Cycling UK Forum

Thanks to all particularly simonin... for your detailed response. I think I have enough info now to be going on with. This forum is great and has made me wish I had asked for help years ago when agonising over bike choices!

Thanks so much for such a detailed and considered response. Have to make a decision soon particularly with the limited options and stock available at present. Will probably come down to availability which is good for someone like me who procrastinates and over-analyses instead of just getting out riding again! Thanks again.

Thank you simonineaston and Tigerbiten for two more good suggestions.

simon... you have an Alfine 11. I am only considering a hub because I came across the Rohlhof years ago when looking for a new touring bike. This is still my plan but right now I just need to get back cycling after 4 years off so am looking at hybrids. The Alfine appeals because of low maintenance - i.e. cleaning! - but I am a bit wary of the belt as I know chains are easier to fix etc. And in the current climate parts are in short supply. Lastly my current level of fitness and hills around here make me wonder if the Alfine 8 goes low enough. I am trying to avoid buying another overgeared derailleur bike - 27! - but I have found some great 10 and 11 speed derailleur hybrids available with a large rear sprocket I am sure would get me up anything round here. Would appreciate anything you can tell me about your Alfine experience.

Thanks Stevek. I knew something wasn’t right and you have helped a lot. I have tables of gear inches now but I really wanted to understand the hub figures with chainring etc in themselves.

Thanks PH but you have all helped me. I hesitated to give too much info as I didn’t want to ask for too much help and thought I would be able to work most of it out once some things were clarified. I will have a go and get back to this thread if necessary and if that is ok.

Thanks to everyone for all your answers and helpful info. It will take me some time to go over it - I didn’t realize there was so much to consider when computing ratios.

Thanks slowster for link but my ipad wont open this site as it deems it not secure, despite several attempts. Basically what I need to know is...
The Alfine ratios are 0.53. 0.64.......1.42 1.61 according to several sources, none of which gives chainring or sprocket sizes so what are these ratios?
The Shimano Deore 11-46 ten speed with a 42t chainring, by my simplistic calculation gives gear ratios ranging from 0.26 to 1.09. And as I typed that I realize that doesn’t seem right, not sure.
I know wheel size etc are variables but I am comparing the Trek Dist 4 with an otherwise very similar bike.
Should I just ask the online sales to do the comparison for me as they are the ones I want to buy from?

How do I calculate the gear ratios for the Trek District 4 equipped which comes with an Alfine 8 hub and chainring of 50T and rear sprocket of 24T? I am trying to compare to a similar hybrid with a derailleur. I can calculate derailleur ratios but despite having the Alfine numbers - 0.53 to 1.61 range - am lost. Please don’t refer me to Sheldon Brown et al. as trying to understand them almost made me give up cycling!
Thanks for any help you can give!