experience of this type of set up?
Cheers....

 

[RedRider]

I've had one but on a hybrid commuter so never took it up and down a muddy mountain trail. Pros: Waterproof, reliable and pretty much maintenance-free. Can change gear whilst standing still.
Cons: Heavy. Gear intervals quite big.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ridden a few never owned an mtb one.

Weight distribution is a bit odd at first, gaps somewhat large but that never bothered me as in 20-years of off-roading I've never found the right gear, more of a pita when it come to punctures compared with cassette bikes, can get into first when not pedalling which can be a help in extremis.

But the thing that stops me owning one on an mtb.... Can't fix it myself and most LBS's are a waste of space when it comes to fixing Alfine's.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

oh. And carry a 15mm or adjustable wrench everywhere.

 

[JohnClimber]

Owned an 11 speed which isn't brilliant off road and upgraded to a 14 speed Rohloff hub which is perfect.

For the money the 8 speed is the best off road riding budget hub out there as it is more reliable than the 11 speed and get good reviews.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Thank you all for the replies, I'll pass on the info. I've learnt something myself too

 

[Klassikbike]

One problem I can think of for MTB with Alfine 8 speed is that shifting with a lot of pressure on chain might be difficult. A DI2 version solves this problem though.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Thank you @Klassikbike

 

[GrumpyGregry]

One problem I can think of for MTB with Alfine 8 speed is that shifting with a lot of pressure on chain might be difficult.

How so?
and

A DI2 version solves this problem though.

How so?

 

[brand]

I use a Rohloff Thorn Raven Enduro brilliant on or off road certainly reduced maintance. Not done many hard hills of road. Would think the Alfine 8 would lack the range. If you have set it up for steep hills it would be lacking on the flat. I would think about the Alfine 11 not bad had one, better still the Rohloff but getting very expensive. If the Alfine 8 was a good idea then there is a good chance that some of the manufactures would have the same set up on mountain bikes. Check.

 

[Pale Rider]

I have an Alfine 11 and get the occasional box of neutrals which is surprisingly off putting.

Chatter online suggests the Alfine 8 is more reliable.

Does anyone have any experience of servicing?

I'm thinking about sending mine back to Shimano to be dealt with.

The hub is not very old, but out of warranty.

I wouldn't object to paying a few quid if I thought it would sort it.

 

[Klassikbike]

How so?
and
Sorry for the very late reply,
With regular IHG's (Internal Hub Gears) all have the problem of shifting under load, usually you have to stop pedaling to achieve a shift.
Theres been a problem with Bosch E-Bike motors with that too, so they want to cooperate more with electric shifting (SRAM, NUVINCI and SHIMANO)

How so?

To be honest Im not sure why this is the case, my knowledge about IHG mechanics is not good enough. Anyway somehow electric shifting works very smooth even when on a very step climb, whereas a regular internal hub gear has its problems.

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Many thanks for all your replies. The bike sold to another bidder on eBay but all replies have been read and taken on board. We've learnt something if nothing else!