When you first posted this video, David, I was considering the Rohloff Speedhub for my HP Velotechnik Scorpion Plus FS 26 with the Shimano Steps E8000 e-assist and didn't comment. Well, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my Ruhloff on Friday. It will take until mid-January, 2022, until my Speedhub arrives at my dealer's shop. I'm so glad I chose an Ruhloff Speedhub for the low maintenance. Thanks for the review. It was a great help in my decision making. Keep on Triking!
You covered all the bases David though I would add that those of us who ride in dusty, salty, sandy environments, the totally encased gears are a dream come true and completely overwhelms the cons you mentioned. Yes, even the cost if I could be so bold. Great job.
Thanks for your review... I'm going to be adding the Rohloff to the build sheet for my soon to come Catrike Dumont. I'm getting back into cycling, in large part, for therapy for Parkinson's.
Hi Dave and thanks for tuning in! I've heard a lot of good anecdotal things about cycling and Parkinson's. Hopefully, this will help. I'd be quite surprised if you don't come to love the Rohloff. It's one of those things where after you get used to it and then ever have to ride with a derailleur for some reason, you'll wonder why everyone doesn't have a Rohloff.
David, I had to get rid of my original rear tire on my Catrike Dumont because it was like a slick and I got off into the grass and couldn't go anywhere but spin. I got a more aggressive tire glad I did.
Thanks Sylvia! Yes, between the Rohloff and the e-assist every time I ride I get so excited that this trike I'm riding is mine because it is just so much fun and so smooth and reliable!
I’ve got 2,000 miles on my Rohloff and couldn’t be happier. The oil change is simple, the gear spacing is perfect, and Rohloff hubs and simply sturdy and reliable.
Thanks David for the video. I was looking at the rolhoff a few weeks ago when I was waiting for my Sprint Tour X to arrive. Since I purchased it preowned, I didn't know exactly what I getting, but since it has a 500W rear hub e-assist with half-twist throttle, I quickly realized that would mean a new mid-drive system in addition to the rolhoff if I went that direction. Additionally, when I was weighing against the pro's I realized that if I did forget to put the trike in an easier gear that I could always use the throttle to take off and catch up to the gear that I had stopped in or downshift to meet it. I am still quite intrigued by the rolhoff, but will have to be happy with what I have for now.
Hi Troy. Yes, you can definitely do that. Personally, I like shifting a lot depending on the terrain, surface and just how hard I feel like working and shifting allows me more options.
Nice David thank you:-) I have the rolhoff hub too. I did have the 3 sprockets up front and hated it. I was pretty much stuck using the middle sprocket exclusively mostly because the larger sprocket made the chain too tight and the smallest sprocket made the chain too loose so IMO the rolhoff hub system doesn’t work well with the 3 sprockets up front. I had two options which was a single sprocket with an overdrive gear or the pinion drive and I went with the Pinion 6 speed up front.
Hi Bill, Thanks so much for watching! I hadn’t heard about ICE temporarily stopping new orders. That is shocking but given the long wait times for both them and us as customers, it’s understandable. Personally the Sprint was the most comfortable trike I test rode and I rode many trikes. Like you, I also did a lot of research and knew ICE produced very high quality trikes so that combined with the comfort made it an easy decision for me. I agree completely with you comments on e-assist and technology. Let’s face it, there are always going to be opposed to change. At times, I’ve been among them. My new video which premieres tonight at 10 PM CDT is about my initial impressions on the Rohloff so you might find that interesting. Spoiler alert - I LOVE it!
@@brucewilkin391 Cannot recall sources, Videos were not offered from Rohloff. Other than Rohloff videos show BOTH bar-end levers, and I think side-moving brake SHIFT levers that shift gears. With two pull/pull cables....., a rider is best/most likely to possibly make alternative shifting. "Pull/pull" is easiest to work out if desiring a different system. Researching Rohloff videos, (own 2 Rohloffs here), I stumbled across the mentioned videos. Would not be surprised if more videos exist. but too handicapped here now to experiment much. If videos are found (RUclips from memory), Bruce, please post them for other recumbent riders to see. Would LOVE to see a Rohloff grip shifter that indicates selected gear on a pivotable display on a typically near vertical recumbent grip! Would love to see both Rohloff bar-end shifters and side-lever shifters offered. I think they plan to eventually offer same, but long term away. Bruce, look on Ebay for bar-end shifters and side-to-side lever shifters, if not already owning same. From memory, the videos very well worth watching! Rohloff does has excellent, detailed video/s on replacing/making/adjusting shifting cables for their gearbox hub, etc. Gary AKA: "Jason Stillwater"
Thanks for the educational video. I didn't know that you can only get grip shifters with the Rohloff hub. In fact I knew very little other than many people enjoy using it. Other than the expense it sounds like a no brainer add on.
I really enjoyed your video on the Rolhof hub, I especially like the ease of changing gears while fully stopped!! I would have assumed you wouldn’t have as big of gear range as the normal gear setup. If I could afford it I’d have it set up on my trike!!
I was surprised to hear that you have to send the hub back to Rohloff for repairs. But I guess that having to do so must be rare because there are those who travel worldwide and rely on the Rohloff for long distance tours. Thanks, David! Happy riding!!
