^^^^ I must admit that when I saw the first pic I thought "Here we go, another single-speed hipster steed" but have since eaten my words. This beast looks practical, simple to maintain (always been curious as to the performance and durability of internally-geared hubs in wet/muddy conditions) and very cool. The frame on first glance looks like a typical "robust" AM HT but when you take a thorough look whilst it looks very strong it also has nice flowing lines and the tubing is well sorted. Nice work! How does it ride?
Ha Ha.
Not ridden it yet :-(
Hopefully tomorrow.
Weighs in at 13kg.
The 8 speed Alfines are fine if you don't jet wash them. With the modification Zerode does to them of drilling and tapping a hole in them and putting an oil plug in them like the 11 speed has, they're easy to keep lubbed with oil(as opposed to the stock grease). the 11s aren't as robust.
The axle is the weak link I think still, will see how it holds up. For general use I'm guessing it'll be fine. Just don't huck to flat much.Hardtail probably doesn't help. I won't nurse it an will see how it goes. They're only the cost of a fancy mech and cassette anyway, and should last a few years easy.
Hoping it'll ride nice with the bent stays and steel frame. My mate loves his(and everyone that rides it.This ones for my Dad. I'll only ride it to check gearing range is good and it's all set up right, then 2" slicks are going on it for him.
I'm going to build one for myself though, just deciding on 27 or 29er wheels for mine. Rear end is sub 17" so it's not compromised to take the big hoops.
