Marin Presidio: Alfine 8 vs 11 reliability
10-28-19, 06:38 PM
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Marin Presidio: Alfine 8 vs 11 reliability
Hello folks. This is my first post and happy to be part of the forum.
I’d like to get some recent opinions on the Alfine 11 IGH. I’m between the Marin Presidio 3 and 4. The first comes with the Nexus 8 which widely seems to be regarded as pretty solid. The Presidio 4 has the Alfine 11. I’d prefer the 3 extra gears but not at the sacrifice of reliability / durability.
I’ve probably read every article / post there is on the topic. Much of it seems to be at least a few years old so it would be good to see if things have improved or what the current opinion is. Thank you in advance.
I’d like to get some recent opinions on the Alfine 11 IGH. I’m between the Marin Presidio 3 and 4. The first comes with the Nexus 8 which widely seems to be regarded as pretty solid. The Presidio 4 has the Alfine 11. I’d prefer the 3 extra gears but not at the sacrifice of reliability / durability.
I’ve probably read every article / post there is on the topic. Much of it seems to be at least a few years old so it would be good to see if things have improved or what the current opinion is. Thank you in advance.
10-29-19, 08:37 AM
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Every time I've been considering an IGH build I find myself with the same questions. The 8 doesn't fit my application and the 11 has a questionable reliability reputation. I suspect IGH satisfaction is inversely proportional to the amount of use the bicycle receives. I could be wrong. It seems those happiest with the IGH 11 mostly tootle around and demand little. As it is now, I'm not sure the 11 could stand up to the rigors a certifiable Clyde demands for a 6k+ annual mile commute schedule. A 10sp Tiagra long cage delivers with unwavering reliability... why mess with that? I'm zeroing in on 20k miles on that Tiagra with nothing more than a single cable replacement. Either I got lucky or I really don't need an IGH.
Like you, I cannot find recent info or opinion. I know you're a recent member but I nominate you to "take one for the team," and go for it. Post your experiences.
-Kedosto
Like you, I cannot find recent info or opinion. I know you're a recent member but I nominate you to "take one for the team," and go for it. Post your experiences.
-Kedosto
12-10-19, 02:14 PM
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Circling back on this. Traded the Presidio 3 (Nexus 8) for the Presidio 4 (Alfine 11). I thought the N8 was pretty smooth and quiet but the update so far is that the Nexus 11 has been eerily silent (in a good way). It shifts so smoothly, there has been no clicking or grinding of any kind. It has been absolutely faultless in the little time that I have owned it. It's one been a few hundred miles but so far I am very impressed.
12-10-19, 02:49 PM
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I just looked that bike up. Pretty cool mount. I hope it continues to serve you well.
04-21-20, 12:12 PM
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Coming back to this thread to give my update on the Alfine 11. After adding a few hundred more miles it continues to impress me. The Alfine 11 is just as smooth as ever and continues to be silent in its operation. I was somewhat hesitant to get it over the Alfine 8 (which seems to be considered more robust) but so far it has not disappointed. Will be changing the fluid in it this week as it's recommended. The ease of doing this was a huge selling point for me over the A8 which is grease packed and more involved to service.
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04-21-20, 01:27 PM
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The only IGH I've ever liked was the SRAM automatix. Every other IGH I've tried was really underwhelming and it makes me realize why they aren't more popular.
They are also potentially dangerous.
Like, if your shifter cable goes out of tune on a derailleur bike, then you just have some gear skipping. If your shifter cable goes out of tune on an IGH bike you just fall through the pedal.
Well, there is the NuVinci N360 which does not have the problem of falling between gears because it is a CVT. But it is really heavy.
They are also potentially dangerous.
Like, if your shifter cable goes out of tune on a derailleur bike, then you just have some gear skipping. If your shifter cable goes out of tune on an IGH bike you just fall through the pedal.
Well, there is the NuVinci N360 which does not have the problem of falling between gears because it is a CVT. But it is really heavy.
07-19-20, 10:16 AM
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The 11 HAD a questionable reliability reputation.
The Alfine 11 was updated due to these reputed reliability issues. It went from being a 7000 series to a 7001 series, several years ago. I just bought one, but I wouldn't have done, if this design update hadn't happened.
The Alfine 11 was updated due to these reputed reliability issues. It went from being a 7000 series to a 7001 series, several years ago. I just bought one, but I wouldn't have done, if this design update hadn't happened.
07-19-20, 11:06 AM
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Hubstripping https://hubstripping.wordpress.com/ is another resource..
07-20-20, 02:21 AM
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Interesting bike. The Presidio 4 reminds me of a more modern Swiss Armee bike (that is a big compliment!). I personally do not like flat bars, but that could be changed.
I looked at the website and also found the Muirwoods RC. That looks like a fun bike, especially with a set of Rene Herse tires to replace the heavy commuter tires. Iike the swept back bars on that bike (and it is steel) If would also be nice with a set of gravel drops but that might be more trouble and expense than it is worth. I am not usually an N+1 type, but an IGH steed 'may' be in my future.
I looked at the website and also found the Muirwoods RC. That looks like a fun bike, especially with a set of Rene Herse tires to replace the heavy commuter tires. Iike the swept back bars on that bike (and it is steel) If would also be nice with a set of gravel drops but that might be more trouble and expense than it is worth. I am not usually an N+1 type, but an IGH steed 'may' be in my future.
