I want to replace my 2012 Cube touring. It has taken me many kms across Europe and for the last years as my daily commuter.
I am looking at models with the Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub, as I hope that it is more maintenance friendly than derailleur systems. Especially in winter, salt etc. Any thoughts on that?
This is something that I find an interesting option:
Important for me:
- comfort and speed (relative) on daily commute: 2x 7 km
- possible pack mule
- suitable for longer weekend trips (50 to 100 km) and multiday tours
Looking for suggestions, any ideas?
Oh, btw, I have tried building up my own bikes, but on multiple occasions it has been proven I am not skillful enough (it always turns into frustration and leads to half finished bikes in the corner of my garage…)
by Alarmed-Seaweed7196
3 Comments
Cube touring has a triple up front. The alfine is what? 8 gears? Not enough range.
I have used the 8 speed hub on Scott Sub with belt. Not enough range. Our tandem has a Rohloff 14 speed hub and we have it geared more towards the low range. It has been good enough. My touring bike now uses 18 speed Pinion-definitely enough.
Can you test the bike? Find a 16% hill and try to ride it with loaded panniers. Personally anything steeper than 16% I happily walk
The bicycle you linked looks like an excellent commuter. Hub generator, gear hub and belt drive are really going to show their advantage in the winter. It will be hard to get a bicycle with less maintenance needs (nevertheless, don’t neglect it).
For touring on it, you may want to switch to a bigger rear rack and sturdier fenders. As the other commenter said, your gearing range and low end will be limited compared to a 3x drivetrain. If it is hilly, that could be a downside. In that case, could upgrade to a Rohloff gear hub (for 50% of the bicycle price!).
Personally, I think 40 mm is too narrow for the tires, unless you are going only tarmac. May want to check tire clearance on the frame.