Rohloff Lock-Ring – for 8540L/8540SL
The Rohloff Lock-Ring (8538) secures the sprocket on the Splined Carrier L and SL (8540L / 8540SL) of the SPEEDHUB 500/14 – essential for Gates Carbon Drive belt sprockets and Rohloff splined sprockets from 15 teeth.
Why the Rohloff Lock-Ring?
Belt drive ready. Holds a Gates Carbon Drive splined sprocket tightly on the carrier – the standard setup on belt-driven SPEEDHUB bikes. 
For carriers L and SL. Made for the lock-ring versions of the splined carrier: 8540L and 8540SL. 
Clear markings. Closing direction and torque are marked on the ring, as shown in the photo. 
Genuine spare. Replace a damaged ring or keep one ready when you change sprockets.
Fitting notes
Rohloff uses its Lock-Ring tool (8518) to fit and remove the ring. No threadlocker should be used, and the sliding coating in the carrier’s internal thread must not be removed.
Before working on the sprocket, shift the hub to gear 14 and clean the hub, sprocket and surrounding area.
Who is it for?
- Belt drive riders. Many BoodaBike and touring bikes run Gates Carbon Drive with a SPEEDHUB.
- Riders converting to belt drive. Part of the switch to a lock-ring splined carrier.
- Workshops. For sprocket changes and belt drive service.
Compatibility
| Fits | Rohloff Splined Carrier L (8540L) and SL (8540SL) |
|---|---|
| Sprockets | Gates Carbon Drive splined sprockets; Rohloff splined sprockets from 15 teeth |
| Tool | Rohloff Lock-Ring tool 8518 |
| Belt line 135/142 mm hubs | 55 mm (L) / 53 mm (SL) |
| Belt line 148 mm hubs | 52 mm (L) / 50 mm (SL) |
| Belt line 170–197 mm hubs | 73 mm (L) / 71 mm (SL) |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need threadlocker on the lock ring?
No. Rohloff says no threadlocker should be used; the carrier thread has a sliding coating.
Can I use it on the standard splined carrier 8540?
No. The standard carrier (8540/8540S) uses a circlip for tool-free sprocket changes. The lock ring is for the L and SL carriers.
Which carrier gives which belt line?
See the table: the SL version sits 2 mm further inboard than the L version. If you are changing parts, we can calculate the resulting belt line with you.
About Rohloff
Rohloff AG designs and builds the SPEEDHUB 500/14 in Fuldatal, Germany: a 14-speed gear hub with a 526% gear range that has proven itself for more than 20 years on touring, tandem, cargo and e-bikes.
BoodaBike (Massive Bikes, Budapest) is an official Rohloff service centre, trained by Rohloff, and an official European distributor of Rohloff hubs and genuine spare parts. Not sure which part fits your hub? Send us the serial number and a photo of your hub and we will check it for you.