The first gravel bike with Rohloff electric shifting and belt drive system
Over the past few months we have been busy – not only launching our brand-new webshop (where you can configure your dream bike), but also creating something that has never existed before. A bike that combines the legendary reliability of Rohloff with the comfort of electric shifting and the low-maintenance belt drive system. Meet the Alpine Rohloff E-14 Early Bird.
This model is based on one of our most popular setups: the Alpine gravel bike with Rohloff hub. Riders love it because it’s the perfect all-rounder – gravel handlebar, efficient riding position, 14 internal gears, high-end steel frame with carbon fork, and wide gravel tires. But this time we took it one step further: we made it electric.
Why Rohloff instead of Pinion?
Some may wonder: if there is already a Pinion electric system, why not use that?
The answer is simple. After more than 15 years of riding and building both Rohloff and Pinion bikes, we know that on gravel or trekking bikes, the internal resistance difference is very noticeable. On MTB or downhill bikes you hardly feel it, but on a gravel bike with 35–40 mm tires, the Rohloff hub clearly rolls more efficiently.
Until now, we rarely used Rohloff hubs on our own bikes because of the mechanical shifter and the two thick cables. But with the arrival of electric Rohloff shifting, that has completely changed. Everyone in our team now rides Rohloff, and we love it. That’s exactly why we decided to release this model – because we believe in what we ride ourselves.
Bringing the E-14 to non-ebikes
The Rohloff E-14 was originally designed for e-bikes. But we adapted it for non-ebikes, so that riders can finally enjoy electric shifting even on a classic gravel or touring bike. From the very first prototype we knew we had something special – smooth, precise, and fun.
Key features of the system:
•Powered by any USB-C PD powerbank (12V output)
•Rohloff E-14 2.0 shifting unit
•TRP electronic shifter with two buttons for up and downshifts
•Charges easily like any other device
•Still requires clutching while shifting – just like a mechanical Rohloff
•Between gear 7 and 8 you may feel a slight hesitation, but it’s minor and easy to get used to
This is an Early Bird product. That means you can ride it 2–3 years before such a system officially reaches the market. Of course, this also comes with certain risks, which we openly explain below.
Early Bird risks and rewards
1.Compatibility – The E-14 is officially made for Bosch e-bike motors. We replace the Bosch connector with a USB-C PD adapter. Technically, 12V is 12V – the system is well protected, and there is no realistic risk of damage.
2.Torque cut-off – On Bosch systems the motor reduces torque during shifts. On non-ebikes you simply need to ease off pedaling, as with any internal gear hub.
3.Warranty – Rohloff could theoretically decline warranty claims if the system is not installed in the “official” way. In practice, Rohloff hubs are extremely reliable, so this is a very small risk.
4.Electronics – If the electronic unit fails, you may need to replace it at your own cost. We have tested it extensively without issues, but this is part of the Early Bird deal.
In exchange, you get a bike that is years ahead of the market:
•Faster, more comfortable shifting than mechanical systems
•No cables or stretched housing – just two responsive buttons
•With a long press, the system can shift through all 14 gears automatically
•Maintenance-free belt driven bike setup
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Looking ahead
We’re not stopping here. Our roadmap includes:
•An integrated battery and compact controller that can be charged from a dynamo hub, making the whole bike a clean 12V system (including lights).
•Further upgrades that bring e-bike level functionality to non-ebikes – without the motor.
•All components will remain upgradeable, so Early Bird riders won’t be left behind.
We believe Rohloff will eventually release an official electric shifting solution for non-ebikes too. But based on what we’ve seen, this is still years away. That’s why the Alpine Rohloff E-14 Early Bird is such a unique opportunity.
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Why this bike matters
The Alpine Rohloff E-14 Early Bird is not just another gravel bike. It represents a new category:
•Gravel bike with electric shifting
•Bike with Rohloff belt drive system
•E-14 for non ebikes
If you want a bike that is future-proof, incredibly reliable, and simply fun to ride, this is it.
Check out the Alpine Rohloff E-14 on www.boodabike.com and configure your own dream setup.
For any questions, feel free to contact us at info@boodabike.com – we’ll be happy to help.