Choosing a Rohloff Hub Bike?

[MacB]

Offer's open any time.

Bear in mind that Rohloff's do genuinely 'run-in', especially in gears 1-7, so don't despair if it feels like you're pedalling a coffee-grinder for the first few hundred miles. Also, how are you intending to tension the chain?

Ta, chain tensioning is a bummer, at present it looks like my frame wouldn't take an eccentric BB so would need some form of chain tensioner fitted. Unless of course there is a widget to convert the vertical dropouts to horizontal(barring an angle grinder and superglue). I've looked at a couple of quotes that are both similar to this:-

Rohloff Speed Hub 500/14 in Black for QR and External click box = £950.00 (This comes complete with sprocket, grip shifter and cables.)
DT Swiss TK 7.1 rim (Silver or black?) = £65.00
Spokes and build = £35.00
Shimano XT BB and chainset = £195.00
KMC Z510 chain = £6.00
Labour = £50.00
Grand Total inc TNT pick up and VAT @ current rates = £1321.00

Not sure on this as I've seen the http://www.wheelspincycles.com/products.php?plid=m2b0s117p1812 Rohloff on here at £700, can't see where the £250 difference comes, maybe around fx rates and whether stock is held or has to be ordered in. Also think it's a lot for a new BB and chainset, quite happy with current BB/chainset. Maybe just need to adjust it as the one quoted above is a triple adjusted down to leave the 48T only, might as well do the same with what I already have. Only concern is whether the Wheelspincycles one is an older model or something, but doesn't appear to be. I'm tempted to just order the hub from them and then get my friendly mechanical expert to sort the rest.

Jim, thanks for your input

 

[Bollo]

Are Rohloff's really worth that kind of wedge? Spend the money on a decent frame and robust, quality kit instead.

Very valid question. They're a pretty specialised bit of kit and I think the likes of Thorn oversell the advantages but, for MacB's 40 miles day-in, day out I'd say go for it. Try that with a derailleur and there's a big cleaning and maintenance overhead, especially if he's on cow-crap surfaced rural back roads.

 

[Bollo]

Ta, chain tensioning is a bummer, at present it looks like my frame wouldn't take an eccentric BB so would need some form of chain tensioner fitted.

Have a look at these of the rohloff site. Its starting to get into Sports Tour territory!

 

[Cranky]

Are Rohloff's really worth that kind of wedge? Spend the money on a decent frame and robust, quality kit instead.

I was convinced that a Rohloff was the way forward for my new touring bike but came to the conclusion that the considerable cost couldn't be justified in my case. And now it appears that the true cost of the Rohloff system is as much as a fairly decent bike!

 

[simoncc]

I can't see the advantage of Rohloffs.

For an everyday bike 7 or 8 speed Shimano stuff is quite cheap, long lasting and of quite good quality. For my hobby bikes like my best tourer, my MTB and my road bike I wouldn't dream of using a hub gear when the 9 speed Shimano stuff is so good.

Rohloffs are a solution in search of a problem.

 

[MacB]

I can't see the advantage of Rohloffs.

For an everyday bike 7 or 8 speed Shimano stuff is quite cheap, long lasting and of quite good quality. For my hobby bikes like my best tourer, my MTB and my road bike I wouldn't dream of using a hub gear when the 9 speed Shimano stuff is so good.

Rohloffs are a solution in search of a problem.

Thread title 'Choosing a Rohloff Hub Bike' and you jump on to let me know you wouldn't dream of using a hub gear. Could you be more specific about your reasons for being negative and supply your sources? Whilst the cost is a general complaint it does seem to be upfront costs are the issue. The consensus appears to be that it can/will result in either a saving, or break even, versus the costs around a derailer system over the same span. If you then factor in the lack of maintenance, or system failures, it becomes far more appealing to me. Remember that I'm looking at a setup that's going to cope with up to 200 commuting miles a week, in all conditions. Already done the wider, puncture resistant tyres, the rack/panniers, the butterfly bars and the more relaxed riding position. As I'm a long way from being physically able to achieve the commute on fixed or SS then hub gears seemed like a natural progression. The Rohloff variety may be overkill but, even if only for peace of mind, it's my money.

If I achieve my goals around the commute then I can start looking at more social riding. At that point I may well want a different kind of ride, in which case I'll buy another bike. What that bike is, and how it's equipped, will be a decision for then, but it may even have another Rohloff, again my dosh and I can afford it

Bollo/Cranky, sorry I know I shouldn't bite but sometimes the internet urge is too strong Cranky, I know what you mean on the costs and it did cause me a little intake of breath. But, since starting back on bikes in Nov08, I've had so many intakes of breath re costs it's almost becoming old hat now I started with a budget of £500 for the lot, bike, kit, lights etc. That's been revised upwards so many times it's only the pedant in me that carries on keeping tally. I've nearly reached 2K and the, in for a penny in for a pound, attitude has started to prevail

Bollo, thanks for the link that's the method my mechanic has indicated, I was just hopeful of somehow avoiding extra little wheels and stuff. Or maybe I just need to run with a really slack chain I'll keep you posted on developments but order for the new hub and wheel will go in on Monday

 

[Arch]

Thread title 'Choosing a Rohloff Hub Bike' and you jump on to let me know you wouldn't dream of using a hub gear. Could you be more specific about your reasons for being negative and supply your sources?

