Internal hub vs rear derailleur.

Dt01sfw

Hi.

I've been commuting on my bike (specialized allez elite) for about a year. I've fairly consistently disappointed with the performance of the gears (Shimano tiagra) - noisy,needing adjustment etc etc.

My question is - should I convert to an internal hub? Sturmey Archer 9 speed or something? Are they more/less reliable? Do they require more/less maintenance?

You don't often see them on road bikes? Maybe there's a reason?!

I do about 20miles per day, all weathers, all year. Hence my desire for something robust and reliable!

Any advice from my fellow riders would be very welcome!

Steve

craker

Hmmm... I commute similar distances year round on a Tiagra groupset and I've no particular issues with reliability. Have you checked things like jockey wheels or a bent rear mech? Have to say my shifting improved markedly when I changed a worn chainring.

You could always try singlespeed...

ugo.santalucia

Why not? If you want something maintenance free, then internal gear hub could be the answer... Shimano Alfine 8 is probably better priced than Sturmy Archer. Problem is you need new controls, new hub, a wheel built around it... it won't be a cheap conversion

Monty Dog

I'd definitely try a internal gear hubbed bike before you buy - the change in weight can feel different and drivetrain efficiency isn't quite as good.

flappy8

I commute 90 miles a week on a 105 and it's totaly reliable. Not sure they're much better than Tiagra. There is a guy at work with a Giant who has Tiagra and seems to have no issue. Craker is probaly right - there may be something bent or worn - so I'd check that first.

Dt01sfw

Thanks folks!

This is my first post on here - very impressed with the response! All great advice!

I guess if I'm honest - I need to be better at bike maintenance!

Out of interest - does anyone know whether am internal hub requires more/ less maintenance than a rear derailleur?

Thanks everyone - brilliant!

Steve

ugo.santalucia

Dt01sfw wrote:

Thanks folks!

This is my first post on here - very impressed with the response! All great advice!

I guess if I'm honest - I need to be better at bike maintenance!

Out of interest - does anyone know whether am internal hub requires more/ less maintenance than a rear derailleur?

Thanks everyone - brilliant!

Steve

Less

flappy8

Less is the answer, but a derailleur should be fine, works much better and weighs less.

amaferanga

Have you considered a single speed or fixed wheel bike? Even less maintenance than either a derailleur or hub gear.

MichaelW

Alfine is a low maintenance hub. I did my first oil dip after 3 years of use and now repeat the process once/year. It stays cleaner than derailleurs and doesn't need cleaning over winter.
BUT
you need a method of tensioning the chain. I use an eccentric bottom bracket. Sliding vertical dropouts are nice for disc brakes. Horizontal dropouts and track-ends are simple and light.
Using a spring tensioner with std vertical dropouts is OK as a retrofit but don't buy that style in a new bike. You still have to deal with pulley wheels accumulating crud.

Dt01sfw

Thank you all once again.

Decision made - internal hubs will be a strong contender for my next bike. But for now - bike is booked in for a service and copy of Zinn ordered!

I do really like the low maintenance/simple look an internal hub would produce.

Thank you all for your advice!

Steve

ugo.santalucia

Dt01sfw wrote:

Thank you all once again.

Decision made - internal hubs will be a strong contender for my next bike. But for now - bike is booked in for a service and copy of Zinn ordered!

I do really like the low maintenance/simple look an internal hub would produce.

Thank you all for your advice!

Steve

Go to a Genesis retailer and try the Alfine Day one...