I have been interested in a Rohloff possibly on my next trike. I have a Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub on my Terra Trike which is pretty nice once I learned that if I try to force a gear change, I will be changing the cable soon after. It is very nice to be able to easily change gears at a stop, but it has taken awhile to learn to stop pedaling before I change gears in motion. Especially after I put on a mid drive motor. I really like that the chain doesn't have to switch between gearing sizes with the internal gears
Hi Ken and thanks for watching. The more I ride with it, the more I like the internal gearing system. It seems like a more logical solution than a derailleur. The stopping or easing off the pedaling wasn't much of a problem for me because it was basically what I did when I had a derailleur.
Thanks for the review David. I think all the pros add up to one main thing: peace of mind. The Rohloff just seems to eliminate all the things I don’t want to worry about. The weight gain is minimal compared to the benefits. The cost…….well I think it depends on how much your going to use the trike. I have friends who spent $25,000 on a bass boat they use 20 weekends a year. Again I’m just waiting for ICE to reopen their orders. Problem is I have to get two of them, one for me and one for my wife………….ouch!
@@DavidRidesaTrike I have only been watching my email waiting for the dealer I was working with to contact me. I also check the ICE site to see if the configuration is back online which it is not. If you have better info please let me know! Best.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts David! I've just completed a 5-week, 814 mile tour on my ICE Sprint and have come away with a few thoughts: 1. Trikes are not as convenient as diamond framed/upright bikes. We cannot easily ride on single-track lanes. We also have to get off to navigate around gates/speed-control devices. 2. Visibility is better on an upright bike - I think this will annoy some recumbent riders but being up higher gives you better views. We have lots of tall hedges by the sides of our roads and I missed what was over them. 3. After getting back I put some miles on my wife's upright hybrid bicycle and it's really uncomfortable! My hands are numb and tingling within 30 minutes of riding and my butt hurts! My trike is supremely more comfortable. 4. I also have the Shimano Steps pedal assist but it's the UK version that's limited to 250 Watts (top speed of 15.5 MPH). I found that I struggled to find the right gear a lot. I also lost traction when the roads were wet and the hills steep. 5. The rear derailleur is low to the ground and got debris caught in it. So, the bottom line is: Do I get an upright and feel uncomfortable or do I find ways of improving my trike? I think the Rohloff would help with points 4 & 5. Also looking into getting a different size crank, arms...
Hi Nigel and thanks for watching. I agree with you on all points. Well, except the limitation of the e-assist as in the US my E8000 does go up to 20 mph (`32 kph) so that's not an issue. If I was in your position, I'd try to find ways to stay with the trike. Why put yourself into pain? After many years riding a DF bike and now 9 years riding a trike, the overall experience of the trike for me at least, is vastly better. I can't guarantee that the Rohloff will solve your gearing problem, but with the geas being evenly spaced and shift in a linear fashion, I think it could help.
This hub is a True work of mechanical artistry. The compact nature of the planetary gear system is perfectly designed along with the robust mechanical linkages that lock/unlock the sun gears. The 3rd gearset is used for range change (hi/lo) while the front two are for ratios (7 gear ratios). The first 7 speeds use the reduction aspect of the 3rd gearset while the final 7 speeds use the direct drive aspect. Very nice hub indeed!
Hello David.. I also ride a recumbent trike but not with a Rohloff..However, added the Bosch Active Line Plus 350W motor and kept the Sram 10 spd rear derailleur and cassette.. I enjoyed your video describing the Rohloff 14 spd hub with all the pros and cons.. Being from the old school it would take some serious convincing to convert to a Rohloff..I like doing my own maintenance and changing and replacing parts when and if needed..What was missing from your video was how the Rohloff shifts when climbing steep grades..If you could focus on how it feels like on the legs and how it affects cadence..
Hi Frank. Thanks for watching! I can't give an opinion regarding hills, steep or otherwise because there are none where I live. My best guess would be that down shifting on the Rohloff on a climb would be similar to what it's like with a derailleur system. Ease off the pedals momentarily, shift and continue pedaling. The one difference I can see is that with the Rohloff you can shift multiple gears at once.
Another excellent video David. I would love to have a Rohloff Speedhub but I would lose my scalp (compliments of my wife) if I spent the money involved.
Thanks again for another informative video. Even though the IGH is expensive, my problem is not with making the payment but with deciding whether or not I really need it. I have discovered that on my rides I rarely shift. If I come to a hill, I can boost the e-assist to TURBO mode and zoom over the top with no downshifting needed. But...I will probably get one 'cause it seems like fun. BTW - Is the added weight a negetive?
Hi Bruce. I still do a lot of shifting even with the e-assist and my first instinct is always to shift. However you are right. You can accomplish the same thing by changing the assist setting.
Don’t you strain the motor by not shifting to lower gears? I never rode an ebike and I’m researching them, on my mountain bike I do like to “Man through it” and stay in high gears on a hill…but from what I have been reading, an ebike motor doesn’t like that, and that’s a good way to shorten its life and/or the life of your gears (although I have no clue how that would effect rohloff gears). But I know very little about this so set me straight if I’m wrong 😊
@@joebuck4496 My sense is the motor and drive train are not straining too much but I have no science to back me up. So far the trike is doing fine and I am a big guy but have small hills to conquer.
Nice video David expanding on of many great options for trikers. I kind of prefer my 3x10 I have on my Catrikes and don’t experience any difficulty or inconvenience in shifting. The added expense is significant when put on top of the high cost of high quality trikes. Put the Rohloff on an expensive trike and add in an e assist and you have a very expensive, very heavy unit. I guess I am old school. Give me a sports car with a five or six speed, not an automatic!!
