Rohloff Hub vs Shimano Alfine: Which Internal Gear Hub is Right for You?
Rohloff SpeedHub vs Shimano Alfine gear hub: Which Internal Gear Hub is Right for You?
When it comes to premium internal gear hubs, the Rohloff 14-speed hub and the Shimano Alfine are among the top choices for cyclists worldwide. Both systems offer reliable performance, low maintenance, and a clean drivetrain setup. Let’s explore their key differences and why Booda Bike is your go-to destination for bikes equipped with these incredible hubs.
Rohloff 14-Speed Hub Overview
The Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 is renowned for its durability and unparalleled gear range. With 14 evenly spaced gears, it offers a massive 526% gear range, making it perfect for steep climbs and fast descents. Whether you’re bikepacking or commuting, the Rohloff hub ensures smooth, precise shifting in any condition. While its price point is higher than the Shimano Alfine, its reputation for longevity and reliability justifies the investment.
Shimano Alfine Hub Overview
The Shimano Alfine series offers 8-speed and 11-speed options, providing a versatile and affordable alternative to the Rohloff. The Alfine 8-speed hub has a 307% gear range, while the Alfine 11-speed hub boasts a 409% range. These hubs deliver quiet and efficient performance, making them ideal for urban commuting and light touring. While the Alfine hubs require slightly more frequent maintenance than the Rohloff, they remain a reliable choice for most riders.
Shimano Maintenance
Maintenance: Rohloff vs Alfine
Shimano Alfine 8/11: Routine maintenance involves checking the lubrication and cleaning the hub periodically. The Alfine 11-speed hub also benefits from occasional oil changes to maintain optimal performance.
Alfine 8 - Lubricating
Alfine 11 - Oil change
Rohloff Maintenance
Maintenance: Rohloff vs Alfine
Rohloff Speedhub 500/14: Requires an oil change approximately every 5,000 km or once a year. The sealed system ensures minimal wear and tear, even under extreme conditions.
Noise and Gear Engagement (Rohloff Speedhub vs Shimano Alfine internal gear hub)
The sound of internal gear hubs is often a key factor for many cyclists. Rohloff hubs have a distinctive mechanical hum or clicking noise, especially noticeable in certain gears. This sound is a result of their precision-engineered planetary gear system and is often appreciated by riders who value the reassurance of mechanical feedback. In contrast, Shimano Alfine hubs operate more quietly, with minimal noise during gear shifts. This makes Alfine hubs an attractive choice for urban cyclists who prioritize a smooth and silent ride experience. Ultimately, the preference between a noisier or quieter hub comes down to personal taste and riding style.
Rohloff hub noise
Rohloff hubs are known for their distinctive mechanical sound during gear shifts, which many cyclists find satisfying and reassuring.
Alfine hub noise
Shimano Alfine hubs operate more quietly, offering smooth shifts that are almost silent, especially in urban environments.
Rohloff Hub Bikes:
(Click on the following bikes to see the models)
Shimano Alfine Hub Bikes:
(Click on the following bikes to see the models)
- Booda Bike Banker (Alfine 8 – Belt driven trekking bike)
- Booda Bike Hiker (Alfine 8/ Alfine 11 – Belt driven gravel bike)
- Booda Bike Tailor (Alfine 11 – Belt driven trekking bike)
At Booda Bike, we offer two Rohloff hub-equipped bikes and several Shimano Alfine models, all of which can be tailored to your needs. Customization options include:
Racks and Fenders: Add a rear rack or fenders for practicality.
Lighting Systems: Upgrade to a dynamo-powered lighting setup.
Handlebars: Choose between aluminum or carbon handlebars.
Seatposts: Select aluminum or carbon seatposts for comfort and weight savings.
Rims: Opt for aluminum or carbon rims to match your riding style.
Is a Belt Drive Bike Worth It? Exploring the Pros and Cons.
Is a belt drive bike worth it?
Is a belt drive bike worth it?
