The German bike-magazine “aktiv Radfahren” published a Shimano news on their website today. Shimano is going to bring an 11-gears hub on the market in fall 2010. *2xUpdated*The new gear hub is reported to have a gear transmission ratio of 409%, hence it is located right in between the current 8-gear hubs and the Rohloff speedhub 500/14.
Contrary to the Rohloff hub, the Shimano Alfine (Product SG-S700) can be switched with a trigger shifter. It is equipped for brake discs standardly. “aktiv Radfahren” does not mention a price but states it would be cheaper than a Rohloff.
Following the link to the aktiv Radfahren-website, you can even see two photos, of the hub and the trigger respectively.
If bearing and packing are of sufficient quality this looks like a great hub for a maintenance-reduced drivetrain. Should especially look fantastic on a front wheel driven recumbent…
*Update*
I contacted Paul-Lange (German Shimano distributor) and received the information that they do not have any information and can therefore not give more details… So it is either really fresh news or a canard…
*Update2*
More information on the “aktiv Radfahren” site:
Price: approx. 300.- Euro
Weight: approx. 1.6 kg
Gear transition: 2 x 17 and 8 x 13 %
Oil lubrication: 25 ml
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