Alfine 11 di2 long term reviee

[@SimSimon87]

I've never seen a bike review with a bike as filthy as yours

[@andrewonmyway8184]

At least it’s being used😊

[@kosztaz87]

It's a real world review where you can see the bike is actually being used as intended. I hate "reviews", where someone gives his opinion on a certain component after a few weeks or even just days of use, where you can see everything is still shiny and new, as if the bike has been just rolled out of a showroom.

[@SimSimon87]

@@kosztaz87 well, you probably go to the dentist's without brushing your teeth, just to show the doctor how much you use them 😄

[@SimSimon87]

@@kosztaz87 while it does look like it's used as intended, it's certainly not maintained and cleaned as intended. one doesn't exclude the other, does it?

[@OneWheelLess]

I see there’s lots of comments on the fact that this bike seems to see very little maintenance (and lots of miles). To me this is very helpful because it’s nice to see what will fail when it’s pushed to the limit. I’d probably just replace that seal if it started to leak, don’t think I’d want to let it keep contaminating my brakes. It’s unfortunate they don’t have a better connector system for a hub that obviously needs to be unplugged for maintenance/repairs to the wheel. Shimano should address that. I am curious if cleaning the connector thoroughly would help prevent damage. Thanks for the review!

[@v10moped]

does your bike path route go through a lawn mower waste dump site? \

[@timjarsky3046]

Instead of unplugging at the motor, use a 10 cm cable that connects to a junction. When the motor needs disconnecting, unplug it at the junction. In this way, when the plug wears out only the cable and/or junction need replacing.

[@ilikewasabe]

well there's your problem... most of your problem can be solved by just cleaning your bike often..

[@fangzhenyuinca]

dirty = corrosion, keep things clean and pristine for any mechanical parts are crucial.

[@Pharesm]

Keeping it clean prevents a lot of issues, but when its already leaking, a seal and lubricant replacement is the prudent thing to do.

[@HartPhotoAndVideo]

@siemenssx1 Keeps the dirt off the seal and reduces abrasion on the exterior of the unit. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles will all last longer if you keep them clean.

[@theholenewworld]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this hub

[@theintensegamer178]

one word would likely solve both your problems... maintenance. shit is likely getting into the seals and wearing them allowing a leak. And dirt getting into the connector is self explanatory. our bikes we use for hire use Shimanos lower end hubs and have done years of service, bit since we clean the bike we've literally have never run into a problem.

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

"see here, i merely was in a pinch whilst trolling for crustaceans in me canal boat, and it wasn't too far off shore off the mouth of the canal itself, when i realized i hadn't an achor to wait out the eddy but ,... thinking quickly i tied off a length of rope, fastened it to a cleat on the port bow, and my Di2 bike on the other, and cast the bike overboard and used it as an anchor whilst i lived on the hook for two seasons, and after only a mere two seasons it was, i retrieved this so called top of line velocipede to find to my staunch disliking that it was no longer operatable. so i goes back to the shanty village where this affect was procured, and well,...after a heartfelt exchange with the dealer that sold me said (and only loosely termed to be such) "bike", and this rascals attitude which i can only describe as obstinate, having such tone, well,..i will declare that i wont be having any business with that brand or franchise of mine own accord any time forsee-able, i can tell you that." J R A.

[@glennoc8585]

The problem there my good fellow is the mixing of salt water at the estuary mouth resulting in a brine. In future i would advice avoiding the such brine and so retain warranty.

[@mkkuz]

Best KZbin comment I’ve ever read.

[@Bikejon]

Agree that regularly cleaning your bike would help a great deal. I meant that is ridiculously filthy! Perhaps the cone nuts were just a little loose on the NDS, hence the oil leak? Or buy a new seal? As for the Di2 connector, simply buy the shortest cable they do and add a small Di2 connection box. Simples. I think some people do literally assume this setup is 'maintenance free'. It's not.

[@allencrider]

I think using _Dielectric Grease_ on that electrical connection is a must and would keep it working.