When it comes to choosing a bike, there are various drivetrain options available, and one that has gained attention in recent years is the belt drive system. But is a belt drive bike worth it? In this article, we'll delve into the pros and cons of belt drive bikes, helping you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
- Durability
- Clean and quiet
Cons
- Higher cost
- Less efficiency
- Limited availability
- Low Maintenance and Durability
One of the major advantages of a belt drive bike is its low maintenance. Unlike traditional chain-driven bikes, belt drives don’t require lubrication, adjustments, or regular cleaning. Moreover, belts are made of durable materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polyurethane, offering excellent longevity and resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Smooth and Silent Operation
Belt drive systems offer a quieter and smoother riding experience compared to chain-driven bikes. With no metal-on-metal contact, belts eliminate the need for constant lubrication, resulting in a nearly noiseless ride. This aspect can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a peaceful and serene biking experience.
- Weight and Efficiency
Belt drive system can be lighter than traditional chains, contributing to a reduced overall weight of the bike. This is not true if we are using a gear hub version, because traditional gears are lighter. Belt drives are slightly less efficient than chain drives when it comes to power transfer. This means you may need to exert more energy to propel a belt drive bike forward compared to a chain drive bike. It is important to emphasize that the chain is most effective when it is clean and well lubricated. However, the belt drive is just as efficient even when used in dirty conditions.
- Limited Gear Range and Compatibility
One drawback of belt drive bikes is the limited gear range compared to chain-driven counterparts. Belt drives typically support fewer gears, which can be a limitation for riders who require a wide range of gear ratios. Additionally, belt drives may not be compatible with certain bike frames or rear wheel dropout designs. If someone is looking for a lot of gears in a bike, the Shimano Alfine 11 or Rohloff Speedhub 14 speed hub can be a great solution.
- Cost and Availability
Belt drive bikes generally come at a higher price point than chain-driven bikes. The specialized components and manufacturing processes involved contribute to the increased cost. Furthermore, belt drive systems are not as widely available as traditional chains, which may limit options in terms of bike models and brands.
Conclusion
In summary, whether a belt drive bike is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If low maintenance, durability, and a smooth, quiet ride are your priorities, a belt drive bike can be an excellent choice. However, if a wider gear range and lower cost are crucial factors, a chain-driven bike might be a more suitable option.
If you are looking for a nice belt driven bike, just check our Booda Bike models. Single speed and gear hub models for asphalt and gravel usage. If you want to convert your existing bicycle to a belt drive, because this is also possible, we recommend that you take a look at the calculator on the Gates website.
What is Gates Carbon Belt Drive system?
Where does Carbon Belt Drive system come from?
Gates Carbon Belt Drive has been developed over the last 25 years for applications on 6000hp drag racing cars, 150hp motorbikes and more recently, bicycle drivetrains. Although Carbon Drive isn’t for everyone, it certainly has a place for bike tourers and city riders who are after a no-fuss drivetrain which is lighter, easier to maintain and offers an exceptional wear life. Gates Carbon Drive system can be used with internally geared hubs such as the 14 speed Rohloff Speedhub or the 8/11 speed Shimano Alfine gearhub. For mid-transmission, the best solution is the Pinion P or C-line gearbox system.
Shall I choose belt over chain?
People usually buy Gates Carbon Belt Drive system bikes, because it gives a quality feeling while riding. Belt drivetrains are almost silent on the road. They have a pretty cool humming sound.
There is no rusty chain, no oil that makes your legs dirty. It is clean, smooth and strong.
Belts last up to 4x the life of a chain because they don’t ‘stretch’ and wear in the same way. This is because belts have no moving components like a chain, they’re constructed with continuous loops of carbon cord inside a nylon/polyurethane jacket. Carbon belts are lighter than chains. Everyone knows that the weight of your bike is important.
Say goodbye to high-maintenance bike chains. Say hello to simplicity and fun.
Our belt drive system products are created by Gates Corporation, a global leader in belt drive technologies, Gates Carbon Drive is the best high-mileage bicycle drive on the market. Whether you’re an urban commuter, rugged mountain biker, eBike rider, or casual cruiser, Gates Carbon Drive has a solution. Choose from our CDX™ High-Performance or our CDN™ Urban products — each offering specialized sprockets, belts, and cranksets. Grease-free, rust-free, and hassle-free. Revolutionary indeed.