I expect he thinks Rohloffs are all bought by affluent eco-hysterics with double barrelled names, who read the Guardian.

Re Dynahubs, just think of the saving in batteries...

 

[MacB]

I expect he thinks Rohloffs are all bought by affluent eco-hysterics with double barrelled names, who read the Guardian.

Re Dynahubs, just think of the saving in batteries...

At least Simon comes straight at you whereas you, Arch, subtlely push me towards financial meltdown with sensible advice, far more dangerous Have looked at the dynohubs and think I see a new front wheel as well now

By the way has anyone had any experience of this:-

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/Product/0/bbtfexc/trickstuffexcentrikerbottombracket.html

an eccentric BB that will fit to a standard size frames. I like the idea but £107.65 seems a heck of a lot for what it is. Can't find much in the way of reviews on it, seems it was carried by SJS cycles but they've now discontinued it. Makes no difference to the new rear wheel makeup with Rohloff, just curious.

 

[Cranky]

Bollo/Cranky, sorry I know I shouldn't bite but sometimes the internet urge is too strong Cranky, I know what you mean on the costs and it did cause me a little intake of breath. But, since starting back on bikes in Nov08, I've had so many intakes of breath re costs it's almost becoming old hat now I started with a budget of £500 for the lot, bike, kit, lights etc. That's been revised upwards so many times it's only the pedant in me that carries on keeping tally. I've nearly reached 2K and the, in for a penny in for a pound, attitude has started to prevail

No problem MacB. I know what you mean and with your weekly mileage it's probably justifiable. I'd still go for the Rohloff myself if money was no object but personally I think I'd get a new bike rather than retrofit. In particular it would seem a pity to have to include a chain tensioner.

 

[MacB]

I have a quote from Wheelspincycles.com, based in Huddersfield for £990 all in. That's the new wheel, mavic rims with double butted spokes, complete with tyre and all the bits to get it setup and working. Seems pretty reasonable and their website looks quite good but I can't find any reviews on them

http://www.wheelspincycles.com/index.php

So does anyone have any experience of them?

What's near Huddersfield that my wife may enjoy a romantic overnight stay at? Coincidentally we'd go in her people carrier and take the bike for them to fit new wheel to and then collect on way home next day

 

[Bollo]

I would advise leaving your wife at home and spending the money you save on a Brookes saddle.



Keep us posted on the progress. I'm with Crank in that I'd have gone for a new bike rather than a retrofit, but some of the fun is trying these things out. Have you checked out Sheldon Brown's (genuflects) Rohloff stuff? He was a big fan and had some interesting stuff about them on his site.

 

[MacB]

yep read all the Rohloff stuff on Sheldon Brown, plus many other articles on there I know what you mean re the retrofit but I couldn't get below about 2K for a new bike fully kitted out. I figured that if I don't like the Rohloff then I can convert back my bike and sell on new wheel and bits quite easily. If I do like it(which I suspect I will) but find that the frame isn't right, then I can order a custome frame and build that up. This may all be a false economy as, knowing me, I'll end up buying another bike anyway. But it just seems a little less painful doing it in stages

After further thought I may show the quote to my local guy and see if he wants to price match. He can go a bit higher as I'll be saving on the expense of travelling to Huddersfield and it also means that any issues are resolved locally.

Regardless we'll need to meet up for a ride, and to compare Rohloffs, once the better weather arrives.

 

[Arch]

What's near Huddersfield that my wife may enjoy a romantic overnight stay at? Coincidentally we'd go in her people carrier and take the bike for them to fit new wheel to and then collect on way home next day

'Near' is relative, but if you are coming all the way from Farnborough, you are virtually in Bronte country (Haworth), or Last of the Summer Wine country (Holmfirth), and not so far from the south end of the Yorkshire Dales or the north end of the Peak District.

Or 50 miles (about an hour) away from York.

 

[twowheelsgood]

My mate has a custom fit Bob Jackson with a Rohlhoff. It looks very nice and he reallt likes it, but set up in touring spec it is a couple of mph slower than his winter hack. Not cheap either, north or £2k IIRC.

Hmm, I'd love a Rohloff but 2mph is pretty much the difference between my average speeds on my hybrid (albeit a fast-ish one) and my road bike (albeit and entry level machine). Is it really that much? Also my hybrid has had the same drive-train for a decade and about 12,000km. I think I adjusted the gear cables about twice and replaced the chain every 2000km - is the maintenance thing that big a deal?

There was a craze for Rohloff equipped mountain bikes here a year or so back and a work colleague had one (briefly before it was stolen).

I'm also not too taken on the changing mechanism. I would have thought that something more elegant could have been made given the engineering prowess. Mind you that's engineers for you, perfect the technical gubbins and then worry about the user interface as an afterthought!

 

[MacB]

Good questions, the differences in average speed, therefore the drag/efficiency of the Rohloff seem to be quite widely debated. There is also the bedding in period which the manufacturer rates at 1000km but I've seen variation on that. Once bedded in I would be surprised if, all else being equal, it made as much as 2mph different between 2 bikes. If you calculated based on manufacturers efficiency tables then the difference should be no more than 0.5mph and, with improved gear changes, maybe even a positive impact. But that's all number crunching on paper I'll not really know until I try it.

My other option is getting a Thorn Raven Tour for my commute and the Cannondale Badboy Rohloff for better weather/lighter stuff. Ah, choices, tis a wonderful thing