Cycling UK Forum

I would like to convert my Airborne Titanium Carpe Diem from Ultegra 27spd to Alfine hub gears. Is this likely to be feasible and/or cost effective? The bike has vertical drop-outs. I now do most of my cycling in town(flat terrain) and would like to keep the Airborne because of it's magic carpet ride. Anybody done something similar?

I have an Airborne titanium bike with ultegra 9sp gear set. Would it be feasible to convert this to accommodate Alfine hub gears? It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden but as I am in my 70s and am doing more and more town riding, I appreciate the convenience of hub gears (I also have a Trek Soho which is OK but rides like a brick!) What mods are likely to be needed? The Airborne has vertical drop-outs.

Could some kind person tell me which electric cycles were reviewed in the last edition of the mag? I seem to have lost my copy. I have a disabled friend who is looking to buy a step-thru. Many thanks

Thank you all for your highly entertaining and mostly helpful replies. I am a somewhat grouchy but enthusiastic bike nut (MTB, Airborne tourer, Raleigh Randonneur tourer and my workhorse Trek Soho. The latter has cable disc brakes, the front one being effective, the rear one defying all my efforts to make it work properly. I have tried new cable, pads and adjustment but nothing seems to improve it. My Trek 6300 MTB has Avid hydrulic brakes which are pretty damn good, hence my steer towards hydraulics. But being a stubborn old sod and a competent amateur bike mechanic I will have one last go and try low-friction cable, organic pads and a complete strip-down. I will keep you lovely people posted.

Does anyone know how I can replace the shimano cable disc brakes on my old Trek Soho with hydraulic brakes? The existing brakes have 160mm hub-mounted rotors. Can anyone suggest brakes which will be compatible?

I would like to source a titanium-framed touring bike with 11-speed alfine hub gears, flat bars and hydraulic disc brakes. Is there any such animal out there or has anyone a contact who could build one? I have an Airborne Carpe Diem titanium with vertical drop-outs but conversion to IGH seems difficult.