Hi Mark, thanks! One of the things I didn't mention in my video that also influenced my decision was that there's no derailleur cage hanging down. Where I ride there are occasionally big ruts in the trail and if you hit them the wrong way you can hit the derailleur cage. I know one trike rider who unfortunately had this happen on his first ride with his new trike. And with the way things are right now, getting parts takes forever and then some.
@@DavidRidesaTrike absolutely correct! Over my years of trike riding I have destroyed two derailleur cages picking up twigs it similar debris .try finding a derailleur anywhere in the world! They don’t exist. I found one a few months ago on eBay in Australia and bought it and when I documented it to Catrike they went ahead and built my new 700. Parts just don’t exist anywhere.
Great review as always David. Was the Enviolo hub available when you were ordering your bike? Seems like an interesting option and I believe it is about half the price. Never needs oil changed either. I’m asking because I did test ride an Ice trike with the Enviolo AutomatiQ hub. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi again and thanks! No, the Enviolo was introduced by ICE about a week after I got my new trike. It does look interesting but I'm not sure I'd like "an automatic transmission" on the trike. When I was driving I usually opted for a manual transmission because for me, it enhanced the driving experience.
@@DavidRidesaTrike I definitely agree on the manual shifting. Don’t know what it is about shifting but I’d rather do it. Enviolo also has manual shifting. What about changing a flat rear tire? Do you think it’ll take a lot of extra time?
According to Wikipedia: "Rohloff hubs generally require a break-in period to function optimally. The manufacturer suggests this may require 500-1000 miles of active riding. For some riders the break-in period may be longer. Until the hub is broken in the rider may experience some noise or vibrations when the reduction-gear is in operation (gears 1-7)."
I ALWAYS limit my riding to less than 20mph (8-12mph typically w/Shimano STEPS). NO "active" riding for this handicapped rider. My 400-pound linebacker size will "break-in" a Rohloff by just casually riding same. LOVE my Rohloffs! Gary AKA: "Jason Stillwater"
Rohloff adds a weight penalty of 2.5-3 lbs; an issue on a 35-45 lb trike; but a great choice on an e-trike. For non motorized, I find climbing on a heavier bike or trike harder. No problems with beefy IGH (Rohloff, pinion, Schlumpf) on flat to rolling profiles.
Ever since I heard of the roloffs I've become very interested it,. I want to convert my old Aluminum Bike,. the only thing is I'll have to put in a belt splitter on the frame. My next thought is I had a car accident and Swinging my leg up over the frame isn't going to be something I don't want to do forever so my next frame is going to be what everybody calls a girl's bike and it may not make sense to a lot of people but it'll get me out there and riding the bike and I'm definitely thinking of belt drive.
It doesn't matter what others think. If you're out riding an having a good time that's all that matters. And the belt drive seems like a great option. Not viable yet for trikes because it would have to be so long.
I have been a big proponent of Internal Gear Hubs mainly because I think derailleur systems are archaic. I had looked at Rohloff before choosing my Alfine 11 speed at 1/3 the cost & it has almost as good a gear spread as the Rohlly with a 20 inch drive wheel. 14.8 to 108 Gear Inches, compared to the absolute best spread on the Rohlly although it is out of recommended spec: 12 - 109.6 Gear Inches. I rationalized in my mind if I only got 5 years out of the Alfine I could replace it & still be hundreds of dollars ahead & quite possibly get the latest model if they had any product improvements. Fortunately, it has been well over 5 years & the Alfine is as good as the day I got it. This brings me to a Pro you could consider for other IGH's but maybe not for a Rohloff. Should you develop a problem with the internals of your hub, it is simply a case of installing a new internal hub assembly in your wheel & hub shell at a cost of $350. I don't think you could do that on a Rohloff.
No, you definitely couldn't do that with a Rohloff. I'm sure the Alfine is great but as I mentioned previously, knowing a couple people who have had problems with them, including one that was only a week old scared me a bit.
@@DavidRidesaTrike The only problems I know about were the very early production models. It definitely isn't for grinding up Mountain Trails as that's not what it was designed for. Any problems seem to be from user error or not using the hub as it was intended. Shimano makes great products & I very much doubt they would risk that reputation by making a second rate product. So far the 3 Alfine hubs I have installed with Power Assists have never come back. - NEVER. Try that with a derailleur set up. haha
@@daytriker The one guy I directly know who had a problem had it just stop working completely within the first week he got it. Probably just a defective one. It does happen with any product. I used to work for a company that sold very high end stereo equipment. Amps and preamps for $20K and more, speaker cable for $10K for a six foot set, etc. Believe me, anything can fail and it's not necessarily user error. I'm not saying Shimano made a second rate product. I am and always have been a fan of Shimano products. I have a Shimano e-assist system. But no matter how good the engineering is there will always be a certain number of the products that fail. No product has ever been produced where a certain number of them haven't failed. And I agree. No more derailleurs for me.
