parts list for an Alfine....

more details....

here's the Shimano web page for the hub:
http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/0/alfine/product.-code-SG-S500.-type-.html

In the picture, they show the assembled hub...the cog, the cassette joint, the nuts, the no turn washers, a complete unit....but you don't get any of that with the hub. When you order the hub, you get just the hub, nothing more.

So, in addition to the hub, you also need to order the following separately:

The Cog, understandable, pick the gear you want, 18 or 20.
The shifter, understandable, twist or trigger, your choice.

Those parts are understandable, personal preference. But, you will also need to order the following, which Shimano may or may not clue you in on when you talk to them on the phone, and which I feel should all be included with the hub, since, you know, all of these parts are needed in order to use the fucking thing:

Cog snap ring: #Y-321 20100
Driver cap: #Y-74Y 18000
Cassette Joint: CJ-8S20 *(see below)
Cassette JointFixing Ring: Y-33Z 98020
Inner Cable Fixing Bolt Unit: Y-74Y 98030
Non Turn Washer 8R: Y-34R 85010 (for vertical dropout)
Non Turn Washer 8L: Y-34R 85000 (for vertical dropout)
(2) Axle Cap Nuts: Y-314 14010

Now, Shimano may pull a fast one on you and send you the CJ-8S40 Cassette Joint instead of the CJ-8S20, and if they do, you will also need to make sure you have the following:

Outer Casing Holder Unit: Y-74Y 98160

Which consists of the following:
Rubber Cover: Y-74Y 27000
Outer Casing Holder: Y-74Y 28000
Rubber Bellows: Y-74Y 30200

First I ordered the hub, it arrived, we opened the box...Uhmmm, where are the axle nuts, no turn washers...? So then we had to order the small parts kit, was assured that that was everything I'd need, uhmm, wrong. Build the wheel, make the second trip to the shop for the box of small parts, then discover that I'm still missing the cog snap ring. Work the phones on Monday and make trip number three to another local shop. Finally begin the install, down to the final steps of hooking up the cable, WTF? I'm still missing parts?!?!??....so now I have to either return the CJ 8S40 hanger and get a CJ 8S20, or track down the Outer Casing Holder Unit #Y-74Y 98160, since that was not included with the CJ-8S40, even though it is essential to have those particular bits in order for the CJ-8S40 to function. That'll be trip number four to the shop...if I pursue it.

Shouldn't you be able to just order the fucking hub, and have all the bits that actually make it function included together in the same fucking box, in one package, like they show in that nice picture on the website? Talk about bullshit.