[@martinmelhus7324]

Agree with Tim Jarksy's comment - put a new connector in 8-15 cm from the motor, and then epoxy the motor cable in place. Easy fix, and a good small soldering iron can solder up any kind of connector to the wire. Put a matching connector on the other end, and secure the controller end of the connector to the frame.

[@richardcorfield9926]

Is it two core, or two core and shield? I could easily solder that, just would wonder what kind of connector to use ranging from cheap audio, waterproof audio, small RF, PowerPole.....

[@toddkreider6759]

At 2:43 "I could clean this off at a regular basis" Dude - You don't clean ANYTHING on a regular basis.

[@alexyegon2381]

Does not clean anything ever!

[@chadkline4268]

Seems like the crank is the best place to stash 11 internal hubs gears, which is going to require a new frame design.

[@andreasbrandstetter9221]

8000miles with alfine8... did you do the recommendet service (oilbath after 3-5000 miles). Maybe then it woult not rust internaly..... cleaning by the way helps a lot *g* you are talking about inspecting things... have you ever inspectet your chain? just look at it.. how dirty it is. I have never seen such a dirty bike....

[@jimevans721]

I took 8 speed in for service slightly over 1 year for the service, and moisture had already ruined the inside. Apparently with the 8 speed if you ride in the rain it's recommended (not by Shimano, but by people who service them) to relubricate them when they are brand new as they say they don't come with sufficient grease.

[@AdrianvanWijk]

8-year-old video, but handy info, so thanks, I'm building a 2024 version with a belt drive and will be sure to add an extra connector to avoid that problem.

[@simondr70]

Well, for winter use nothing beats an ajusted and maintained derailler and casette ..

[@CharlieSTWhiskey]

I just had a chain suck on a new bike and had to call for a lift home. The chain is the weakest link on a bike no pun intended

[@rigaraggadim]

If you fit tubeless tyres and keep your chain clean, you will not have to remove the wheel more than once every few years to replacr the rotor, the pads can be replaced by simply removing the brake calliper, sometimes you can unscreew the side bolts and fit the calliper back with no alligment, free tip ;) p.s that is one dirty bike!

[@Hubieee]

Did someone try a Lemo connector bridge outside the motor unit?

[@erenkonu847]

Do you prefer alfine 11 di2 or rohloff if they are the same price? And why?

[@richardaube8223]

Great video, thank you! Do you know if Di2 operates fine in the cold? I mean minus 20 Celcius... I use my bike during Quebec winters...

[@Hubieee]

Has Shimano fixed that connector unit? Or is is still made for replacement once you remove the rear wheel?

[@Pharesm]

I agree that the inept cable connection is an issue Shimano should fix... But the Oil leak - did it never occur to you, that you should just go ahead and change the seal, especially if it dangerously soups up your disk breaks? Not to mention any transmission you leave without fixing an oil leak is a transmission you want to fail... That leaves the question if you actually know enough about transmissions to make a review about them or if you work for the competition. The only two reasonable explanations I can think of...

[@glennoc8585]

Curious to know what sort of seal they use. Ivwould hope a wiper seal as opposed to a crude o-ring.

[@asabovesotabelow]

Can you go belt drive with them Alfine 11 di2 hubs?

[@james-p]

That is one utterly filthy bicycle! It gets _ridden_ ! I love it!

[@RynaxAlien]

Is it worth buying used Alfine 11 bicycle and how to know if parts inside are not worn out?

[@TheArchea]

Those cables don't seem particularly difficult to put a high IP rated connector on...

[@giacotubo]

if you have to replace yr tyre, due to a puncture for example, is it easy to dis-mount and mount the wheel ?

[@jamesbewtube]

I've just bought the newer version of this motor (MU-UR500) and wondering if Shimano fixed the connector issue?

[@paulsslightlyactivelife]

I've been looking at this combo for a potential new setup. Now you've had it for a few months what's the answer? Has the cable connector issue been addressed?

[@jamesbewtube]

@@paulsslightlyactivelife i haven't had any issues but am running tubeless so haven't had to remove and disconnect the motor at all since it was fitted. Very pleased I don't have to mess about with constant shifter alignment issues or sticky cables as I was on the cable Alfine 8.

[@vasipro]

Rohloff or Enviolo. Ps. Use Gates Carbon CDX belt if you can.

