HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

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Cheeky Monkey
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HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

Post by Cheeky Monkey »

Just in case STW doesn't get me an answer, does anyone on here have any ideas, please? The situation:
A question for folks running Alfine 11 rear hubs. What set up, particularly cranks, axles, BB shell width are you running to get a workable chainline?

IIRC the Alfine is supposed to have a chainline of 41 and a bit mm. I'm trying to get as close to that as possible, assuming it's necessary. Tried a couple of cranks / BB / axle combinations recently on a frame with 68mm BB shell and they don't look right:
  • Shimano XT octalink cranks on a 113 axle - inner tabs/ring seem to line up but that would mean a pretty small ring which I expect would give poor gear range.
  • Middleburn RS8 on a 118 axle with a two ring spider - rings too far out from frame, whichever tabs used. Cannot flip the spider as it's machined to only fit one way.
Would really like to get the RS8s to work but would happily settle for getting either of the two (don't want to buy more cranks) working.

If you're running it out-of-line how are you finding it?

Also, what chainring / rear sprocket are you using?
chris n
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Re: HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

Post by chris n »

Use a Nexus sprocket instead of the Alfine one and flip it so it's dished outwards. Chainline = 50mm, or the outside of an MTB triple.
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Cheeky Monkey
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Re: HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

Post by Cheeky Monkey »

That's an interesting idea, cheers.
HUX
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Re: HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

Post by HUX »

Im running a 32:21 using a nexus sprocket dished outwards and the plastic guard removed and a raceface Evolve chainset. Chainline is bang on and has been trouble free for a few thousand miles.
HUX
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Re: HOw to get the right chainline with an Alfine 11?

Post by HUX »

If you are used to a standard 27speed mtb setup and do use the lower gears with a 11-32, 11-34 cassette I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 20T sprocket and 32T chainring. There is quite a jump between 1st and 2nd gear, almost feels like you are going from 1st to 3rd!!
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