Shimano Alfine SGS700 Rear Hub - 11 Speed

Smooth and simple, a little heavy

I had been wanting one of these since they came out and I was not disappointed. It was a breeze to set up and shifts ultra smoothly with the exception of the 7-8 shift which requires a little more of a pause in cadence sometimes. I haven't seen a drop of oil leak out of yet (three months). Double check your spoke length calculation; some of the online databases list the dimensions incorrectly.

Pros: -smooth
-reliable
-simple to operate
-perfect chainline
-super quiet
-nice bike bling

Cons: -on the heavy side (weighs as much as a low-end 3x9 setup)
-pricey

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 25, 2012
Reviewed by: Austin E., Florida

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something different

Wow, could this be the wave of the future for mountain bikes? Definitely for city bikes but who knows. I have had it since December now and of course the gang at Universal built it and got to me in record speed. It just gets better with time too, has a little break in period. I wrote a full review on mtbr with more detail thoughts. But have been riding it on my Nomad now and have to say there has definitely been some compromises here and there. But I am a believer, addicted to the seamless shifting now and of course the clean look. They will just get lighter with time especially if you support the concept. Then just like suspension forks, all it takes is for the Pros to win a couple races on them and then you can say to your friends that you were riding the stuff years ago....




Pros: Something different...fun, fun, fun.......hey if it gets you out riding more then it can be bad.

Cons: no doubt it will take some getting use too, just stick with it

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: July 31, 2011
Reviewed by: mitchell , California

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Alfine 11

I am a Fan of Shimano Internal Gear Hubs, i've had a Very Reliable Shimano 7 Speed Nexus Hub for 20 years, this is my 3rd one. The 11 has a Wider range of Gears than the 8, but both are Smooth shifting and nice pedaling Hubs


Pros: Great Internal Gear Hub, features Very smooth shifting and Extended gear Range

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 21, 2011
Reviewed by: albert, California

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Awesome, Awesome, and Awesome

Doing what Shimano does best... taking a great product and making it cost effective for the masses.

On a 50 tooth front to 24 tooth rear drive ration this hub will go from a 1.10 ratio on the low end to a 4.85 on the top end. This is pretty much the same as what is on my Salsa Vaya with a compact crankset.

Improved durability from previous generations of Alfine, much better shifting.

At the MSRP discounted price that Universal offers, it is a heck of a deal. Especially if you have them build it into a custom wheelset.

Pros: Great gear range, good shifting

Cons: Only available in a flat bar style trigger shifter

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 17, 2011
Reviewed by: Jonathon M., Vancouver BC

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