Mezzo Rohloff
09-17-12, 02:25 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Mezzo Rohloff
I have a Mezzo 10 speed with shimano 105 and am considering fitting a Rohloff 14 speed hub. Anyone out there who's done this. What practical advantage are there in fitting the Rohloff ....
09-17-12, 04:55 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,690
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5772 Post(s)
Liked 2,569 Times
in
1,422 Posts
This is an expensive conversion, and while there are big fans of IGH here on the forum, I still believe that based on weight and efficiency, derailleur systems are better for sport and touring use. OTOH, having everything is a closed can is great for commuter and utility use, and may also make sense in harsh environments.
Based on my preferences, I consider IGH most practical in 3-5, or maybe 7 speeds, but don't see a need for something like a 14 gear IGH. But that's just me, and everyone needs to decide for themselves.
Before converting, understand that IGH on a modern vertical dropout bike means you'll need a chain tensioning device, which is somewhat counter to the spirit of IGH (my opinion) so I wouldn't convert a vertical dropout derailleur bike. If I wanted to build an IGH bike, I'd start fresh, with a frame more suited, either by virtue of horizontal dropouts, or something like an eccentric BB, or the Paragon moveable dropouts.
Based on my preferences, I consider IGH most practical in 3-5, or maybe 7 speeds, but don't see a need for something like a 14 gear IGH. But that's just me, and everyone needs to decide for themselves.
Before converting, understand that IGH on a modern vertical dropout bike means you'll need a chain tensioning device, which is somewhat counter to the spirit of IGH (my opinion) so I wouldn't convert a vertical dropout derailleur bike. If I wanted to build an IGH bike, I'd start fresh, with a frame more suited, either by virtue of horizontal dropouts, or something like an eccentric BB, or the Paragon moveable dropouts.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 09-17-12 at 05:00 PM.
09-17-12, 05:02 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: England, currently dividing my time between university in Guildford and home just outside Reading
Posts: 1,921
Bikes: Too many to list here!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
Isn't the Mezzo a folding bike? I'd imagine the only specific advantage to your bike would be not having a rear derailleur to stick out and get bent when the bike's folded up on the luggage rack of a train or whatever.
Obviously there's also the reduced maintenance and longer chain life with a singlespeed chain, not to mention the ability to shift gear while stationary, but you'd get that converting any bike to any IGH.
Obviously there's also the reduced maintenance and longer chain life with a singlespeed chain, not to mention the ability to shift gear while stationary, but you'd get that converting any bike to any IGH.
09-17-12, 05:12 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 8,319
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1438 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times
in
723 Posts
I am not familiar with the Mezzo, but it apparently lacks horizontal dropouts to adjust chain tension. This necessitates fitting a chain tensioner (show on the photos of their IGH model) which to my mind nullifies much of the compact "all-sealed" advantage of an IGH.
09-17-12, 07:03 PM
#5
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
First, consider the application. I love Rohloffs, I have two of them, one in a cargo bike, the other in a recumbent. Both are bikes that need the gearing range offered by the Rohloff, and the cargo bike needs something robust, and Rohloff fits the bill.
But my other bikes are fitted with 2, 3,5 and 8 speed gearhubs, and for what I use them for, a Rohloff would be serious overkill.
For regular road riding, on anything but the biggest hills, you might be surprised how well you can do with a 5 speed.
But my other bikes are fitted with 2, 3,5 and 8 speed gearhubs, and for what I use them for, a Rohloff would be serious overkill.
For regular road riding, on anything but the biggest hills, you might be surprised how well you can do with a 5 speed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
anm89
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
13
01-25-10 09:57 PM