When my SRAM DualDrive2 hub crapped out after 14 years, I knew I had a tough choice to make - either a Rohloff, a Shimano Alfine 11 or a derailleur. My brain said, “Get the Rohloff!”, my wallet said, “Get the Alfine!” I listened to my wallet, and the Alfine lasted FIVE FREAKING WEEKS! It was under warranty, or so I told myself, completely disregarding the fact that it took MONTHS to get all the Alfine parts from Shimano! To keep riding, I ordered a $50 wheel/Capreo hub from Utah trikes, which IS ABOUT AS INEXPENSIVE A COMBO AS YOU CAN FIND, and it is still going strong!!! I have NO IDEA when, if ever, I will see that Alfine hub and wheel again! So, I’m ordering the Rohloff! I guess I will go through life having 2 backups - kinda like the Bears and their quarterback situation!
When did you send it in?? And this proves once again that in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for. And the Bears need more than two backup QBs. They need new owners who truly want a winning team.
Wow! That's scary! I definitely consider myself fortunate that I found a two year old Catrike 559 for only $1000. Rode it for three weeks and sold it for $2,300. Then I lucked out and found a one year old ICE Sprint X Tour with a 48v/500w rear hub e-assist with in tact 10-speed rear cassette that was two months old with two batteries, Garmin Edge 830, Ergo Mesh and Ergo Luxe seats, side panniers, catseye sync front/rear lights, a satiator charger, original rear wheel with 10-speed cassette, and a 36v/350w hub/wheel/tire/cassette with 36v battery and controller for $5000. I really wanted the suspension but for an ICE, HP, or Azub I was looking at $10k or more!
Some would be better served adding Rohloff to an already owned bike/trike. Price cargo E-bikes to see just how expensive offerings are. Rohloff hub can be more important than rest of the entire bike/trike to many!
I don't like the twist shift. Period. The plastic piece inside it can wear down from repetitive shifting over time. The bar-end shifting levers are much truer and reliable in the long run. I'm the type of person who likes to be able to visually see what may be malfunctioning or needs to be fixed. Most everyone likes driving a automatic transmission. I don't, for many reasons. They are much more expensive, more things can go wrong with a automatic transmission than a Standard transmission. And a standard transmission keeps me on my toes so to speak. The same is true with a standard cog derailleur system. WAY EASIER to fix and repair. Way easier to get parts for. WAY CHEAPER! I'm very mechanically inclined, so I like the old standard. ROLOF no thanks.
I was never crazy about twist shift either. I always went with bar end shifters and I think now the Rohloff is available with bar end shifters. As far as reliability and repairs go, being legally blind means I can't do most repairs. Even simpler ones. One of the reasons I got the Rohloff is because of it's reliability. Yes, if they do break it's a pain to get it fixed as it has to be sent in to them. However, breakdowns with it are extremely rare whereas derailleurs are constantly in need of repair or adjusting. And with today's supply chain issues, getting derailleur parts usually means a long wait.
@@DavidRidesaTrike Probably even a longer wait time for ROLOF parts too. I understand your situation. I just prefer the cheaper price and simple method of chain and cog/derailleur setup. It may not be a Rolls-Royce in technology, but a Chevy is cheaper and a lot easier to repair; for myself.
When you first posted this video, David, I was considering the Rohloff Speedhub for my HP Velotechnik Scorpion Plus FS 26 with the Shimano Steps E8000 e-assist and didn't comment. Well, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my Ruhloff on Friday. It will take until mid-January, 2022, until my Speedhub arrives at my dealer's shop. I'm so glad I chose an Ruhloff Speedhub for the low maintenance. Thanks for the review. It was a great help in my decision making. Keep on Triking!
Congratulations! Yes, even though you won't get it for a while. And I'm happy to help you part with a large chunk of money! 😂
🤣
You covered all the bases David though I would add that those of us who ride in dusty, salty, sandy environments, the totally encased gears are a dream come true and completely overwhelms the cons you mentioned. Yes, even the cost if I could be so bold. Great job.
Thanks Bob. Yes, that's a very good point. I suppose it's part of the maintenance free aspect.
I know David has passed away but this rider assesment of the Roholoff Speedhub is a great blessing to me in helping me decide my future upgrades.
Another great video, David! I watched on a 55" hi-def television and I STILL couldn't see any peanut butter or jelly stains! :)
I cleverly hid it within a fold in my shirt! 😉
Thanks for your review... I'm going to be adding the Rohloff to the build sheet for my soon to come Catrike Dumont. I'm getting back into cycling, in large part, for therapy for Parkinson's.
Hi Dave and thanks for tuning in! I've heard a lot of good anecdotal things about cycling and Parkinson's. Hopefully, this will help. I'd be quite surprised if you don't come to love the Rohloff. It's one of those things where after you get used to it and then ever have to ride with a derailleur for some reason, you'll wonder why everyone doesn't have a Rohloff.
David, I had to get rid of my original rear tire on my Catrike Dumont because it was like a slick and I got off into the grass and couldn't go anywhere but spin. I got a more aggressive tire glad I did.
I've never been a fan of slick tires. Glad you're happy with the switch.
Yes, the Rohloff is amazing and well worth the investment. I use it with just one chainring and love the simplicity. Take care, David!
Thanks Sylvia! Yes, between the Rohloff and the e-assist every time I ride I get so excited that this trike I'm riding is mine because it is just so much fun and so smooth and reliable!
I’ve got 2,000 miles on my Rohloff and couldn’t be happier. The oil change is simple, the gear spacing is perfect, and Rohloff hubs and simply sturdy and reliable.
