[Closed] Any Rohloff/Alfine riders still up?

Rohloff on a 06 Wolfridge, done about 11000 miles on it & just replaced the rear sprocket (£22) for the second time & chain for the forth time (PC1 £8.99) I changed the Middleburn DH chainring from 40 to 38 teeth at about 6000miles

Bomb proof in the wet & grit as long as you don't submerge it.
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Cheers snaps - would you be willing to give me an idea as to what the cost of the Rohloff set up was - has it paid it's way yet in terms of the cost of replacing normal drivetrain bits over that time?

i have an Alfine, had it on my Kona Unit but have now moved it over to a DB Alpine.

It is literally fit and forget. Been running it this last 3-4 months and not had any issues and been mega reliable.

The biggest advantage over the Rolhoff is cost. My Alfine cost around £200 whereas a Rohloff costs around £1000. The Rohloff does look to be better built and if money was not in the equation i probably would have chosen it.

One thing to check before you buy is if you get along with internal hubs. The gear changing takes some getting used to and i dont particularily like the Rohloff shifter.

Bought from Ebay in 2007 when the hub was unused for £450 & cost me about £100 to get built up with rim, spokes, disc & the other bits.
The year before I got it, I trashed an XT & XTR rear mech on tree stumps & rocks, an XTR front mech when my chain snapped. I wore out three XT cassettes & about seven chains - probably spent over £250 that year replacing damaged or worn parts & had two long walks home!

I didn't consider the Alfine as it only has a small range (like a 1x9 set up) where as the Rohloff has the same range as my old 27 speed set up.

Ive just built up my Rohloff onto a HT & I plan on using it as winter bike. I probably wont ride anything else this winter unless the conditions are really good. Im not sure how many miles the hub itself has done but I did use it everyday for 2 months in Morocco a few yrs ago - since then it has sat around getting dusty but recently I dug it out & started using it again. It seems ok, might need an oil change but otherwise its fine.

As for the shifting & gearing - I have no problems with it at all. It doesnt suit some thats for sure. The hub itself cost about £700 I think..As for running costs, they are negligible compared to a conventional setup..That is unless you try to teach them to swim.

I found the cables that came with it rusted up in 6 months - despite the teflon inner (they tell you not to oil them). The jockey wheels on the tensioner required for a full suss wear about the same rate as a derailleur. After 2 years the twist grip had nearly worn away and needed replacement. I never needed to buy a chain as old worn chains that wouldn't shift would last 6 months due to the perfect chainline, and on replacement the rear sprocket would need to be flipped/replaced (you can use both sides). I shan't reiterate the submersion problems - just don't do it.

I had an Alfine on my Giant Trance through last winter. Including the rim, spokes, hub, chain and shifter it cost about £200. Never had any problems or did any maintenance for the 9 months I used it, the gearing range is good and it has hardly any drag. Totally worth it!
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SS and 'Hoff'd
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/northmalvern/OnOneTi29#

Obviously the Scandal and Inbreds with slotted dropouts are cheaper but work the same way.

Ive designed a special plate in my head to replace the torque bar loader to make rohloffing even easier than my current bodge. Just need someone who can laser cut metal plate.

I have an alfine on my commuter. I would echo the above, while its pretty good, it won't last as long as a rohloff.

Good things:
* Shifting gears while stationary
* Fit and forget in the main

Bad things:
* Punctures can be a bit fiddly
* Wee bit heavy
* V v v v occasionally can slip when changing gears ... I haven't worked out what makes the hub do this but it does happen
* Need to take a spanner with you on a ride

I have done about 6-7000 road miles on mine - its been worth it for sure.

Have an alfine on a P7, lasted about a year including a fair bit of riding in winter on the edge of the peaks, now needs the bearings replacing and an oil bath. Probably still cheaper than replacing chains and cassettes though.

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I have ran a Rohloff for two years and have only had to change the cables.

Would recommend a hardtail with EBB rather than slot dropouts much neater and easier to get wheel on and off.

[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/genesis-io-id-alfine ]inbred[/url]

Currntly running a Nexus Redband on mine and its certainly pretty reliable and maintenance free. Doesn't get alot of use but seems fine. Going back to SS shortly as I'm tired of the weight but thats a personal preference thing.