[@zukzworld]

Thanks for the review. As others pointed out, I believe, if you look after your equipment properly then they look after you for many miles.

[@AlexKrasii]

Is it possible to modify this hub to use not with DI1 but with mechanical shifters? Did any have experience doing this?

[@justinstine1399]

Good review buddy..just do not use oil to lubricate the internal gear, better use the solidified grease to overcome the leaking oil issue.

[@changer1285]

+Justin Stine The hub is designed for oil bath lubrication. have you been running one with grease? Has it worked well?

[@OneWheelLess]

Can’t run this one with grease like you could with the 8speed. Don’t try

[@amit2897]

Is it good for world touring

[@V4D2]

thanks very much for your share. i mean...i am about to invest in a A11 di2 myself...because i want to get a belt drive in....but this looks very threatening.. i am left thinking if the hub will sustain bu bunny hops & street gaps, and an occasional MTB ride..on my full suspension XC bike. what do you reckon ?

[@alexyegon2381]

Go ahead, his major issue is poor maintenance. Basic cleaning would sort him out.

[@ЕвгенийАрьков-с7р]

Great conveniences are paid with great inconveniences.

[@keithjenkins7919]

Spent fortune in Alfine DI2, even the Shimano shop cannot get it to work, crap info on the web, it's like some sort of secret society. This is my first foray away from Campag, never again.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Yes I agree, Shimano should sell a full kit to go with the hub...with a detailed explanation of installation and set up. I have had three mechanical versions, the second and current version is superior to the first but it lasted only 4,000miles before second gear gave up. I bought new internals and fitted it to the old hub and it is excellent and still not leaking any oil whatsoever but I have been completely been discouraged to try the Di2 version.

[@pibblesnbits]

All that oil probably ruined the brake rotor.

[@VitaminDJ-qt7cj]

I'm coming into this conversation a few years late, but I'm wondering two things: 1) was the Shimano removal tool used to connect and disconnect these wires? They're not supposed to be removed by hand. 2) could a waterproof quick disconnect plug be soldered into the di2 wire to enable easier removal of the rear wheel?

[@simonchetwynd]

1. I normally use fine nose pliers 2. Yes, done it.

[@VitaminDJ-qt7cj]

@@simonchetwynd Cool!! Could you post a picture of the waterproof connect you used? I'm converting my Scott Sub 10 to Alfine 11 di2 right now, and would love to learn from your development.

[@simonchetwynd]

@@VitaminDJ-qt7cj 3.5mm audio connector. Fit it inside a bit of Slightly oversized pipe to waterproof it.

[@umbertoorsini5210]

@@VitaminDJ-qt7cj Use the shortest EW-SD50 electric wire from the motor hub to the Di2 Junction EW-JC200. As already mentioned by someone previously, when the motor needs disconnecting, unplug it at the junction. In this way, when the plug wears out, only the cable and/or junction need to be replaced. ;-)

[@steffenstengardvilladsen3740]

Great critic, please mail it to Shimano, so they can improve the next generations. Did you change the oil (AFAIK, this should be done after ~3000 km) Sad trend: "Maintenance free", ends up being impossible to maintenance; just at any other internal hub.

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

Just Riding Along...

[@Proiectediversediy]

Where in the fuck are going with this bike?In the ocean?

[@schlooonginator1227]

Sometimes I am simply left astounded by how something with so much complex engineering could possibly fail at such a simple and dead easy function as a common connection. Come on Shimano, just use a simple headphone standard and some rubber seals. A child could come up with a better design.

[@gabiold]

A headphone jack? Omg, man... One of the most unreliable connectors even in it's intended use. This is a harsh environment. There are a lot of proper industrual connectors with various IP ratings and locking systems. No need to invent. They are not cheap, but these gearboxes aren't either, a proper connector's price should fit in.

[@charliewhiskey8440]

Can do with a magnetic connector.

[@muzzthegreat]

Cleaning the plug and socket would seem easy to do : just blast it with standard WD spray ; it won't interfere with the electrical connection ; you don't even need to dry it before plugging; and the residue of the WD will help the plug and socket to stay cleaner.

