Shimano Nexus Inter-8 Hub Gear

[Labarum]

Is there no sign of Thorn producing a reasonably priced bike using the Shimano Nexus Inter-8 hub? That German thing is fearsome expensive.

[ahconway]

I don't see the point, really. People always seem to be going on about the expense of the hub... £600? Madness! Maybe on its own, but it doesn't represent anywhere near that in the total price of a Rolhoff-equipped Thorn.

You could, actually buy any of the Thorn frames on their own and I suspect that SJS would build it up any way you chose. But if you were going to go that route, you'd be much better off with a traditionally geared system - the Shimano hub gears won't have the range you'd want for serious distance.

Andrew

[rogerzilla]

Having used one, the range is pretty good if you pick a 38T/21T sprocket combination.

Reliability is a concern - the 7 speed Nexus hubs frequently failed (they're used a lot on the Continent) and I've heard of an 8 speed version failing on the C+ letters page.  They're only £90 to replace but if you're stranded...