There is an alfined bike currently in the classifieds for 500 notes:
[url] http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-cannondale-bad-boy-alfine [/url]
(not mine by the way)

Rohloff here. Rode through the crap to work today, all run a rag over the chain add a bit more GT85 and that's it done. If the weight of the mud gets too much then I'll hose it down but I don't do that too often. It's been running for over 3 years now as an everyday commuter, the first 2 years on road and coming up to 18 months off road. I've changed the oil once a year and replaced the chain and rear cog at 3 years and reversed the chainring. I could have just reversed the cog as well but chose not to as the outer surface which was pitted would have been forming an oil seal once reversed. At the time I changed everything it was all still running perfectly and I did it as a precaution as I didn't know how much longer the chain would last and I assumed , wrongly as it turned out, that when changing the rear cog I would have to do an oil change. The shifter cables are all original and have had no maintenance. They are not the Rohloff ones but I think Shimano XT cables which are what Thorn recommend and they probably have more experience with the hub than anyone else in the UK. I like many didn't like the shifter to start with but now would't change it even if someone came up with a trigger shifter for it. One of the things I've found I really like is the ability to shift when stopped. I think it's something I'd really miss if I went back to dérailleurs. As for value for money I'll only really know the answer to that when it eventually dies. I want to try a belt drive in the future as well as that would go a long way to overcoming the weight penalty of a hub gear. Another endorsement for the EBB here as well.

Hi Swadey,

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My Rohloff is on a Thorn Enduro frame which I found secondhand. (I got the Rohloff on Cyclescheme - ahem). Comming up for 2 years now, and about 10,000KM, ridden nearly every day off road. I have changed the oil once, worn out 8 chains, rotated the rear sprocket, and still running my original Raceface chainring. Sprocket and chainring are both on there last legs now.
I replaced the cables recently when one inner frayed a little inside the clickbox.
It does everything they say, and I have no grumble whatever. It's a brillaint for an everyday bike, and has never let me down, or given anything other than a perfect instant gear change.
I would not want to go back.

Recently got an alfine on my scandal 29er, I have to say love it. There is a bit of drag but it's not that noticable, the extra weight isn't that bad either. Because you've only got 8 gears it is a bit like riding SS with bailout option! Let's see what winter does to it! 😆

£1k for something you cant get wet isn't great on an off road bike IMO. what happens when you come across a river or a very deep puddle!!

incidentally how do alfines cope being submerged..?

Alfine here on a Rig 29er with an EBB. Been using it off-road weekly for over 18 months, still working like new (although that'll jinx it...). Used fairly hard, through shitty conditions, overnighter rides up north, good bit of abuse. Replaced the inner/outer cable once but that was more due to changing it over from my old bike to the 29er, wheel was rebuilt at the same time from a 26" to 29". Think I've changed the chain once. Shifter/hub/built-into-a-wheel cost me just under £200 at the time.

As someone said earlier, the shifting isn't for eveyone (speaking about the Alfine only - I haven't tried a Rolhoff) - you need to ease off the pressure a bit more than a conventional setup. Best to try one before buying. The range is limited but more than enough for me: I run with a 32t chainring and 23t cog (the biggest permitted) for a low-range setup and pedal out around 18mph, but my slackest gear is equivalent to approx 22t/27cog - not quite granny gear but close.

4 1/2 years in on a Rohloff - it gets wet every ride and no probs!

I wouldn't be too concerned about Mr Barnes story, his idea of submersion is SUBMERSION literally, having a whole bike laying at the bottom of a fast running swollen river, after several attempts to ride, or see how far he can get across, which is fine if that's what he wants to do, but no bike component is designed to withstand that.

Just like if you watched a car rally, and a Subaru got totally submersed and stalled, couldn't restart and the gearbox filled with water - would you say the car was crap - I think not!

I'm just back from a weekend in the Quantocks, lost count of how many rivers and streams we went through literally.

"cant get wet" .. Is nonsense. Mine gets sprayed with liquid grit every day of the winter.
I don't ride under water though. Clearly you do fatmuthahubbard, - so you'd better save your money for better things.

