Why I think Rohloff hubs are the bomb!

After my article earlier in the week about Rohloff hubs and their failing compatibility with modern MTB suspension frames, I was asked by a reader what the big deal with Rohloff hubs is. Why do I prefer a Rohloff hub over a conventional derailleur set-up.

Well, the idea is simple, even if the execusion can sometimes be more complicated. In short, I love the Rohloff Speedhub because it gives you an incredibly useful 14 gears with near zero maintenance requirements in a package that guarantees function in any condition, in a quiet and good looking package.

I originally built up a Knolly Delirium T with a Rohloff Speedhub. I wanted a bike I could ride every day, hard without having to check my bike over, or fiddle with gears/brakes. The gear solution was the Rohloff hub. On a hardtail, you can run a chain as if it were a singlespeed, so ZERO chain slap. On a full sus bike, you need to run a chain tensioner, however you can run this tensioner very tight to almost eliminate chain slap.

What this gives you is a bike that rides so incredibly quietly. No noisy chains, mis shifts or scrambling for traction accross a cassette. A Rohloff always has the right gear for you and lets you descend with prowess giving the illusion that you're floating while everybody else is going "clang, ding, slap".

I used to go months without washing my bike. And went 3,500 miles before replacing my chain and chainring (Roloff sprocket was still fine). And WOW, it looks great. Certainly is a conversation starter on the trail. With a 44t chainring, the 14 gears would spread similar to that of a 27spd drivetrain enabling you to go up and down anything.

What was particularly neat, say you're folling your mate up a steep grade and he fluffs his gears and looses traction. Fear not, you can simply chainge down and carry on pedalling. No need to wait for a chain to move accross and you loose your footing. Shifting without the need to pedal is far more useful than you think.

At c£1k it's allot of money for a a heavy hub, but factor in a Chris King rear hub, XTR shifters, cassette, chain, rear mech, front mech and chainrings and you have yourself a comparable value dream component that will have your bike the envy of desire. The hub does weigh allot though. My Mavic DH rim with straight gauge spokes and a 2.4 ST Maxxis High Roller gave me a 12lb rear wheel! However, dressed smartly, the rear wheel could match the weight of a bike equiped with a conventional SLX drivetrain.

Rohloff Speedhub, if it fits your bike it'll be the best upgrade you could make!

Comment below if you have fitting concerns and I'll get you the answers!