Author Topic: NuVinci hub report  (Read 10246 times)

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Offline lonerider

NuVinci hub report
« on: January 22, 2011, 07:43:00 am »
Have been riding a mountain bike with the NuVinci hub (First generation) and gear ratio controller. Must say it was interesting and sort of exciting at first, but now it has become somewhat of a pain in the rear to use effectively. What I have found is the need, when on trails, to constantly monitor the ratio selection, that is, keep a hand on the controller and constantly move the thing. Must be my body is not adapting to the concept of a CV gear set up. On the road it is acceptable, but still not what my body has learned over the years.

One very big drawback is the weight. Same gripe I have about the Rohloff hubs. Too much rear end weight for lifting the rear end of bike over trail obstructions or going downhill and rolling down 6-12 inch drops. The thing just "clunks" along. Not my cup of tea.

Workmanship is very good, functions as advertised, just not sure I will ever get used to it. Sold it to a buddy who wanted it for a general purpose street bike and he reports happiness.

Offline DaveB

Re: NuVinci hub report
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2011, 10:27:48 am »
Interesting report.  I guess "infinite choice" has its downside.

The weight problem has been reduced in the current version (5.4 pounds for the present model vs about 9 pounds for the first generation) but it's still a very heavy component compared to a derailleur system. 

It's also significantly heavier than the Rohloff 14-speed gear hub which weighs 4 pounds complete with its shifter, cables, etc. while the NuVinci's published weight is just for the hub. Also, the Rohloff has a greater range at 519% vs 360% for the Nuvinci.

One of NuVinci's real benefits is its cost which is less than half of the usual selling price for the Rohloff. 

Offline bogiesan

Re: NuVinci hub report
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2011, 09:21:37 am »
another tangible advantage is the sealed system, might be great for mountain touring for certain type of rider or event.

Bicycling magazine's current issue (umm, might be February or March 2011) includes news that the 2011 BikeTown bikes will be equipped with Nuvinci. We should be seeing interview with the winners of those bikes in six months or so.

Belt drives and enclosed CV systems seem to be coming on strong in some biking niches. Maybe we'll see these technologies adapted onto solid touring machines in a few more years.

david boise ID
I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline DaveB

Re: NuVinci hub report
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2011, 09:42:27 am »
Belt drives and enclosed CV systems seem to be coming on strong in some biking niches. Maybe we'll see these technologies adapted onto solid touring machines in a few more years.
Other than the NuVinci I don't know of any CV bike hubs but IGH's are proliferating quite fast and these do lend themselves to either belt or shaft drive. 

Their efficiency sacrifice and weight penatly will probably never be overcome but for some types of riding that's not an issue.