Hi PedalPushih, Yeah, I know the oil change is easy but with my vision I'd end up with oil all over the garage floor. 😉
Thanks David for sharing the info about the Speedhub. Sounds like a good additions to the trike. Keep those wheels rolling.
You bet! And thanks!
Thanks David for the video. I was looking at the rolhoff a few weeks ago when I was waiting for my Sprint Tour X to arrive. Since I purchased it preowned, I didn't know exactly what I getting, but since it has a 500W rear hub e-assist with half-twist throttle, I quickly realized that would mean a new mid-drive system in addition to the rolhoff if I went that direction. Additionally, when I was weighing against the pro's I realized that if I did forget to put the trike in an easier gear that I could always use the throttle to take off and catch up to the gear that I had stopped in or downshift to meet it. I am still quite intrigued by the rolhoff, but will have to be happy with what I have for now.
Hi Troy. Yes, you can definitely do that. Personally, I like shifting a lot depending on the terrain, surface and just how hard I feel like working and shifting allows me more options.
Nice David thank you:-) I have the rolhoff hub too. I did have the 3 sprockets up front and hated it. I was pretty much stuck using the middle sprocket exclusively mostly because the larger sprocket made the chain too tight and the smallest sprocket made the chain too loose so IMO the rolhoff hub system doesn’t work well with the 3 sprockets up front. I had two options which was a single sprocket with an overdrive gear or the pinion drive and I went with the Pinion 6 speed up front.
Hi Bill,
Thanks so much for watching! I hadn’t heard about ICE temporarily stopping new orders. That is shocking but given the long wait times for both them and us as customers, it’s understandable.
Personally the Sprint was the most comfortable trike I test rode and I rode many trikes. Like you, I also did a lot of research and knew ICE produced very high quality trikes so that combined with the comfort made it an easy decision for me.
I agree completely with you comments on e-assist and technology. Let’s face it, there are always going to be opposed to change. At times, I’ve been among them.
My new video which premieres tonight at 10 PM CDT is about my initial impressions on the Rohloff so you might find that interesting.
Spoiler alert - I LOVE it!
Spring-loaded, idler-pulley arm would allow 3-chainring front derailleur use with Rohloff.
@@garyseckel295 where can someone get one of those?
@@brucewilkin391
Cannot recall sources, Videos were not offered from Rohloff.
Other than Rohloff videos show BOTH bar-end levers, and I think side-moving brake SHIFT levers that shift gears.
With two pull/pull cables....., a rider is best/most likely to possibly make alternative shifting.
"Pull/pull" is easiest to work out if desiring a different system.
Researching Rohloff videos, (own 2 Rohloffs here), I stumbled across the mentioned videos.
Would not be surprised if more videos exist. but too handicapped here now to experiment much.
If videos are found (RUclips from memory), Bruce, please post them for other recumbent riders to see.
Would LOVE to see a Rohloff grip shifter that indicates selected gear on a pivotable display on a typically near vertical recumbent grip!
Would love to see both Rohloff bar-end shifters and side-lever shifters offered.
I think they plan to eventually offer same, but long term away.
Bruce, look on Ebay for bar-end shifters and side-to-side lever shifters, if not already owning same.
From memory, the videos very well worth watching!
Rohloff does has excellent, detailed video/s on replacing/making/adjusting shifting cables for their gearbox hub, etc.
Gary
AKA: "Jason Stillwater"
Thanks for the educational video. I didn't know that you can only get grip shifters with the Rohloff hub. In fact I knew very little other than many people enjoy using it. Other than the expense it sounds like a no brainer add on.
I think now it's offered with electric shifters. Of course, that's more money.
@@DavidRidesaTrike it's only money!!😅😅
@@debbieschwartz3132 Exactly!
@@DavidRidesaTrike cha ching!
Search Rohloff videos. At least two examples of R/L handlebar lever shifters exist. One side up shifts, other side down shifts.
I really enjoyed your video on the Rolhof hub, I especially like the ease of changing gears while fully stopped!! I would have assumed you wouldn’t have as big of gear range as the normal gear setup. If I could afford it I’d have it set up on my trike!!
Hi Steve and thanks! It really is nice. One of these days we'll get back out for a ride.
Shifting while stationary is HUGE!
@@DavidRidesaTrike Sounds good! 👍
I was surprised to hear that you have to send the hub back to Rohloff for repairs. But I guess that having to do so must be rare because there are those who travel worldwide and rely on the Rohloff for long distance tours.
Thanks, David! Happy riding!!
Yes, and it is a pretty complex device. I would imagine a lot of specialized tools and rigs are needed to work on it.
Rohloff is the most rugged gearing in all of cycling. Used very harshly by off road cyclists and proven by professional tourists!
@@garyseckel295 That was part of what sold me.
Having just ordered an HPVelotechnik trike with a Rohloff hub and e assist, I am greatly reassured by your pros and cons.
Hi Adam and good! I would be shocked if you're disappointed with your purchase.
Same for me - Scorpion, Rohloff and Bafang e-assist
I have been interested in a Rohloff possibly on my next trike. I have a Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub on my Terra Trike which is pretty nice once I learned that if I try to force a gear change, I will be changing the cable soon after. It is very nice to be able to easily change gears at a stop, but it has taken awhile to learn to stop pedaling before I change gears in motion. Especially after I put on a mid drive motor.
