Hydra - Kindernay vs. Rohloff?

B

BruceBrown

Well-Known Member
Region
USA
City
Kansas City
So I noticed tonight that you can now order the Hydra with either the Kindernay or the Rohloff. The price for both is the same, so what are the pro’s and con’s of one vs. the other on the Hydra?
 
From that article....

"A single-sided shifter is apparently also in development, and will be backwards compatible."

I would prefer this over the dual system they have right now.
 
BruceBrown said:
So I noticed tonight that you can now order the Hydra with either the Kindernay or the Rohloff. The price for both is the same, so what are the pro’s and con’s of one vs. the other on the Hydra?
Click to expand...
That's a change. I thought the Kindernay was an addition cost over the Rohloff.
 
Deacon Blues said:
That's a change. I thought the Kindernay was an addition cost over the Rohloff.
Click to expand...
Pretty sure it was at one time. Don't want to try to adjust to the dual shifter so decided it's out for now, i'd like an electronic shifter.
 
That is an interesting add on....

Below a thread where Pushkar discusses differences
Quick update on Archon / Rohloff / Kindernay tests | Electric Bike Forums - Q&A, Help, Reviews and Maintenance (electricbikereview.com)

A few thoughts on the difference between both
Shifter:
  • The Rohloff has a twist shifter (right or left) vs a dual (side) push shifter on the Kindernay that can switch one or three gears at a time. So depending on comfort and range of accessories one may fit your better (Dropper post, thumb throttle, twist throttle…)
  • The twist shifter gives you a visual info on the current gear, I don't think the Kindernay has any indication of the current gear.
  • You can quickly switch all gears on a twist shifter, you would have to do up to 5 pushes on the Kindernay
  • Pushkar mentioned the hydraulic shifter on the Kindernay allows shifting on higher load than the Rohloff.
  • Kindernay said they will have a single side dual push shifter (may be next year…)
  • No visibility on an electronic shifter for either of them working with the Bafang. Although if Kindernay does decide to make one, it will most likely work with everything.
Hub itself:
  • Range 526% for the Rohloff vs 543% for the Kindernay. Not really a huge deal
  • True Through Axle on the Kindernay
  • 1400g for Kindernay vs 1700 g for Rohloff (about a pound heavier)
  • Cage system on the Kindernay makes it a lot easier to service the hub or swap wheelset
  • If ever a Gates belt system is an option, minimum rear sprocket is 22T on Kindernay and 19T on Rohloff (Kindernay does say they are working on more choices...).
    So eventually a bit more choices on Rohloff.
Question for Pushkar.
Will you offer either left or right shifter for the Rohloff?
 
Last edited:
Deacon Blues said:
The Rholoff offered on Pushkar's ebikes is not the electronic model. I believe the electronic model is only available with a Bosch motor.
Click to expand...
Yup I know WW is not offering an electronic shifter for any designs. Don't like the Twist-Shifter for Rohloff either, but might try it since I want Rohloff or Kindernay design. Might just have to wait another year, might try something else while I wait for designs from several companies and see where they land. If I'm paying more than 5K I'm hesitant to compromise, better to just wait a year or two. There are other options out there for Rohloff shifters.
 
Can you elaborate on what you dislike about the Rohloff twist shifter?
Thanks
 
scrambler said:
Can you elaborate on what you dislike about the Rohloff twist shifter?
Thanks
Click to expand...
I just don't like twist shifters, or twist throttles, and then they also require special hand grips to account for the shortened handgrip area. I just don't care for the twist though mostly, just a personal thing, I'm sure that they are are functionally fine. The typical indexed pushbutton or paddle is just so quick and intuitive, and some even offer quick 3 gear changes (very handy on e-bike). You just get use to something, and changing is hard and then it is different on different bikes.
 
scrambler said:
That is an interesting add on....

Below a thread where Pushkar discusses differences
Quick update on Archon / Rohloff / Kindernay tests | Electric Bike Forums - Q&A, Help, Reviews and Maintenance (electricbikereview.com)

A few thoughts on the difference between both
Shifter:
  • The Rohloff has a twist shifter (right or left) vs a dual (side) push shifter on the Kindernay that can switch one or three gears at a time. So depending on comfort and range of accessories one may fit your better (Dropper post, thumb throttle, twist throttle…)
  • The twist shifter gives you a visual info on the current gear, I don't think the Kindernay has any indication of the current gear.
  • You can quickly switch all gears on a twist shifter, you would have to do up to 5 pushes on the Kindernay
  • Pushkar mentioned the hydraulic shifter on the Kindernay allows shifting on higher load than the Rohloff.
  • Kindernay said they will have a single side dual push shifter (may be next year…)
  • No visibility on an electronic shifter for either of them working with the Bafang. Although if Kindernay does decide to make one, it will most likely work with everything.
Hub itself:
  • Range 526% for the Rohloff vs 543% for the Kindernay. Not really a huge deal
  • True Through Axle on the Kindernay
  • 1400g for Kindernay vs 1700 g for Rohloff (about a pound heavier)
  • Cage system on the Kindernay makes it a lot easier to service the hub or swap wheelset
  • If ever a Gates belt system is an option, minimum rear sprocket is 22T on Kindernay and 19T on Rohloff (Kindernay does say they are working on more choices...).
    So eventually a bit more choices on Rohloff.
Question for Pushkar.
Will you offer either left or right shifter for the Rohloff?
Click to expand...
Is there a left shifter for rolloff?
 
I've ridden motorcycles off and on throughout my life. All kinds. But I never mastered the throttle on a dirt bike. Which means I was never an accomplished dirt bike rider. I even had my own track I built on my ranch. Yeah I could scoot around it pretty well but I never grasped how to manipulate that throttle in the right handlebar with real finesse. And that is the key to real off road ability. Once you put the throttle in the right hand grip you are entering the world of cross country and enduro motorcycle riding ... if not competition. Good effing luck.
 
reed scott said:
I've ridden motorcycles off and on throughout my life. All kinds. But I never mastered the throttle on a dirt bike. Which means I was never an accomplished dirt bike rider. I even had my own track I built on my ranch. Yeah I could scoot around it pretty well but I never grasped how to manipulate that throttle in the right handlebar with real finesse. And that is the key to real off road ability. Once you put the throttle in the right hand grip you are entering the world of cross country and enduro motorcycle riding ... if not competition. Good effing luck.
Click to expand...
I can understand everyone is different.
I rode motorcycles all my life on road and off road, up to big single 4 strokes 650 cc, and that included clutch on the left hand, throttle and front brake in the right hand, gear on the left foot. and brake on the right one.
So for me the right hand throttle is as intuitive and second nature as your right foot on your car accelerator :)

@pushkar, don't worry too much about the left shifter for the Rohloff, if that is an oddity for most, I could always source it separately. I just asked in case it makes no difference for you when you order them.

My biggest problem now, is the dilemma between the Kindernay and the Rohloff.... :)
 
scrambler said:
It would be if I decided to go for a half twist throttle, as historically motorcycle throttle are on the right, and so I would want the Shifter on the left :)
Click to expand...
Do you also swap front and rear brakes to match motorcycles, putting front on the right?
 
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