Rohloff weight comparison

[dbohemian]

We were speaking of the Weight of a Rohloff internally geared hub on another thread and it got me interested exactly what the difference was so I calculated it.

I went to weightweenies.com for the numbers.

I compared hub, cassette, front/rear mech, shifter/brake levers and cranks

1. First example is shimano XT/ultegra with a rear disk option,

2581 grms or 5.69lbs

2. All dura ace, hugi hub, non disk

2243grm or 4.94 lbs

3. Rohloff disk version, lightweight double crank, and cane creek brake levers, includes shifter

2681 grm or 5.91lbs


So just about the same at as a mid level/standard tandem gear setup. A pound heavier than a very light setup without a disk.

Certainly the numbers can be all over the place but it does show that overall the Rohloff is respectable for what it is.

[TandemGeek]

What's the initial acquistion cost comparison look like?

I would assume the recurring cost differences would include:
- cassette replacement vs. the single cog used on the Rohloff at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- a lower cost factor for chainring replacements (3 vs 2) at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- Rohloff oil changes at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- derailleur index / idler wheel replacement at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- drive chain, derailleur cable, etc.. would be a wash?

[stormchaser]

I have been enamored with this hub for quite some time. I even thought one could use it on a tandem and multiple other bikes. For example I would like to have a tadpole recumbent trike with 26" rear wheel for touring, same wheel could be used for that, a tandem, and a MTB. Just put right length chain, shifter, and disk brakes on all.

That could offset the cost but of course it's cheaper to buy a bike than build one so probably a wash unless you bought said bikes and parted out the drivetrain items.

I'm pretty sure I would love the Rohloff due to no more derailing of the chain like I am dealing with on my tandem right now. That, as well as stronger wheel, no double shifting, etc.

[dbohemian]

What's the initial acquistion cost comparison look like?

I would assume the recurring cost differences would include:
- cassette replacement vs. the single cog used on the Rohloff at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- a lower cost factor for chainring replacements (3 vs 2) at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- Rohloff oil changes at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- derailleur index / idler wheel replacement at intervals of ~X,XXX miles
- drive chain, derailleur cable, etc.. would be a wash?

Similar in initial costs if we are comparing high end items.

I googled for current pricing on items for Dura-ace, quickly found good prices and added up the general costs for all items that the Rohloff hub replaces.

It came out at 1096.00 All Dura-ace with a Hugi hub.

the Rohloff is typically about 1000.00

So depending on current pricing, it is about the same, maybe even a touch less than some more of the exotic setups one could come up with (Chris king hub).

As far as long term costs, the Rohloff hub is significantly less.

1. The cog is steel, tall tooth profile and reversable. It costs a retail of 30 dollars. I have yet to sell another replacement in 10 years. I can only guess how long this item could last.
2. Chainring wear. If you get an appropriate single speed chainring, one that has a tall tooth profile and since no shifting occurs and the chainling is always straight, they tend to last a lot longer.
3. Rohloff oil. 5-10k mile service interval $5.00 cost of product
4. Drive chain is just a simple, cheap single speed chain, no cross chaining, perfectly straight chainline increases service life and is much stronger. 15 dollars, vs expensive DA chain. Cables are the same.

I don't know how to compare it to standard systems. I can guess.

1. Cassettes need replacement every 7500mi?
2. D/A chains every 2-3k miles. 1/3 life of Single speed chain
3. Chainrings, half the life minimum
4. Lever shift bodies, rebuild or replace every 30k, maybe more
5. General shifting adjustment and maintainance that Rohloff doesn't need. Priceless:D

Dave