Originally Posted by
Thomas1
HI,
I’m looking to buying a bike with a belt drive (supported by a 500/14 Rohloff internal gear hub). Has anyone got any experience in using it in winter conditions?
I’ve never used this type of drive (a belt or a Rohloff hub), although I did run a chain-driven Shimano Nexus internal gear hub on my commuter in winter and was quite happy with it, and would like to avoid any issues which may pop up in winter. The winter conditions I’m having in mind include: sticky snow, sand, debris, slush, water mixed with salt, ice-dissolving agents or anything that you may possible find on a road, sub-zero temperatures (up to -20 degrees Celsius/32 degrees Fahrenheit) and (black)ice-covered/slippery surfaces. The bike will be also kept in sub-zero temperatures for most of the day albeit in an enclosed space. So far, I’ve read this*, but it’s been a while ever since and I’m wondering if anything has changed in this respect or maybe I should make up my mind towards a Rohloff internal hub driven by a chain?
Hi Thomas,
i have exactly the setup you are inquiring and have ridden my Rohloff/Gates combination for two winter seasons now without any negative effects. Currently the bike has 9000km, all commuting in any weather.
Only the -20C I can't match as the coldest we've seen so far was -11C. And of course the combo made it through without a hitch.
Still sporting the original belt and beltring. The only thing I had to fix were the eggbeaters and swap brake shoes. (yes, I commute on clickies and MTB shoes)
I also have yet to clean my bike (i know, i know a clean bike is a fast bike, bla bla) and yet, no problems.
Very satisfied and happy with my setup and expecting many more years of worry free commutes.
Thomas