hamishf wrote:I had one and hated it. complete waste of money. It was expensive too. There was too much slack in it. I only really used the direct drive anyway but when actually changing gears it shifted very poorly.
While I'm not doubting your experience mate, mostly because it gells with some of the experiences reported on the net, it is hard to accept the review of someone who joins a forum simply to bag a product.
In response to your experience, my reading of a number of user reports, is that hard core fixed gear riders will probably be disappointed with the amount of lash and the shifting. On the other hand, riders who appreciate the advantages of fixed gear but also accept that brakes and other compromises might fit into the mix, find the unit quite acceptable. It is NOT perfect - there are too many reports of false neutrals, too much lash for riders who ride brakeless and the chosen ratios don't make sense for everyone. However, casual riders who appreciate fixed gear but also use brakes and are only looking for extra flexibility over rolling terrain, find the hub an excellent choice.
My own position?
I was originally hell bent on installing one on the Europa. I've since decided I don't really need it but if I follow my mad desire to get into Audax, it might just make sense.
hamishf's experience is enough to cast a grey light over the hub, but only because he's not the only one. At this point, it's definitely fine for casual riders of fixed gear ... whether it is fine for hard core riders of fixed gear is yet to be deciced and maybe we do need to wait for Mk II
Richard