I really like that the chain doesn't have to switch between gearing sizes with the internal gears
Hi Ken and thanks for watching. The more I ride with it, the more I like the internal gearing system. It seems like a more logical solution than a derailleur. The stopping or easing off the pedaling wasn't much of a problem for me because it was basically what I did when I had a derailleur.
Thanks for the review David. I think all the pros add up to one main thing: peace of mind. The Rohloff just seems to eliminate all the things I don’t want to worry about. The weight gain is minimal compared to the benefits. The cost…….well I think it depends on how much your going to use the trike. I have friends who spent $25,000 on a bass boat they use 20 weekends a year. Again I’m just waiting for ICE to reopen their orders. Problem is I have to get two of them, one for me and one for my wife………….ouch!
Bill, I agree with you on all points. Just curious. Have you checked with an ICE dealer to see if you can order your trike(s)?
@@DavidRidesaTrike I have only been watching my email waiting for the dealer I was working with to contact me. I also check the ICE site to see if the configuration is back online which it is not. If you have better info please let me know!
Best.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts David! I've just completed a 5-week, 814 mile tour on my ICE Sprint and have come away with a few thoughts:
1. Trikes are not as convenient as diamond framed/upright bikes. We cannot easily ride on single-track lanes. We also have to get off to navigate around gates/speed-control devices.
2. Visibility is better on an upright bike - I think this will annoy some recumbent riders but being up higher gives you better views. We have lots of tall hedges by the sides of our roads and I missed what was over them.
3. After getting back I put some miles on my wife's upright hybrid bicycle and it's really uncomfortable! My hands are numb and tingling within 30 minutes of riding and my butt hurts! My trike is supremely more comfortable.
4. I also have the Shimano Steps pedal assist but it's the UK version that's limited to 250 Watts (top speed of 15.5 MPH). I found that I struggled to find the right gear a lot. I also lost traction when the roads were wet and the hills steep.
5. The rear derailleur is low to the ground and got debris caught in it.
So, the bottom line is: Do I get an upright and feel uncomfortable or do I find ways of improving my trike? I think the Rohloff would help with points 4 & 5. Also looking into getting a different size crank, arms...
Hi Nigel and thanks for watching. I agree with you on all points. Well, except the limitation of the e-assist as in the US my E8000 does go up to 20 mph (`32 kph) so that's not an issue. If I was in your position, I'd try to find ways to stay with the trike. Why put yourself into pain? After many years riding a DF bike and now 9 years riding a trike, the overall experience of the trike for me at least, is vastly better. I can't guarantee that the Rohloff will solve your gearing problem, but with the geas being evenly spaced and shift in a linear fashion, I think it could help.
This hub is a True work of mechanical artistry. The compact nature of the planetary gear system is perfectly designed along with the robust mechanical linkages that lock/unlock the sun gears. The 3rd gearset is used for range change (hi/lo) while the front two are for ratios (7 gear ratios). The first 7 speeds use the reduction aspect of the 3rd gearset while the final 7 speeds use the direct drive aspect. Very nice hub indeed!
I tell people that every time I shift, I smile. I think that's a great endorsement for this amazing piece of mechanical engineering.
Hello David..
I also ride a recumbent trike but not with a Rohloff..However, added the Bosch Active Line Plus 350W motor and kept the Sram 10 spd rear derailleur and cassette.. I enjoyed your video describing the Rohloff 14 spd hub with all the pros and cons.. Being from the old school it would take some serious convincing to convert to a Rohloff..I like doing my own maintenance and changing and replacing parts when and if needed..What was missing from your video was how the Rohloff shifts when climbing steep grades..If you could focus on how it feels like on the legs and how it affects cadence..
Hi Frank. Thanks for watching! I can't give an opinion regarding hills, steep or otherwise because there are none where I live. My best guess would be that down shifting on the Rohloff on a climb would be similar to what it's like with a derailleur system. Ease off the pedals momentarily, shift and continue pedaling. The one difference I can see is that with the Rohloff you can shift multiple gears at once.
Miss your Greatful dead flag David. Nice bike David. Ride on!
Hi Ken. I miss it too! Trying to get another one though.
Thanks for sharing your positivity!
Thanks Mindy! I hope all is well with you and Paul!
Another excellent video David. I would love to have a Rohloff Speedhub but I would lose my scalp (compliments of my wife) if I spent the money involved.
lol, I totally get that Steve! You have to find a way to describe it as a way to enhance your marriage. That shouldn't be too difficult. 😉
My best to you Sir and my most sincere compliments.
Excellent video and overview.
Thank You
Thank you kindly!
Thanks again for another informative video. Even though the IGH is expensive, my problem is not with making the payment but with deciding whether or not I really need it. I have discovered that on my rides I rarely shift. If I come to a hill, I can boost the e-assist to TURBO mode and zoom over the top with no downshifting needed. But...I will probably get one 'cause it seems like fun.
BTW - Is the added weight a negetive?
Hi Bruce. I still do a lot of shifting even with the e-assist and my first instinct is always to shift. However you are right. You can accomplish the same thing by changing the assist setting.
Don’t you strain the motor by not shifting to lower gears? I never rode an ebike and I’m researching them, on my mountain bike I do like to “Man through it” and stay in high gears on a hill…but from what I have been reading, an ebike motor doesn’t like that, and that’s a good way to shorten its life and/or the life of your gears (although I have no clue how that would effect rohloff gears). But I know very little about this so set me straight if I’m wrong 😊
@@joebuck4496 My sense is the motor and drive train are not straining too much but I have no science to back me up. So far the trike is doing fine and I am a big guy but have small hills to conquer.
