Lets talk aboot.... hub gears...

Hub gears, never used them, but I'd like to try them for my kommuter bike (1998 Lava Dome). Maybe 20 miles per day, with occasional off road use on gravel tracks.
I know nothing whatsoever about them.

I don't want to splurge 3 x what the bike cost me on a fancy Rohloff system, just want to try a relatively low cost hub gear option to see whether I like it or not.

Looking at the Nexus or Alfine 8 speed models, happy to buy 2nd hand to try it out. If not then it'll mean hub built into a wheel, shifter, fitting kit etc?

I like the idea of the Alfine trigger shifter rather than the Nexus twist shifter.

Any thoughts on how to approach this?

I'm in the exact same position. I've just opted for a Sturmey AW hub, as they seem to get great reviews for reliability. They go for buttons on eBay. I've seen the Rohloff / Alfine options, but no way I can justify the cost for what will be a fair weather leisure rider. I've only gone for 3-speed just now, so will need to ensure I get my gearing right (quite hilly around here and I hate getting off to push!). If it turns out to be something I like, then might look more into Nexus / Alfine options with more gears.

Have a think about what ratios you would use on your current bikes, how many gear inches that translates into, and use gearing charts to work out sprocket/chainring size you will need. Wheel size makes a slight difference, but not massive. I found CTC a good source:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/sites/default/fil ... artabl.xls

http://www.ctc.org.uk/cyclists-library/ ... ear-ratios

Also, as ever, Sheldon has a lot of IGH info.

Re:

I'm not keen on the idea of a 3-speed, although those hubs are relatively cheap.
Looking at 8-speed, either the Shimano Nexus Inter-8, or the 8spd Alfine hubs, depending which route I take to work there are a few hills to get up.
I'll have a look at the gearing charts, I have a selection of chainrings to try out, and will probably opt for an 18T rear sprocket.

I've seen these two offerings on eBay, anyone any thoughts on these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26-inch-rear- ... 4d227b320b

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231103011550? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Re:

Only just seen this thread as 8ve posted this as I'm after hub gears in either drum or coaster

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=330885

I'll have a read of this when I've more spare time