Shimano Alfine 11 - Longer term reliability

[rareposter]

That’s not a scenario that I’d find acceptable.

And yet it's a scenario that could happen with many many parts on a bicycle, including the frame and forks.

I don't think it's in any way an indictment of Alfine hubs - if anything the fact that Tom60 was able to easily (and relatively cheaply!) buy an exact replacement is testament to the value of using components that are commonplace.

[Carlton green]

That’s not a scenario that I’d find acceptable.

And yet it's a scenario that could happen with many many parts on a bicycle, including the frame and forks.

Fair point. On the other hand I’m just looking towards reducing risk and increasing repairability. From what I’ve read here over the years frame and forks are pretty durable and the chances of local repair of steel frames are good.

Whatever, each person makes their own assessment and then hopes that they got things right - or something like that.

I don't think it's in any way an indictment of Alfine hubs - if anything the fact that Tom60 was able to easily (and relatively cheaply!) buy an exact replacement is testament to the value of using components that are commonplace.

We do not know where Tom bought his new hub from, how easy the purchase was, or what the price was. We do know that he’s happy. My suspicion is that if he’d had derailleur gearing then repair and replacement parts would have been easier to organise locally. I wouldn’t call an Alfine 11 hub common place. Relatively cheaply is open to debate, they might be much cheaper in continental Europe but here in the UK an Alfine 11 costs well over £300, and note that the rrp is well over £400 (https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Alfine%2011 ) . For what the customer gets I don’t think the price excessive but …

[Tom60]

I decided it wasn’t worth paying a bike mechanic to disassembled and repair my defective Alfine 11. So I disassembled it myself removing the tiny pieces of rubber which I had caused by failing to adequarely secure the bunge cord on the bike carrier. But I’ve been unable to correctly reassemble the hub axle. A combination of old eyes and shaky hands.

The replacement Alfine is working well. I’ve just returned from another long bike touring trip in Europe. Next year the mountains of Taiwan!

The reason why I bought a replacement Alfine during the trip was cost. It was cheaper than searching for; and travelling to; a competent repair shop (ie; travel costs, accommodation, meals, lost time during the trip). It also proved to be cheaper to purchase the hub already fitted to a wheel.

I’ve considered alternatives (eg, Rohloff) but it’s hard to beat the Alfine on reliability for the price. A Rohloff here costs $2300 and an Alfine $600.

[Carlton green]

I decided it wasn’t worth paying a bike mechanic to disassembled and repair my defective Alfine 11. So I disassembled it myself removing the tiny pieces of rubber which I had caused by failing to adequarely secure the bunge cord on the bike carrier. But I’ve been unable to correctly reassemble the hub axle. A combination of old eyes and shaky hands.

The replacement Alfine is working well. I’ve just returned from another long bike touring trip in Europe. Next year the mountains of Taiwan!

The reason why I bought a replacement Alfine during the trip was cost. It was cheaper than searching for; and travelling to; a competent repair shop (ie; travel costs, accommodation, meals, lost time during the trip). It also proved to be cheaper to purchase the hub already fitted to a wheel.

I’ve considered alternatives (eg, Rohloff) but it’s hard to beat the Alfine on reliability for the price. A Rohloff here costs $2300 and an Alfine $600.

Thank you for that update and clarification, I appreciate it.