[@CharlesTay]

thanks for sharing

[@gren509]

You wait until the main bearing on the drive side gets rusty, and the whole hub is unserviceable !

[@jonasmeier417]

The DI2-problem with the cable is sad. Is the mechanical one better? 10'000 kilometers or 15'000 kilometers are nothing. SHIMANO Altus derailleur shifting does the double and triple distance and is not dead yet. Of course pullies, chain, chainring, cassette were replaced. Derailleur shifting offers many different cassettes, for example 11-32 t. or 11-46 t. And this can be combined with a crankset 44/32/22 teeth. SHIMANO has cheap and good derailleur shifting parts. Plus there are other suppliers. Many derailleurs can be also found used. That gear hub shifting is way easier, it's a myth. Gear hubs like SHIMANO Alfine are fine for mostly flat grounds, not really mountains. Rohloff is the best choice for gear hubs.

[@RodrigoSilvaRocha]

I have a Nexus 8 C6001-8D. Even if i had bought the Alfine 11 i would have gone with the mechanical shifter. It is way easier to do maintenance and if it brakes its just 10 bucks for a replacement. No need for flimsy electronic shifting and expensive repairs

[@MrHifonics]

CLEAN THE BIKE PROBLEM SOLVE

[@rocketmanpm]

You have to splice-in a military-spec wagerproof two-prong connector. Shimano can certainly do much better on this - fatal flaw they should be embarrassed about!

[@simonhughes-king]

Useful review, though it was as as much a review of cow shit than the hub itself... I'm still pondering Alfine or Rohloff....

[@salvuagius]

If you can afford it, Rohloff is the way to go, especially if you're gonna use it for touring or heavy use. For light commuting I think Alfine will do if you take care of it.

[@koothrapauleekoopaul2606]

you should change the title - " HOW TO CLEAN A BIKE?" peace to all yo! actually with that kind of situation Alfine is a remarkable product that i would consider buying...

[@Strenki-real]

That chain/bike is turbo extra disgusting, filthy and dirty

[@fanom1]

How can you ride a bike as filthy as this???? I have bikes with more miles than this that look NEW!

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

CLEAN YOUR BIKE, SHIMANO DOES'NT SPONSOR PIG STY RACING. That amount of filth would be an extra charge for cleaning BEFORE even update. You dont use a different connector. ITS E-TUBE. HOYVE!!!

[@arnoldanderson1501]

Why the heck would anyone design a terrible system like this, obviously the wheel and tire need to come off if you get a flat tire. The system itself is brilliant, but someone dropped the ball big time!

[@jadur]

need cleaning!

[@ketjuariittaa]

Massive scung bildup🤣 You need normal gearing not hub gears. And no di2, only mecanic. If those seas up wash the bike and lube the chain.

[@gabrielgomescunha]

Disgusting clean your bike before making a video, better just clean your bike and also I will never use electronic or electric shifting sistems.

[@christophershear409]

concur with everyone else. If your bike gets that dirty in just a week, you need to be cleaning it daily, most likely. Also, if the connector gets dirty when you disconnect it, then clean it before you disconnect it! It seems like you're fighting common sense here...

[@sowhatitsjustme]

Thanks for info. Do you know, that anyone can be forgiven and saved if repent and believe in Lord Jesus? It's good to know.

[@richardcorfield9926]

Is that more or less effective than a well oiled bike? ;-)

[@tomallen6073]

Bikes don’t need electronics. Simple as that.

[@Fudders]

True, but bikes don't NEED gears or pneumatic tyres (or any tyres!) either. You could simply ride around on a wooden hobby horse or Penny Farthing. However, if you're interested in progress and things that add to your comfort and ease of use (or have ever ridden a bike with a slick and accurate Di2 gearchange), you'd appreciate why some bikes have electronics. I love simplicity too and like the reliability of cable gears and cable-operated brakes, but if you've ridden a well set-up lightweight bike with hydraulic brakes, soft, puncture-resistant tyres and Di2 electronic shifting, you'll appreciate the positive difference progress and electronics CAN make when done well.

[@amit2897]

Is it good for world touring