[VA2SLOride]

I originally posted this in the Tech Talk forum, and then was advised that I may get more of a response over here.

Any of you people use these speedhubs? They seem like a good alternate to the standard bike transmission, eliminating the rear derailer, cassette, etc. My question is, is it worth it? From what I've found, they cost about a grand, give or take. That's a hell of a lot more than any sort of transmission combination that I've ever seen, but it also seems pretty mechanically sound.

Are there any of you out there that can give me some testimonials on this? Personal experience?

Gracias

 

[DHS]

do a search, i owed one long ago, too much weight in back for me.

 

[Bldr_DH]

Isn't the disc version crazy expensive, like $2500 or something?

 

[Fulton]

they are around $1300 or so retail, they have their advantages, your looking at about a 1-1.5 pound weight addition. IMO, thats not really enough to change the way the bike feels, but I'm not really sensative to that type of thing I guess. The main thing I didn't like about it was the wierd feeling you get thru the chain in some gears, hard to describe, kinda...uhhmmm...grutty or something. Supposedly this goes away as they break in though....

 

[Bikael Molton]

If you test ride one, make sure you test ride a model that's been broken in. The "feel" that Fulton mentions does change over time. The thing is basically a transmission, and needs to be broken in like an engine or tranny.

I think they are cool, but there are weight drawbacks. I like the instant-shift thing a lot. Larger hub = stronger wheel too.

-rob in NY