Excellent and informative vid..
A speedhub is in my future for sure
Thanks. And the Speedhub definitely exceeded my expectations.
Nice video David expanding on of many great options for trikers. I kind of prefer my 3x10 I have on my Catrikes and don’t experience any difficulty or inconvenience in shifting. The added expense is significant when put on top of the high cost of high quality trikes. Put the Rohloff on an expensive trike and add in an e assist and you have a very expensive, very heavy unit. I guess I am old school. Give me a sports car with a five or six speed, not an automatic!!
Hi Mark, thanks! One of the things I didn't mention in my video that also influenced my decision was that there's no derailleur cage hanging down. Where I ride there are occasionally big ruts in the trail and if you hit them the wrong way you can hit the derailleur cage. I know one trike rider who unfortunately had this happen on his first ride with his new trike. And with the way things are right now, getting parts takes forever and then some.
@@DavidRidesaTrike absolutely correct! Over my years of trike riding I have destroyed two derailleur cages picking up twigs it similar debris .try finding a derailleur anywhere in the world! They don’t exist. I found one a few months ago on eBay in Australia and bought it and when I documented it to Catrike they went ahead and built my new 700. Parts just don’t exist anywhere.
@@markfeldman6509 I remember that! I was shocked when you said you found one.
The rohloff is now also available with normal shifters as well
I've seen that. Good to know. Thanks!
I'd love a Roloff hub for my tourer but the price to import it to Thailand is eye watering. I'll have to stick to derailleurs.
Yep, when it comes to bikes and trikes, anything really good is never cheap.
Great review as always David. Was the Enviolo hub available when you were ordering your bike? Seems like an interesting option and I believe it is about half the price. Never needs oil changed either. I’m asking because I did test ride an Ice trike with the Enviolo AutomatiQ hub. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi again and thanks! No, the Enviolo was introduced by ICE about a week after I got my new trike. It does look interesting but I'm not sure I'd like "an automatic transmission" on the trike. When I was driving I usually opted for a manual transmission because for me, it enhanced the driving experience.
@@DavidRidesaTrike I definitely agree on the manual shifting. Don’t know what it is about shifting but I’d rather do it. Enviolo also has manual shifting. What about changing a flat rear tire? Do you think it’ll take a lot of extra time?
@@kmccarr Fortunately I haven't had to change a rear flat but a couple people have told me it is more complicated. Another con I had forgotten about!
Enviolo hubs are also used on E cargo bikes too.
Great for getting Wife riding too.
I have a Rohloff on my trike; I like it so much I want to put one on my bike.
It's definitely one of those things where once you have it, you can't imagine not having it.
I want to put one on my trike too.
It really is one of those things that makes riding a pleasure.
According to Wikipedia: "Rohloff hubs generally require a break-in period to function optimally. The manufacturer suggests this may require 500-1000 miles of active riding. For some riders the break-in period may be longer. Until the hub is broken in the rider may experience some noise or vibrations when the reduction-gear is in operation (gears 1-7)."
Thanks Don, that's interesting. I hadn't heard or seen that before but I'l definitely check out the Wikipedia page.
I ALWAYS limit my riding to less than 20mph (8-12mph typically w/Shimano STEPS).
NO "active" riding for this handicapped rider.
My 400-pound linebacker size will "break-in" a Rohloff by just casually riding same.
LOVE my Rohloffs!
Gary
AKA: "Jason Stillwater"
@@garyseckel295 yep, we all ride in the way that suits us and that's how it should be.
Rohloff adds a weight penalty of 2.5-3 lbs; an issue on a 35-45 lb trike; but a great choice on an e-trike. For non motorized, I find climbing on a heavier bike or trike harder. No problems with beefy IGH (Rohloff, pinion, Schlumpf) on flat to rolling profiles.
Thank you for the information
Can a Rohloff be used on a totally manual ICE trike?
Great review. 👍🏾
Thanks, it's a great product!
Ever since I heard of the roloffs I've become very interested it,. I want to convert my old Aluminum Bike,. the only thing is I'll have to put in a belt splitter on the frame. My next thought is I had a car accident and Swinging my leg up over the frame isn't going to be something I don't want to do forever so my next frame is going to be what everybody calls a girl's bike and it may not make sense to a lot of people but it'll get me out there and riding the bike and I'm definitely thinking of belt drive.
It doesn't matter what others think. If you're out riding an having a good time that's all that matters. And the belt drive seems like a great option. Not viable yet for trikes because it would have to be so long.
Thanks Dave….
I like my rohloff hub , i would have them on all my bikes except for the cost.
I have been a big proponent of Internal Gear Hubs mainly because I think derailleur systems are archaic. I had looked at Rohloff before choosing my Alfine 11 speed at 1/3 the cost & it has almost as good a gear spread as the Rohlly with a 20 inch drive wheel. 14.8 to 108 Gear Inches, compared to the absolute best spread on the Rohlly although it is out of recommended spec: 12 - 109.6 Gear Inches. I rationalized in my mind if I only got 5 years out of the Alfine I could replace it & still be hundreds of dollars ahead & quite possibly get the latest model if they had any product improvements. Fortunately, it has been well over 5 years & the Alfine is as good as the day I got it. This brings me to a Pro you could consider for other IGH's but maybe not for a Rohloff. Should you develop a problem with the internals of your hub, it is simply a case of installing a new internal hub assembly in your wheel & hub shell at a cost of $350. I don't think you could do that on a Rohloff.
