Re: OFFICIAL BUILD OFF 7 "HYPE-UP" THREAD!
I found out that there is an earlier generation of the 8-speed that had problems with the gears (in fact, mine broke, they replaced the internals under warranty). I'm guessing the ones for $150 are the leftovers from that batch, all the newer ones I've seen are $200+. I'm hoping it's because they re-tooled it and made it a bit more robust. I wouldn't hesitate buying another one, I still think the SA 8-speed is the best bang for the buck in the IGH world under most conditions.
I've been seriously thinking about getting a singlespeed MTB with disks and using the XRK8 with a tiny chainring. Would make a great gravel grinder/trekking bike.
expjawa said:Seems to me when I checked recently, the S-A 8-speed could be found for around $145, and the 5-speed for $125 (w/ drum brake). So, it isn't that unreasonable. I agree that the Alfine hubs are pricey. Is SRAM still making IG hubs? IIRC, they had a 9-speed unit a while back...
I found out that there is an earlier generation of the 8-speed that had problems with the gears (in fact, mine broke, they replaced the internals under warranty). I'm guessing the ones for $150 are the leftovers from that batch, all the newer ones I've seen are $200+. I'm hoping it's because they re-tooled it and made it a bit more robust. I wouldn't hesitate buying another one, I still think the SA 8-speed is the best bang for the buck in the IGH world under most conditions.
I've been seriously thinking about getting a singlespeed MTB with disks and using the XRK8 with a tiny chainring. Would make a great gravel grinder/trekking bike.