I wouldn't be too concerned about Mr Barnes story, his idea of submersion is SUBMERSION literally, having a whole bike laying at the bottom of a fast running swollen river, after several attempts to ride, or see how far he can get across, which is fine if that's what he wants to do

slight exaggeration - I just mean riding, or attempting to ride across all watercourses crossing our routes. I wouldn't intentionally keep the bike under the water for fun.

but no bike component is designed to withstand that.

well, perhaps they wear out a bit sooner, but the difference is Hope hubs are user serviceable in under an hour, for about £10, and sq. taper BBs seem unaffected. I think the derailleur may benefit from being cleaned. The Rohloff has to be sent to Germany for repair with a 7-10 day round trip (admittedly FOC)

As far as cables, I use xtr gear inner and shimano brake outer - smoooothe!

Just got an alfine so initial impressions only - gaps between the gears can feel a bit wide and its only equivalent of a 1x9 set up ( or maybe a bit more)

Feels smooth, silent and efficient multiple gear changes when stationary is great.

I am surprised how noticeable the hub weight is wheeling it around - but I have yet to notice when riding.

Its not the perfect solution But for a hack bike / commuter / winter trail bike it seems good to me.

I've seen the past videos you used to post Simon! Bikes laying at the bottom of a river were not uncommon. You looked like you were having fun though.

Pete

I have been quite vocal on other Rohloff threads so I'll try and be concise this time... I love mine.

The only issue I have had in 2 years of exclusively offroad riding is that the bearings wore out. They were replaced by Rohloff free of charge and they performed a full service replacing all of the seals, oil and bolts to make it as good as new again. No problems since. In fairness to Rohloff the hub wasn't really designed with a 29er in mind, and the extra force afforded on the wheel when riding 'aggresively' offroad. So while the bearings wore out quicker than others seem to have experienced I don't see it as a problem. I can be without one of my bikes for 7 days every 2 years!

Search around on the web. There are very few reports of people having problem with a Rohloff. I've had stuff wear out or fail on my other bikes in the same time I've had mine and they almost exclusively get ridden in nice weather and have nowhere near the number of miles a Rohloff has on them.

How are you trashing your drive-train to the tune of £200 if all you're doing is playing in the woods?

Personally, Rohloff always comes down to one thing: It's a ****ing expensive way to do the same thing that regular mechs do for a fraction of the cost, 99% of the time just as well. It's pretty much only really really shitty claggy mud that'll stop a mech from working, and that happens, what? A couple of times a year, if that?

It is amazing how the same 'Rohloff haters' turn up on the Rohloff threads every time

Look at as both sides of the argument, rather than a love-in... 😉

Just interested NickC have you had a Rohloff?

I've ridden a Thorn with one, yes.

Ridden or owned Nick?

Ridden, I borrowed one for a weekend, Do I have to have owned one to form an opinion of it?

It is amazing how the same 'Rohloff haters' turn up on the Rohloff threads every time

I hope you don't include me in that category! I love the concept, and found it excellent in use, but hated its vulnerability to water

I'd love one if they were lighter and cheaper.

As it is, I wouldnt buy one cos they cost loads and only seem to be worth it if you are riding many miles everyday.

A couple of times a year, if that?

I want to live where you live! Looking forward to months of mudfests here. Mechs don't often stop working altogether, but they do clog often. Personally snapped 2 rear mechs due to excessive mud.

I have had an Alfine on a P7 for a few months, so not really had it long enough to form a proper opinion. Lovely so far though. Would have a Rohloff if I had the cash tho...

@nickc - Yes, I think the initial outlay for a Rohloff is large, but it will last a very long time with very little maintenance and probably cost less in the long run than the multiple sets of parts it replaces.

Also, how much do you value your time? Conventional geared drivetrains take a lot of time to clean if you want them to work and last well, whereas a Rohloff is more like a singlespeed with gears in maintenance terms.

There's always the Alfine if you don't want to shell out quite so much, but I doubt that's as long-lived as a Rohloff.

