Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Why?

I have updated this post for those interested in long term performance. Please scroll down to bottom of page to see latest info. 

Much of the information on this page was written soon after installation, when the hub was working very well. But in the long run I can't really recommend the hub, as it does not last long enough when considering the cost. I am running the 700 series hub, you may have better luck with the 7000 series.

There are a number of reasons why you might want a hub gear, for most is is the lack of servicing required. For others it is the clean look it provides.

For me it was to avoid the waste of replacing my chain and cassette every 9 months, as they get coated in mud from rural cycling that I rarely have the time to clean off.

They is also one other bonus for me and that is the reduction in noise level. No chain slap. No crunching of gears. It makes for a relaxing ride.

A neat set up (please ignore pipe lagging!)

I live in a hilly area, and a 1 x 9 set up does not really provide enough range (300%). Whilst the alfine hub, gives a little extra range (400%) and make the steeper hill possible without walking!

Update 6th September 2017 - 300 Miles

I have now done some (for me)longer rides and some loaded utility cycling using this set up. The more I ride it the more I like it. There are some gears that feel a little "spongy" but overall, the hub is silky smooth, quiet, shifts incredibly neatly and give bags of range.

Update - 5th February 2018 - 500 Miles

I have noticed a slightly worrying "crunch" that occurs when shifting gears, and sometime just after shifting gears. I am not sure what is causing this. Indexing perhaps?

More Updates at bottom of page. 

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Gear Range

The Alfine 11 speed hub has a gear range of approx 400%, by comparison here are some other systems:

• Alfine 8 Speed - 300%
• 1 x 9 (11 - 34) - 300%
• 1 x 9 (11 - 42) - 400% - Possible with Sunrace Cassette and Hanger Extender. 
• Sturmey Archer 3 Speed - 130%
• 3 x 10 Triple - 550%
• Rohloff - 520%

So you can see that the 400% offered by the alfine 11 is fairly large. You will need a front mech, rolhoff, or new fangled wide range 1 x 11 set up to match it.

View from above drive side.

Whilst a front triple ring setup will offer the same range for less money, the other two will cost the same if not more. 

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Cost 

Compared with systems that offer similar or better range, at time of publishing.

• Alfine 11 - £350
• XT 1 x 11 Groupset  - £350
• Rolhoff Speed Hub - £935
• 2 x 10 Groupset Shimano - £260
• 1 x 9 Groupset - With Sunrace Cassette and Hanger Extender. £150

There is one extra cost which must be added to hub gears and that is the building of the wheel. Which can be done for around £25 plus cot of rim (£30). 

Used with sliding dropouts in this instance.

This cost appraisal does not hold true because the hub does not last long enough to pay for itself. 

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Fitting 

The alfine 11 can be fitted on pretty much any bike with a 135mm rear dropout spacing. PERFECT INDEXING IS A SINCH. But there are a few extra things to consider.

The instructions although excellent but are split between 2 documents for:

• The Hub
• The Shifter

When buying your parts just watch out for:

Chain Tensioning

If you have slot drop outs or horizontal drop outs then, you will be able to run the Alfine 11 without chain tensioners. Sliding dropouts are also an option. Getting chain length right is worth some thought. 

If you have vertical dropouts then you will need to use a chain tensioner. This slightly defeats the object of having a hub gear as it add complexity to the system, but is not too much of a burden. It will also stop you using a chain cover. 

An eccentric bottom bracket would allow the use of vertical dropouts, with an Alfine 11, without the use of the external tensioner. 

Fitting Kit / Small Parts Kit

In order to fit your alfine 11 hub, you will need to obtain the correct "small parts fitting kit" there are 3 or 4 to choose from. The main difference between each will be the non-turn washers, which have lugs at different positions for horizontal, standard and vertical dropouts. For example:

Be sure to buy correct fitting kit.

Wheel Building

If you intend to build you own wheel (and I suggest you have a go) then head over to "Ed Spoke Calculator" and tap in you hub and rim options. Then buy correct spokes.

Go for a 3 cross lacing, and opt for the 36 hole hub. The high the number of spokes and the thicker the rim, the more redundant strength you are building in to make up for amatur wheel building. 

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - In Use

In use the hub is very pleasant to use, but as with so many things it is a matter of preference as to whether the pros outway the cons.

Pros

• Very snappy gear changes.
• Shifter several gears at a time
• Shift at a standstill  - this is really handy
• Silent whilst pedaling and coasting
• Perfect indexing very easy to set up
• large range with no front mech
• perfect chainline always

Cons

• WILL LIKELY START TO GIVE TROUBLE AFTER 2 OR 3 YEARS OF NORMAL USE
• slightly spongy feel whilst pedalling.
• rear wheel removal slightly more difficult
• no quick release
• slightly more complicated to fix a puncture

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Conclusions

Whilst lacking the direct feel of a typical derailleur system, the Alfine 11 hub is an excellent bit of kit. 

