Shimano’s New 11-Speed Alfine Hub: A Rohloff Challenger?
Shimano is stirring up the market for internal hub gears with the launch of its new 11-speed Alfine model. Could this be a new challenge for the German-engineered Rohloff hub, by far the favourite of touring cyclists to date?
The Shimano option is certainly less expensive. With an expected retail price of just $419 U.S. or about €300, it costs a fraction of the Rohloff and will be infinitely more accessible to cycle tourists who love the convenience of internal hub gearing but aren’t prepared to spend thousands of dollars on a top-notch expedition touring bike.
The Shimano Alfine also has a weight advantage, at 1,600 grams versus 1,847 grams for the Rohloff.
And while the Shimano doesn’t have quite the gear range that Rohloff does, at 11 speeds to Rohloff’s 14 speeds, or a ratio of 409% compared with 526% for the Rohloff, it’s getting close. Some cyclists may be more than willing to compromise.
If you’re wondering what those numbers mean, a 409% gear ratio means the highest gear is 4.09 times greater than the lowest gear. The increments between the gears are 17% in 2 cases and 13% for the remaining 8.
The first models of the new 11 speed Shimano Alfine are due out in September 2010.
Read more on Bike Europe and on the German site Aktiv Radfahren.
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Finally. I was waiting for this. Hopefully with a belt drive, too.
I’m not sure about this. To me, it’s pricey but isn’t backed by a great reputation like the Rohloff.
Does it require a special frame size, like the Rohloff?
There aren’t a lot of details yet, so I’m not sure on the frame size. As for durability and performance, you’re right. A lot remains to be proven.
The german article linked below explains that it’s compatible with the rest of the alfine group (read: cranks, meaning same chainline), suggesting that it’s designed with standards and interoperability in mind.
But what the heck do you mean by “frame size.” When people say frame size, they’re talking about fit. Do you mean the rear dropout spacing? 135 is hardly “special.” Or are you talking about the torque arm? That only means a little clamp or special dropouts (or long horizantal dropouts – the oem hub will make a friction connection with long horizantal dropouts.)
http://www.radfahren.de/news/detailansicht-news/artikel/die-sensation-shimano-bringt-11-gang-nabe.html
You’re right, poor choice of wording there with ‘frame size’. Yes, I meant (and assume James meant as well) the special dropouts that Rohloff Hubs require. I won’t claim to be an expert on Rohloffs, so I’ll refer to Sheldon Brown for the details
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/rohloff/axle-caps.html
No special dropouts are required for any nexus 7/8 or alfine 8 hubs. I have built 6 projects on 80’s steel japanese bikes with semi horizontal dropouts and all worked great. You do need special non turn washers. Belt drive only requires the rear cog instead of a toothed one for a chain. I think this 11 speed is going to be the cat’s meow. I can’t wait for one.
Great to know. Thanks for sharing! I still struggle to come to terms with the cost of a Rohloff but at about 1/3 of the price, I think the Shimano Alfine is really tempting.
I agree. I would bet Shimano would make it compatible with
their other non turn washers. Same with the cogs. I can’t wait either.
I am glad that Shimano are coming out with this new hub as i have been toying with the idea of buying a rollhoff but the price has made me think carefully i cannot wait for the test results on this new shimano 11 speed as i am a great fan of shimano gear and find it very reliable.
PS i do a lot of extended touring and will use this hub to tour with hopefully it will meet my expectations as most shimano products have