No, you definitely couldn't do that with a Rohloff. I'm sure the Alfine is great but as I mentioned previously, knowing a couple people who have had problems with them, including one that was only a week old scared me a bit.
@@DavidRidesaTrike The only problems I know about were the very early production models. It definitely isn't for grinding up Mountain Trails as that's not what it was designed for. Any problems seem to be from user error or not using the hub as it was intended. Shimano makes great products & I very much doubt they would risk that reputation by making a second rate product. So far the 3 Alfine hubs I have installed with Power Assists have never come back. - NEVER. Try that with a derailleur set up. haha
@@daytriker The one guy I directly know who had a problem had it just stop working completely within the first week he got it. Probably just a defective one. It does happen with any product. I used to work for a company that sold very high end stereo equipment. Amps and preamps for $20K and more, speaker cable for $10K for a six foot set, etc. Believe me, anything can fail and it's not necessarily user error. I'm not saying Shimano made a second rate product. I am and always have been a fan of Shimano products. I have a Shimano e-assist system. But no matter how good the engineering is there will always be a certain number of the products that fail. No product has ever been produced where a certain number of them haven't failed. And I agree. No more derailleurs for me.
When my SRAM DualDrive2 hub crapped out after 14 years, I knew I had a tough choice to make - either a Rohloff, a Shimano Alfine 11 or a derailleur. My brain said, “Get the Rohloff!”, my wallet said, “Get the Alfine!” I listened to my wallet, and the Alfine lasted FIVE FREAKING WEEKS! It was under warranty, or so I told myself, completely disregarding the fact that it took MONTHS to get all the Alfine parts from Shimano! To keep riding, I ordered a $50 wheel/Capreo hub from Utah trikes, which IS ABOUT AS INEXPENSIVE A COMBO AS YOU CAN FIND, and it is still going strong!!! I have NO IDEA when, if ever, I will see that Alfine hub and wheel again! So, I’m ordering the Rohloff! I guess I will go through life having 2 backups - kinda like the Bears and their quarterback situation!
When did you send it in?? And this proves once again that in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for. And the Bears need more than two backup QBs. They need new owners who truly want a winning team.
Alfine, etc hubs are not as rugged as Rohloffs.
Speaking of trike prices mine is 3900 base and after accessories I paid 9100
Yep, it's crazy.
Wow! That's scary! I definitely consider myself fortunate that I found a two year old Catrike 559 for only $1000. Rode it for three weeks and sold it for $2,300. Then I lucked out and found a one year old ICE Sprint X Tour with a 48v/500w rear hub e-assist with in tact 10-speed rear cassette that was two months old with two batteries, Garmin Edge 830, Ergo Mesh and Ergo Luxe seats, side panniers, catseye sync front/rear lights, a satiator charger, original rear wheel with 10-speed cassette, and a 36v/350w hub/wheel/tire/cassette with 36v battery and controller for $5000.
I really wanted the suspension but for an ICE, HP, or Azub I was looking at $10k or more!
Some would be better served adding Rohloff to an already owned bike/trike. Price cargo E-bikes to see just how expensive offerings are.
Rohloff hub can be more important than rest of the entire bike/trike to many!
@@TroyShields Man, you WERE lucky! That was a great deal.
Youre a peanut-jelly- hero David. Yes thats a thing, at least in my head
⚔️💪😎(stroke)
Penyom is a better gear system
I don't like the twist shift. Period.
The plastic piece inside it can wear down from repetitive shifting over time.
The bar-end shifting levers are much truer and reliable in the long run.
I'm the type of person who likes to be able to visually see what may be malfunctioning or needs to be fixed.
Most everyone likes driving a automatic transmission.
I don't, for many reasons.
They are much more expensive, more things can go wrong with a automatic transmission than a Standard transmission.
And a standard transmission keeps me on my toes so to speak.
The same is true with a standard cog derailleur system.
WAY EASIER to fix and repair.
Way easier to get parts for.
WAY CHEAPER!
I'm very mechanically inclined, so I like the old standard.
ROLOF no thanks.
I was never crazy about twist shift either. I always went with bar end shifters and I think now the Rohloff is available with bar end shifters. As far as reliability and repairs go, being legally blind means I can't do most repairs. Even simpler ones. One of the reasons I got the Rohloff is because of it's reliability. Yes, if they do break it's a pain to get it fixed as it has to be sent in to them. However, breakdowns with it are extremely rare whereas derailleurs are constantly in need of repair or adjusting. And with today's supply chain issues, getting derailleur parts usually means a long wait.
@@DavidRidesaTrike
Probably even a longer wait time for ROLOF parts too.
I understand your situation.
I just prefer the cheaper price and simple method of chain and cog/derailleur setup.
It may not be a Rolls-Royce in technology, but a Chevy is cheaper and a lot easier to repair; for myself.
@@The-GreenHornet I definitely respect that. I suppose that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.
@@DavidRidesaTrike 😆
Grape Jelly - basic!!
And did you spot any on me?
@@DavidRidesaTrike I didn't!!
@@Lemonicelisa 👍