Some Rohloff questions???

[manual63]

Anyone running one of these Rohloff 14 speed internal hubs? How much are they and do they weigh much more than a normal drive train?

I am interested in this hub for my P.2 so I don't have to worry about destroying my Rear Derailleur and it will keep me from having a chain smack around all the time.

If anyone knows much about these, like how well they work and how reliable they are.....please let me know.

[funky-funky-chicken]

I have a Rohloff Speedhub on one of my bikes

Oh Rohloff Speedhub, how I love thee… let me count the ways:

1. No grinding through shifts.
2. No drivetrain adjustments — it's indexed internally.
3. There's nothing for mud to clog.
4. Cleanup is a breeze after dirty rides — very few nooks & crannies to clean.
5. Perfect chainline means my chains last way longer then before.
6. Chainrings and cog last longer, too, plus they're reversible.
7. I can shift standing still or pedaling backwards.
8. I can shift through my entire gear range in one twist, either direction.
9. Even gear spacing through the entire range: 1, 2, 3... 14! Dude, my shifter goes to 14.
10. Shifts instantly.
11. What other rear hub gets you a stout, symmetrical wheel build and a choice of gears?
12. Service consists of annual oil change
13. No Chainsuck
14. No noise from chain slapping against chainstay

My own interest in them stems from years of frustration with replacing broken and worn components. I had lots of questions about them myself.

There are several different models of the hub to work with different bicycle configurations. Basically different combinations of color, disc, bolt on, quick release, and different axle plates to work with either their "Speedbone" or a torque arm.

Since the hub uses planetary gears like the old 3-speeds, it requires a torque arm like a coaster brake. The torque arm needs to be affixed to the chainstay. You can also use the “Speedbone” to hook onto to an ISO disc mount and replaces the torque arm that would normally affix to the chainstay. It makes for easy on and off the bikes.

As I had posted in the heavy versus light thread, Yes, it does add some weight to the bike, but just like the way suspension forks added two pounds to an XC bike yet made it faster, the Rohloff hub's advantages far outweigh any weaknesses. I won’t go back to a mountain bike with traditional derailleurs.

I have a disc brake version with quick release, vertical drop outs and an eccentric bottom bracket to adjust the chain tension. You are welcome to ride my bike sometime… I am thinking that I might try to get out to Lebanon hills sometime this week. Maybe Tuesday.

[Kingbozo]

Holy Crap! Shad, those things cost almost as much as your bike! Sounds like a cool product which will probably get better over time.

http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Hub/product_68272.shtml

[funky-funky-chicken]

Originally posted by Kingbozo
Holy Crap! Shad, those things cost almost as much as your bike!

Oh yeah, :embarass: there is that part. I forgot to mention the expense. You can find them more reasonably priced used or on eBay. There is a guy selling them new on eBay for like $700 delivered for the disc brake version which I think is right around bike shop dealer cost.

Keep in mind, it replaces: Shifters, Front Derailleur, Rear Derailler, Rear Hub, and some chainrings. In the event of a conversion, it is a more expensive than in considering a new build. I hope the total cost of owning one over the years will make up for the initial financial pain.

[manual63]

Holy Crap that's more than my P.2 cost........:laugh: :laugh:

[funky-funky-chicken]

I read this post over in the "Shimano's New Group for Nutcakes" thread and thought that my reply would belong here.

The comment was posted:

Internal hubs of have a lot of advantages, but they have one disadvantage which will always limit their potential on performance oriented bicyles - more friction loss than roller chains.

Not always. There are lots of factors that will contribute to the efficiency calculation for chain drive versus planetary gears. With perfect chainline (seldom occurs with multi-speed bikes due to crossover between chainrings and cassette in rear), new clean and properly lubed chain, I would agree with the statement.

With an internally geared hub, you have less chain length, no derailleur pulleys, and can optimize your chainline. I have read a fair number of reports that put the average loss in efficiency between a traditional drivetrain and something with a Rohloff at only like 1%.

Now, the big hurdle for acceptance of internally geared hubs would be the higher initial cost.

[martini]

I've ridden one and really liked it. I loved the ways in which it shifted, anytime, anywhere. I did notice the rear bias to wieght, but I figure its something that one would become accostmed too. I'd really consider getting one if the price was right. That's really the only thing that's holding me back from getting one now.

[manual63]

I am curious to see where internal hubs go from here. I love the idea, but don't like the price. Hopefully the price will come down over time like most things.