I speak here as someone who has ridden through more derailleur gear systems than I care to remember, is not looking forward to yet another winter of bike cleaning, and is seriously considering finding the money to get a Rohloff equipped Thorn.

I've never worn out a dérailleur*, and as that's the only real world advantage of the rohloff (longevity), the payback time would literally be endless. I don't see the point of paying £800 for something that does exactly what a component that costs a tenth of that will do.

*My partner is using everyday, a rear mech that's at least 16 years old.

That's enough

Nick - Thorn will sell you the bike and give you a 100 days to decide if it's right for you, they obviously don't really think a weekend is enough. Don't like it take it back for a full refund. That's what swung me to buying it, not sure if I would have been so keen if I hadn't had that option. I've found I've become more impressed with it the longer I've had it which over 3 years now. Rode home in absolute filth tonight and just wiped the chain down and relubed it. In the time I've owned it total maintenance on the drive chain has been no more than 3 hours (3 oil changes) more than a single speed would have required.

Can't wait till a few more belt drives options are available, that chain wiping and lubing is so tedious, I can end up wasting up to 5 minutes doing that.

the payback time would literally be endless

Never worn out a cassette?

I have a genesis io id with the alfine fitted as standard. I would recommend both the bike and the hub. Does exactly what it says on the tin

simonfbarnes - Member

It is amazing how the same 'Rohloff haters' turn up on the Rohloff threads every time

I hope you don't include me in that category! I love the concept, and found it excellent in use, but hated its vulnerability to water

Simon, no I wasn't directing that comment at you. I have to say that the problem you experienced IMO was extraordinary and not a situation that a non-bogtrotter would likely come across.

The Rohloff is not indestructable, like any MTB part, but it does come into its own for MTBing when the weather turns.

I must admit I'll avoid most water that looks like it might be deeper than my BB but more because of not wanting to have to ride for hours with wet feet, but other than that, my Rohloff gets plenty of this type of treatment every winter.
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I have an Afline Inbred http://www.muddymoles.org.uk/2008/12/alfine_review.html which I've had for two years. I've ridden it through two completely claggy winters with no problems. It's been sitting all summer and just knocked off the mud, then ready to roll.

@nickc

I've never worn out a dérailleur

Where do you live, and what conditions do you ride in? Do you ride off-road at all? Either you never / rarely ride in mud or are absolutely meticulous about cleaning your drivetrain when you get back from every ride.

I ride everywhere. Last two rides were the Peaks, and Swinley, both of which will turn to very effective grinding paste in wet conditions. Usual stomping ground is the Chilterns which about this time of year likes to play host to the international round of the "world muddiest woods" competition...

So yeah, over the years I've learnt to look after my kit, but then again why wouldn't I? My bike cost me a load of cash, in about 5 songs on the Ipod, I can get it from filthy to almost showroom, and wouldn't you know it? drive-train lasts forever...

Alfine +1 brillant got one on my winter bike hardtail Voodoo azian.

Totally maintaince free never need to clean the mud off all winter.

Alfines are great value for money

I've had the Rohloff for 18 months now and I've never [i]raved[/i] about it - although I've found it perfect in operation - but I just don't usually think about it as it's not that exciting. I've had a couple of rides this week that made me appreciate it a lot more. One was in a very muddy forest and my bike ended up about 3lbs heavier with mud and comedy amounts of pine needles - I know that my "normal" drivetrain would be rubbish in that 'cos I had my XTR-equipped bike in the same place the week before and I couldn't shift gears (front or rear) in the end. The 'hoff was obviously completely oblivious to this and didn't miss a beat. Yesterday I went on a comedy muddy ride in the hills and again it was perfect. On both occasions, I spent more time cleaning the mess left on the driveway than I did cleaning the bike.

Still don't buy the bit about it "paying for itself" though - not the reason to buy one IMO.....

Why oh why does the ruddy alfine trigger go the opposite way to most? Out on the non alfine bike today and I kept going the wrong way on the gears. It felt really crunchy and imprecise after the alfine as well

Sounds like you need a rapid rise mech then TJ to avoid future confusion!

@nickc - I stand corrected, what's your cleaning regime? If it's so quick and effective, I'd like to give it a try.

Thanks,

Dr. Matt...