Cycling UK Forum

Can you use a 1/8" Sturmey Archer sprocket (and 1/8" chain) on an Alfine hub?

I gather the Alfine sprockets are normally 3/32" but follow the standard 3-spline pattern as per SA sprockets so you could use an SA 1/8" sprocket. Would just like to know if anyone has though...

Thanks

Yes, I believe you can.

I have bikes with both SRAM 7 and Alfine hubs. I have used the same 3/32 sprockets (SA) with both hubs. I have also used a 1/8 sprocket on the SRAM 7 (had to butcher the plastic dust cap to make it fit). I believe if it will go on the SRAM 7, it will go on the Alfine. There is no dust cap to butcher either.

One slight problem when fitting the 3/32 sprocket on the alfine: it was a little tight when refitting the circlip that holds the sprocket on. That was easily fixed by rubbing one of the flat faces of the sprocket against a sharpening stone for a couple of minutes. Taking a hairs width off the sprocket thickness made every sit snugly.

I also have an alfine chainset. That was more of a problem. The 'sandwich' goes inner plastic chain guard, chainring, spider, outer metal chainguard. There isn't enough space between the plastic chain guard and the metal chain guard to take a 1/8 chain. The plastic chain guard attaches to the chainring by 5 bolts that mate with threaded holes in the chainring. I added 5 washers between the plastic guard and chainring to space them apart, then there was space for the chain. It wasn't a good solution though because it still made a lot of noise when running. The chain was touching one or other of the guards. I reverted to a 3/32 chain within a week. None of this would be a problem if you are not using an alfine chainset.

Edit: I have had a 1/8 chain (with a 3/32 sprocket) on the alfine bike since January and it's not been noisey so the chainset problem must be fixed but I don't remember how or why.

7_lives_left wrote:I also have an alfine chainset. That was more of a problem. The 'sandwich' goes inner plastic chain guard, chainring, spider, outer metal chainguard. There isn't enough space between the plastic chain guard and the metal chain guard to take a 1/8 chain. The plastic chain guard attaches to the chainring by 5 bolts that mate with threaded holes in the chainring. I added 5 washers between the plastic guard and chainring to space them apart, then there was space for the chain. It wasn't a good solution though because it still made a lot of noise when running. The chain was touching one or other of the guards. I reverted to a 3/32 chain within a week. None of this would be a problem if you are not using an alfine chainset.

Edit: I have had a 1/8 chain (with a 3/32 sprocket) on the alfine bike since January and it's not been noisey so the chainset problem must be fixed but I don't remember how or why.

I have a 1/8 chain on a alfine spocket and chainset with no noise or other issues
The chainset I have (it's got alfine branding on it) doesn't seem like the one you describe however. There isn't a plastic chain guard.

Alfine chainsets come with either one chainguard (common) or two (less common, I think). I've got one with a single chainguard and I run it with a 3/32 chain. I've never tried it with a 1/8 chain but would like to if it's not going to make a noise. Maybe I'll try it.

I've used SRAM, Shimano and SA hubs and don't recall any problems interchanging the sprockets - not sure which combinations I've tried though. The suggestion about filing the 'bumps' on the sprocket down sounds sensible to me,

Many thanks to all who have taken the time to reply - you've been very helpful...

You could also fit a 1/8" chainring (bottom of page): http://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk ... Chainrings