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Old 10-01-10 | 01:05 PM
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John N
Senior Member
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 636
Likes: 170
From: Tulsa, OK

Bikes: Co-Motion Americano Pinion P18; Co-Motion Americano Rohloff; Thorn Nomad MkII, Robert Beckman Skakkit (FOR SALE), Santana Tandem, ICE Adventure FS

Using a front derailleur with a Rohloff

I am currently coming up with the specs I want on a custom expedition touring bike. I am strongly considering a Rohloff. However, I also have a high cadence (105-110) so I really like small steps in gearing.

Is there any reason I can not use a front derailleur with a Rohloff?

I understand this somewhat defeats the purpose of the "no derailleur needed" benefit but the 13% jumps are not fun to me. Of course I would need to use a chain tensioner and the chainstay would be quite long at about 49 cm (over 19") so I would have some room to play with the chain line. The rear dropout would be a Rohloff OEM fitted with a standard rear derailleur hanger.

I would probably use a 32/34 on the front with a 16 tooth on the back. Yes, I know these are really low grears but that is what I use/need/want. Should I spin out on the top gear and I would be going about 26mph which is plenty fast for me on a fully loaded bike. I also understand this would be a "not allowed" low low gear.

Thanks in advance!
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