Internally geared hubs

Winter riding seems better suited to internal gears. I've been eyeballing SRAM internally geared hubs pretty hard, especially the SRAM/Sachs Spectro - any reviews/opinions?

After a lot of searching around I've concluded that my dream bike would look a lot like a Thorn Tour: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/raventour.html

How do I accomplish something reliable that is like this (for less that $500 perhaps) without having to worry if the hub will fail? I'd really like to ditch my derailleur on the winter bike for fast shifting when I hit a pile of snow.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on October 16, 2009 at 6:40pm

Changed my mind. I'm entitled after more than 6 months (...or less...)

Arrak Thumrs said:

First dream bike I've ever heard of for "less than $500". Pointless discussion.

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Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on October 16, 2009 at 8:36pm

Ha ha. I thought Matt was talking about the converting a hub/wheel for less than $500.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Finko on October 16, 2009 at 8:49pm

Soma has a wheelset for $269, that I was thinking about using for winter. Only three speeds (probably enough for me).

http://store.somafab.com/igthwhset.html

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on October 16, 2009 at 9:26pm

http://www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/
http://www.brompton.co.uk/
http://www.bikefriday.com/

If you don't somehow believe these epitomize a tremendous feat in engineering and racing design then I would assume you have not been thorough in your reading.

Video_Drome said:

Matt M. said:
Nope. Still derailleur. I built up a touring bike instead....... My next big step is purchasing a folding bike.

seems like a big step behind if you ask me