Gravel on Internal Gear Hubs?

5 replies · 2,469 views

Marquezdl
9 posts
#1Feb 27, 2022, 11:56 AM
Years ago I gave up on Derailleurs. I just never was happy with the whole package of issues (in my mind). So I switched to internal hubs. I have 2 lugged steel frames, one is a 650A with Shimano Alfine 8. The other is 700C Rolhoff.
Just wondering if anyone else here is into IGH hubs rather than 1X, 2X, 3X, or SS?

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stu
646 posts
#2Feb 27, 2022, 6:28 PM
I haven't used an IGH since I was about 12 years old but the concept is sound. Used with a belt it should need less maintenance and cleaning than a derailleur and chain.

However a derailleur setup can be simple and reliable. I've been using 8- and 9- speed components with separate shifters (not integrated with brake levers) for the last 8 years or so with absolutely no problems. Before that a 7-speed screw-on freewheel and downtube shifters served me well for 30 years. I fear the newer 12- and- 13 speed systems are too proprietary and too complex.

I've never used electronic shifting because for me a small speed improvement isn't worth the cost. But I must say these look interesting:
https://archercomponents.com/
https://www.electrifybike.com/products/x-shifter-universal-electronic-shifter
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clasher
22 posts
#3Feb 28, 2022, 6:04 AM
I was thinking an IGH might be a good winter/gravel bike for me... mostly just to keep the salt/grit out of the derailleur pulleys, and I can run a chaincase to keep the drivetrain clean too. They're expensive though, and the 8/11/14 speed ones have a whole bunch of proprietary parts, and in the case of a rohloff, I think the dropouts need to be made for the hub. Years ago I ran a 5 speed Sturmey-archer with a drum brake for a commuter, that was a pretty solid setup and not too finicky to adjust the gears. SA had since changed the design of their 5 speed hubs and I ended up just converting that bike to fixed.
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Marquezdl
9 posts
#4Feb 28, 2022, 7:10 AM
Actually. I currently have a Rolhof that I have ridden over 10,000 miles with not a whiff of a problem. I hace done the recommended flush and change of the oil in the system. They are damned pricey, but the longer I ride it the more impressed I am with the quality of engineering and materials. The bike I have the Rolhof mounted on has adjustable special dropouts designed for it and the system is slick, easy, foolproof, and incredibly reliable.
my Shimano Nexus 8 is a different kettle of fish. It works well and it has been reliable so far, just a couple thousand miles, but it has a much narrower range of gears, and it does not shift as cleanly and positively as the Rolhof.
I am actually hoping I am still riding the Rolhoff when I ride off into that great bikepath in the sky!
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Jumbo
123 posts
#5Feb 28, 2022, 7:50 AM
I have an Alfine 8 on my commuter with a belt drive. For what I do with it, it's awesome. Come summer, I'm going to re-grease it, but that'll be the first maintenance I've done on that bike other than inflating the tires in two whole years. Can't do that with a derailleur and a chain. Shifting is really smooth, too. I've got electronic shifting (an Archer setup, like posted above) on my other bike, and don't miss it with the IGH. Now, I wouldn't want to use this on a proper, performance gravel bike (like my other bike), for three reasons. First, the gearing just isn't wide enough, climbing is ok, but I spin it out at like 22mph. Second, the engagement sucks. Not responsive at all. Third, the weight is noticeable.
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stu
646 posts
#6Feb 28, 2022, 1:48 PMedited
You'll probably gain a little weight and lose a little efficiency with an IGH compared to a derailleur:
https://www.cyclingabout.com/speed-difference-testing-gearbox-systems/
(the link might take a while to load.)

Whether that's significant depends on your priorities.
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