New 11 speed Shimano Alfine hub gear on its way in 2010

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Permalink Reply by Robert Harris on February 3, 2010 at 4:17pm

This is great news.

I also like my 8 speed Nexus-8 bike, but I find that the range is just that bit too narrow for an old codger such as myself.

I can't even remember what chainring/sprocket combo I have on it at the moment - it is set up so that top gear is about right. My creaky old knees have trouble with some hills, especially around Balmain/Rozelle/Lilyfield.

The 409% gear range should fix that problem nicely...as long as the new oil bath lube system doesn't leak.

Tha Lazy Randonneur says the price is $US419.

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Permalink Reply by Bennelong Bicyclist on February 3, 2010 at 4:28pm

My 8-speed Alfine has 45x20 sprockets which gives a range of about 32 to 99 inches, which is fine for almost all commuting. The 407% range of the new 11-speed hub will enable a 25 inch bottom gear and a top gear of just over 100 inches, which is high enough for all commuting and touring IMHO, and nice small gaps between all the gears - perfect!

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Permalink Reply by herzog on February 3, 2010 at 4:31pm

Yeah nice. Stick this in a flatbar roadbike with hydo discs and you've got pretty much the perfect low maintenance commuter.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Harris on February 4, 2010 at 8:35pm

I'd like to see it in something like this:

Trek Belleville


I don't know why Trek released it as a 3 speed. Otherwise, it seems to be a fine bike - cr-mo, low stand-over, mudguards, racks, about $990. Womens model is a mixte.

The only thing that doen't impress me is the integrated stem/handle bars. I wouldhope they are a "normal" 1 1/8 diameter ahead system.

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Permalink Reply by Bennelong Bicyclist on February 7, 2010 at 8:06am

This looks even nicer: http://www.ecovelo.info/2009/10/18/raleigh-alley-way-eye-candy/

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Permalink Reply by herzog on February 7, 2010 at 9:28am

Yeah that's probably the future of urban cycling.

Looks good.

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Permalink Reply by Garryw on March 15, 2010 at 9:56pm

Hi Robert,

If you can, have a close look at the Belleville in real life. I have been waiting for it to appear in the local shop. Finally a womens model appeared. Several points of disappointment were evident unfortunately, mostly in regard to very cheap componentry (brakes and levers, pedals, seat), the front carrier not very rigid (perhaps not fully tightened on assembly?), some very poor welding on the seatstays on the one I saw, and only 125mm between rear dropouts which means you probably couldn't go beyond 5-6 speeds if converting it to derailleur gears.

Notwithstanding I am still considering buying one, but its quality in standard condition imho does not justify fitting an expensive new hub gear. Be aware that the standard gearing is very tall (44/19). 22 rear is available, but for me that is not enough and thus far cannot find a suitable replacement crankset. My purchase decision is currently hinging on this, as the bike has many good points as well, as you know.

I have gone into this bike in some detail if you are interested in pusuing a separate conversation about it.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Harris on March 17, 2010 at 8:11pm

Thanks for that, although it is a bit disappointing. Being of short legged anatomy. I just really like the design of the frame which gives excellent standover height,

At any rate, a Belleville is off the agenda for now. Mrs Harris paid a visit to my garage last week, and was astonished at the quantity of bikes and bike related stuff taking up every inch of space, and that was before the last 2 additions (a clean mid-90's Trek 370 and a mint 1996 Bianchi Osprey). So I've been given orders to make some space, which can only be achieved by thinning the herd.

I'm thinking that the Alfine 11 speed might work well on the Osprey, replacing the ho-hum 21 speed stuff it currently wears. Plenty of time to think about it.

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Permalink Reply by Garryw on March 17, 2010 at 10:24pm

I sympathise with your garage situation, it seems that bikes beget bits and more bikes and more bits....there are three quite nice bikes in my workshop here that can't be ridden because they are simply too deeply buried.

By the way, the Belleville does come in several frame sizes. The frame design is good for a lower stand over as you say, and to my mind looks so much better than the current vogue for steeply sloping top tubes.

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Permalink Reply by Martin Geliot on March 20, 2010 at 11:14pm

"I've been given orders to make some space, which can only be achieved by thinning the herd."

In other words your wife has to go?

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Permalink Reply by back street boy on February 3, 2010 at 4:42pm

Looks good

Also, any idea's on when the new rolhoff comes out? I heard rumours of a new model which was significantly lighter with a rapidfire shifter option was being released.

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Permalink Reply by ♫ Kylie on February 3, 2010 at 4:44pm

I'm curious to try, just to see what it's like. As a bit of a techo, I like that I can break everything down into it's bits, so the "black box" effect bothers me a bit.

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