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I ride everywhere. Last two rides were the Peaks, and Swinley, both of which will turn to very effective grinding paste in wet conditions. Usual stomping ground is the Chilterns which about this time of year likes to play host to the international round of the "world muddiest woods" competition...
So yeah, over the years I've learnt to look after my kit, but then again why wouldn't I? My bike cost me a load of cash, in about 5 songs on the Ipod, I can get it from filthy to almost showroom, and wouldn't you know it? drive-train lasts forever...
Alfine +1 brillant got one on my winter bike hardtail Voodoo azian.
Totally maintaince free never need to clean the mud off all winter.
Alfines are great value for money
I've had the Rohloff for 18 months now and I've never [i]raved[/i] about it - although I've found it perfect in operation - but I just don't usually think about it as it's not that exciting. I've had a couple of rides this week that made me appreciate it a lot more. One was in a very muddy forest and my bike ended up about 3lbs heavier with mud and comedy amounts of pine needles - I know that my "normal" drivetrain would be rubbish in that 'cos I had my XTR-equipped bike in the same place the week before and I couldn't shift gears (front or rear) in the end. The 'hoff was obviously completely oblivious to this and didn't miss a beat. Yesterday I went on a comedy muddy ride in the hills and again it was perfect. On both occasions, I spent more time cleaning the mess left on the driveway than I did cleaning the bike.
Still don't buy the bit about it "paying for itself" though - not the reason to buy one IMO.....
Why oh why does the ruddy alfine trigger go the opposite way to most? Out on the non alfine bike today and I kept going the wrong way on the gears. It felt really crunchy and imprecise after the alfine as well
Sounds like you need a rapid rise mech then TJ to avoid future confusion!
@nickc - I stand corrected, what's your cleaning regime? If it's so quick and effective, I'd like to give it a try.
Thanks,
Dr. Matt...