alfine hubs & croix de fer v alfine day one

I am thinking of getting a bike with an alfine hub - the 8 speed version - anyone have any experience with them.

Also, any thoughts of a croix de fer or alfine day one?

thanks

sam

Bobcat Max has a croix de fer...... It is actually made of iron too!

I love my Croix De Fer, easily put over 1k miles on it this year so far. Its no lightweight, tipping the scales at 24lbs and the brakes take a bit of getting used to once they're bedded in (over-the-handlebar-tastic). But there's a little room for lightening and as far as touring goes its ready to roll..

Never had an alfine, have considered it though.

ride both if you can & don't listen to Ross, it not made of iron. Its 725 goodness..

Alfine's are pretty easy to set up, buttery smooth gear changing, the shifter looks a bit cheap..

I really fancy hub gears, but it weighs a tonne and rotational weight to boot..

Saying that, my mate has one with eccentric bottom bracket, so super smooth lines...rear mechs always look awkward and crappy!!!

bikes

Unfortunately my size is not available at a discounted price and no stock at the importers.

My experience with my Alfine has been very good, I've had it for 3 years & mainly use it for city riding & commuting. I think I've easily put in excess of 7000 miles on it & no major problems. When I got it I had to fiddle around with the wire & shifter to get it set up & then the run in period where the hub is slightly noisy but after that I've done nothing to it & its been silky smooth with silent gear shifts.

Can also be taken off road but the hubgear community seems split by this, some don't recommend it & some say it's fine. I've used it lightly off road with no problems.

I think the only drawback would be its weight compared to a 'normal' derailleur setup, but I found I was much faster on my Alfine than on my derailleur setup.