Rohloff or not?

[Aushiker]

I assume that going to a chain instead of the belt means I need to carry the tools needed to take the chain apart when removing the rear tire when repairing it. Any thoughts on a good air pump to carry? I currently am carrying one that uses a CO2 cartridge … but haven’t needed it yet

I cannot see why you need to take the chain apart to remove the wheel. An IGH has a sprocket which you chain would run on, just like a bicycle with a cassette. You just need to life the chain off the sprocket/cassette.

 

[Cybersnow]

I cannot see why you need to take the chain apart to remove the wheel. An IGH has a sprocket which you chain would run on, just like a bicycle with a cassette. You just need to life the chain off the sprocket/cassette.

If I remove the gates belt and sprockets and go to a “good e-bike chain” how much slack should I leave on the chain? Does it needs to be rather tight as there is no derailer adding tension to the chain? If it is too loose won’t it jump off one if the sprockets?

 

[Gionnirocket]

Well, that's what the hand pump is for. Or Uber.

Yeah but you know what a d_bag Murphy can be.
He'll arrange for solar flares to take out cellphone service and on the same day he'll blow the O_rings on your hand pump seals

 

[RunForTheHills]

If I remove the gates belt and sprockets and go to a “good e-bike chain” how much slack should I leave on the chain? Does it needs to be rather tight as there is no derailer adding tension to the chain? If it is too loose won’t it jump off one if the sprockets?

If you have horizontal dropouts you can use that to tighten the chain. Some bikes have an eccentric bottom bracket for that purpose. Otherwise, they sell single speed chain tensioners. With the Gates drive, I have to believe the bike already has some way of tensioning the belt. Probably horizontal dropouts.

 

[RunForTheHills]

Yeah but you know what a d_bag Murphy can be.
He'll arrange for solar flares to take out cellphone service and on the same day he'll blow the O_rings on your hand pump seals

Well, I wasn't really feeling like fixing the flat in the rain. I guess I'll just call an Uber.

 

[Gionnirocket]

If you have horizontal dropouts you can use that to tighten the chain. Some bikes have an eccentric bottom bracket for that purpose. Otherwise, they sell single speed chain tensioners. With the Gates drive, I have to believe the bike already has some way of tensioning the belt. Probably horizontal dropouts.

I concur.
I have a chain tensioner on my chain'd Rohloff... But my bike also has a rear suspension so it's really the only way to do it.
That said I'm still leaning towards keeping the belt.
What specifically is the problem with the belt now?

 

[stompandgo]

FUD

 

[Cybersnow]

I concur.
I have a chain tensioner on my chain'd Rohloff... But my bike also has a rear suspension so it's really the only way to do it.
That said I'm still leaning towards keeping the belt.
What specifically is the problem with the belt now?

While I am not having an issue right now, last Summer I had an issue with the rear cog. I ended up spending an entire day going from shop to shop looking for someone to replace the cog. My worry is that we are on the road and an issue arises that is belt related and have The same problem finding someone to repair it. Never had that problem with a chain and derailer system.

 

[RunForTheHills]

While I am not having an issue right now, last Summer I had an issue with the rear cog. I ended up spending an entire day going from shop to shop looking for someone to replace the cog. My worry is that we are on the road and an issue arises that is belt related and have The same problem finding someone to repair it. Never had that problem with a chain and derailer system.

Order some spare parts and leave them with someone that can overnight them to a shop for you in an emergency. Finding someone to do the actual work shouldn't be hard.

 

[Cybersnow]

One of the things that I found was that no one had the right tools to do the repairs. I will be taking the bike down to Boise to my favorite LBS and see what they suggest. While I would like to be a little more comfortable with my bike for that and the many 50-80 mile rides we do all summer I would rather minimize my cost. I will also have them suggest which Gates specific tools I might throw in my kit.

 

[peterh_nz]

While I am not having an issue right now, last Summer I had an issue with the rear cog.

What caused the issue?

My bike has a Rohloff hub and belt drive which has done 26,000km. I wouldn't hesitate in trusting it for a 560km trip. As usual, I would carry a spare belt in the pannier pocket with little expectation that I'd ever need to use it.

 

[Gionnirocket]

While I am not having an issue right now, last Summer I had an issue with the rear cog. I ended up spending an entire day going from shop to shop looking for someone to replace the cog. My worry is that we are on the road and an issue arises that is belt related and have The same problem finding someone to repair it. Never had that problem with a chain and derailer system.

I believe the chain and belt cogs on the Rohloff attach similarly...though I believe there are a few variations. Clip /adapter verses lock nut. I believe the belt mostly uses the latter. So it might have been that no one had the correct lock nut tool which I believe is Rohloff specific.
If that was the only issue...

Rohloff 8518 Lockring Tool

Rohloff 8518 Lockring Tool :: From $48.99 :: Rohloff Driver Tools

www.universalcycles.com

I actually need to get one myself when it's time to to replace the rear sproket. My other Rohloff has the adapter and snap ring so that just requires a small screwdriver to pry off the clip to replace the sproket.

Workshop - Rohloff AG

www.rohloff.de

For chain or belt




For chain only