If you are a utility cyclist, a tourer, a commuter or a rural rambler, then the quiet hassle free nature of the hub will suit you very well. It is set at a good price point and delivers plenty of range for nearly all situations. 

Time has proven the Alfine 11 to be a reliable component, and I look forward to the reduced service intervals, and quiet riding that is to come.

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - More Pictures 

Line up upper marks for perfect indexing. . . .

. . . .  or the bottom yellow marks.

Cable routing. . . a few zip ties required. 

Rapid fire shifter. . .

Upper indicator window is replaceable if cracked.

Shifter units is rather bulky. . . 

. . . bulky. 

Shimano Alfine 11 Hub Gear Review - Notes on Servicing

After the allotted interval of  500km it was time to change the oil. For this I purchased a kit consisting of new oil (SG-S700) a bleeding syringe and a spanner. 

The process, following the official instructions) was very annoying. It involves: 

1. taking oil out of hub, 
2. "flushing" with fresh oil, 
3. spinning wheel cycling gears, 
4. draining flush oil, 
5. put in new oil.

The problem is the size of the drain hole, compared to the viscosity of the oil. The below video shows the process well:

The important thing to realise is that to get the oil out thoroughly takes a long time, you can't just "suck" the oil out with the syringe you need to allow time for the oil to drain down, and then tease it out using the syringe as a collection vessel. 

All in all this takes around 1 hour maybe 2, and is a bit of a faff. Some have reported that using an rohloff oil change kit is better as this includes a degreaser that allows easier removal of oil. 

I am not sure if I got all of my oil out when I did mine, and as result may have overfilled the hub. So that is something to watch out for. Do the oil change in a warm environment as this may help the oil drain.

Update  1 November 2021 - Oil Leak

Time flies and this hub is now four years old. I would estimate miles at about 3000 - 4000 miles covered. The other day a noticed black sludge all over my shoes. . . . . turns out that my hub has developed an oil leak. The oils leaks out on tho the chain, and then accumulates on the chain ring, and oozes out through the holes on the chain protector. There is quite a lot of oil so I expect the leak to stop soon!

So I will have to open the hub up and get in side. I have ordered (blind):

• Shimano Alfine SG-S700 Seal Ring L - Y37R73000
• Shimano TL-AF10 right hand dust cap A installation tool

However, on investigation there are a lot of people trying to pin down leaks in these. And it can be a knock on effect from loose bearings apparently which seams poor design. Any way stuff is ordered and we'll see what can be done. 

Update 2 November 2021 - Cost Appraisal 

My initial hopes that this would be a low maintenance option are for the first time under attack. The hub cost £350. 

Over the last 4 years I would have bought 4 or 5 replacement chains and sprocket sets. For a 9 speed set up these would have cost around  £100. But you could cancel the chain replacement as that also applies to the alfine. So £60 saving over 4 years. 

I have replaced chainrings and sprockets on the alfine, but that was to change gearing rather then them being worn out. 

The 100km service kit is an extra expense. I think it was about £30 from memory. 

So spending £350 to save £30 is pretty bad. This hub still has £290 to pay, and if you count the pair of shoes that have been ruined from the oil leak, it has actually cost me more. 

Update January 2022 - Loose Bearings and Taking Hub Apart

Following on from oil leak, I have found that indexing has started to give significant problems. With hub, making crunching noises, going in to slip gear, and generally being unpleasant in use. 

So in an attempt to diagnose the below video follows explorations in to hub interior. Ket findings were that:

• 99% of oil had leaked out of hub (running dry)
• seals are worn and in poor condition
• bearings were loose
• bearing adjustment and refilling with oil has helped 
• oil leak persists after bearing adjustment

So not only does the hub not work in cost benefit terms, but it is hard to fix, and replacement seals would further reverse any cost benefits. 

Have these hub improved over time. I have the SG-S700 model number. But newer stronger models are available from 2019 such as SG-S7051-11. Have the seals been improved in these models?

From viewing parts breakdown for SG-S700 vs SG-S7051-11 we can see that the seals are the same, at least in there shape and implementation. There may have been some improvements in the seal material, to improve the lifespan, but how would one find that out? 

So I will limp on with this hub, until it becomes unusable at which point I will revert to a wide range 1 x 9 derailleur system. 

Update October 2022 - Chain Length

I have finally figured out how to get the chain length right. Observations in below video:

Also I have considered alfine 11 pros and cons after 5 years of using this hub. 

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

Biodiversity Net Gain Reports