Internal Hub and Belt on a QX100

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TheCaki

New Member
Hi Folks:
I have a QX100 Cruzbike that has taken me over 7k miles of happy pedaling. The miles are taking it's toll and the SRAM x5 shifter is falling apart and the the rubber on the handlebar is almost gone. So it's time for an upgrade. On my list of grievances is the fact that I can't downshift when stopped, so the idea of trying a internal hub came up. I also hate having the wax the chain, so let me throw an belt system to replace the chain.
So with that said, I did some searching on the forum but couldn't come up with what would be the recommended internal hub? Does anyone tried this? Any internal hub that you would suggest? I need the whole range of shifting, but If I had the option I would add a little more of speed. The belt system is my dream, but not a must. Any experience how to change it to a belt system?
Anyway, I appreciate any wisdom/experience that you can share. I'm aware of the SRAM Hybrid from the Quest, but I was looking for moving away for the Derailleur.
Thanks
 
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onmyback

Active Member
I used Alfine 8 speeds on DF bikes, then an Alfine 11 on my USS SWB Vision, for many years. When my Q45 drivetrain wears out, I'm thinking of going back to an Alfine 11. If you need a wider range of gears, you may need to spring for a Rholoff 14 speed. The Rholoff is also more efficient than the Alfine 11.

I had fantasized about using belt drives (I had one on a Harley and really liked it), but DF rear triangles wouldn't open and the Vision would have needed idlers on an extremely long belt. I think the QX100 front triangle comes apart, like my Q45, so I don't think you would need a split belt, like Veer offers. Yes, tensioning would be an issue. The only thing I can think of is an eccentric bottom bracket, but I don't know if they have enough adjustment range for a belt, which is at least 12mm.
 
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TheCaki

New Member
Thanks for all the information. I gave up on the Belt system, but I'm really considering the Rohloff Hub. Does anybody knows any bike shop that is familiar with Cruzbikes and build wheels? I need to get an idea of the price of the package as the Rohloff seems to be quite expensive.
Appreciate the help.
Thanks
 
McWheels

McWheels

Off the long run
I've run a Sturmey-Archer 8-sp hub for 4500 miles so far and it's treated me pretty well. 315% range which isn't as good as a Rohloff or a Kindernay, but for gear inches per £ (or $) then it's excellent. Chain tensioner is a Surly Singleator. 1:1 is actually 1st, so you'll want to plan what your chain ring is. I use 33t chainring, 25t sprocket and 26" wheels. It's nice that the SA is symmetrical so I didn't have any trouble building the wheel myself.
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TheCaki

New Member
thanks for the information and for sharing your knowledge. I have spent some time checking efficiency and it is very hard to justify a Rohloff. I'm leaning towards the Alfine 11 speed now.
 
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veloc_h

Active Member
The Rohloff is German Technology at its best: extremely well built, spare parts are available for nearly ever, detailed service information. I've got one from 2003 on my up and I love it! There were quite some problems with the Shimano 11-speed.
 
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bret

Well-Known Member
Hello,
The Alfine 8 has a 1:1 straight through in 5th gear. The Alfine 11 has no straight through - you are always going through gears.
 
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veloc_h

Active Member
the efficiency of the Shimano 8-speed (inter-8) is below the one of the speedhub (apart from the straight through 5th gear): https://fahrradzukunft.de/bilder/17/wirkungsgradmessungen-an-nabenschaltungen-2/08.png. The efficiency of Nuvinci is even worse. The efficiency of the Alfine 11 is between 87% and 93%, the efficiency of the Rohloff is between 92% and 97%.
Both, Shimano 11 and Rohloff use an oil-bath. There is a huge difference beween the Shimano 11 speed 50W and 200W efficiency: https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/internal-hub-and-belt-on-a-qx100.13547/

TheCaki said:
I have spent some time checking efficiency
Click to expand...
Apart from repairs, the spare parts are available still for my 2003 Rohloff (don't know the availability of the Alfine 11 parts.) I would go for a used Rohloff (even a a 26 inch bike with rohloff might be interesting).
There is also a 14 gear box from Finland.
There are a lot of pros and cons Rohloff vs. Alfine 11-speed.
The break even point of the Rohloff is after 5-7 years I would say (defined max. torque, parts are more solid (better material, better finish), the cog wheel outside the hub can be used on both sides...).
I find the Sturmey, the Shimano 8 or 11 and the Rohloff worth to be bought.
 
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