Yesterday we heard the sad news that SRAM are to stop manufacturing the i-Motion 9 hub gear with immediate effect. Sadly this means we can no longer offer the Pilen Superlyx 9-speed and, as of today it cannot be ordered from us. SRAM are introducing a new hub in the spring, but it is still under wraps and very hush-hush. Of course we are disappointed but we are not discouraged. Adjusting to change is a part of the bicycle business.

Shimano Nexus Inter-8

We feel the best replacement for SRAM i-motion 9, is the 8-speed hub from Shimano, which we have been testing now for more than a year as part of the of the Pilen Sport development .

Shimano Nexus Inter-8 has a very high mechanical specification, is very reliable and is fun to ride; ideal for Pilen bikes. The only small drawback is what one would expect: the 9-speed offers a slightly wider range and the 1st in the SRAM I-Motion 9 is slightly lower than the 1st of the Shimano Nexus Inter-8.

The Shimano has the advantage of smoother shifting but in most respects, the Shimano and SRAM hub gears are very similar.

We'll keep working on this and will be back with more details soon.