Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Rohloff Internal Hub Gears => Topic started by: lornac on June 28, 2004, 11:49:25 am
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Is there any truth in rumour that Thorn have now developed drops compatible with Rohloff hub gear without use of ugly extra stem etc?
Other thought re Rohloff : could it it be modified to fit a bespoke bottom bracket, to centralise weight distribution?
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Have a look at the German manufacturer Norwid's site. They produce a drop bar and a drop bar threadless stem, either of which accomodate a Rohloff shifter. I think I've seen the stem advertised in some German on-line shops.
http://www.norwid.de/Drehgriff_Flyer.jpg
The same (or similar) drop bar was also used by M-Gingineering:
http://www.m-gineering.nl/randog.htm
Colin
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quote:
Originally posted by lornac
Is there any truth in rumour that Thorn have now developed drops compatible with Rohloff hub gear without use of ugly extra stem etc?
Other thought re Rohloff : could it it be modified to fit a bespoke bottom bracket, to centralise weight distribution?
Hi,
Contact Robin Thorn on 01278 441522 for the full options.
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I am interested in that as well... Any chance of an update on the forum?
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Wouldn't that just be the ideal bicycle! A superb hub on a great frame with drops and a compatible shifter. Surely Rohloff have considered the possiblity of such a shifter. If they can design something as complex as a 14 speed hub that works so well, then why not a shifter for drop bars? Maybe the World's best bicycle shop can come up with an elegant solution - how about it Thorn?
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P.S If you do arrive at a solution, will Raven frames have appropriate braze-ons for cantilever brakes? [:)]
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Hubbub cycles in the USA have come up with an idea ... haven't seen it, just read about in another list ...
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Here's a pointer
http://www.hubbub.com/store/proddetail.asp?prod=HUROHL
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Thanks for the pointer George. This is just what I think may be suitable, will have to call Thorn[:D]
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Hi
I know this is off the main topic. But is there any reason why you couldn't fit a double or triple chai ring with Rohioff hub.
Regards Brian
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Maybe also a rear derailer and a nine speed cassette, some grit as well perhaps - oh and don't forget to throw in some chain slap to add that authentic look! Somewhat defeats the ENTIRE purpose/philosophy of a Rohloff drivetrain don't you think[^]
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You would have to calibrate the speedhub to only use 'middle' gear ratios if you wanted multiple chainrings. If you didn't, you would have 42 gears, but the top 7 or so you would not be able to turn the cranks, the bottom 7 or so you wouldn't be able to pedal fast enough to keep them engaged.
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In the flyers for the Cycle 2004 show there is a picture of the Thorn Raven Mercury which has the shifter in the middle of drop bars. I assume the bars must split somehow.
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Rohloff Drop Bar Sneak Peak!
See it at Cycle 2004 - 24-26th September Business Design Centre, London N1 0QH
www.cycleshow.co.uk
(http://www.sjscycles.com/forumgallery/Rohloff-drop-bar-shifter.jpg)
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Well done. Compact and neat.
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There is a cunning home made shifter at www.qnet.com/ ~crux/twist.html
It is made in two halves, then assembled round the bars. Making the twistgrip in two halves makes more sense to me than making the bars in two halves
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Huh!....What's Qnet.com got to do with shifters? or am I missing something...
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Sorry, I don't know how that happened. It's on a site hosted by Qnet.I thought that link should take you straight to the photo. Try http://www.qnet.com/~crux/index.html which should go to the sites homepage, then click on bicycle shifter. If that doesn't work, I don't know what. Cheers.
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quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Rohloff Drop Bar Sneak Peak!
From a touring view point, the current work around of the second mini bar below the handlebar, see http://homepage.ntlworld.com/team-triplet/TTSite/exp1.htm and scroll towards to the end, works alot better.
The disadvantage from the proto type shot is that the gear changer takes up space where one would normally fit speedo, bell and bar bag. Bell and speedo could go eslewhere but there is only one place for a bar bag!.
One advantage of the work around used by Thorn at present is that you create additional space.
Both methods will accept cantis, despite the initial non fitting of cantis on my Exp, looking the head tube and cable alignment/bar bag etc a front canti would be possible if there is gap as I have between the mini bar and the frame head tube.
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At the Cycle Show in Islington there is both the Raven Mercury - drops + rohloff on (thin) drop bars - and a Raven with (standard size) drops but gear change located on a stub just below the drops. The Mercury looks more elegant but I was told that that to make it work the bar is cut in two and then clamped - so perhaps less rigid that the alternative with a single bar. In any case, both offer Rohloff + drops. Presumably the website will soon show these alternatives - a revised price list for the Raven at the show does list a specific price for drops.
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An overdue apology.
At the time of posting a reply to brownbs@xtra.co.nz I intended it to be light hearted. However, having returned to the forum after some time, I am embarrassed to read my reply that appears to arrogantly dismiss a genuine enquiry for information in what is otherwise a helpful and friendly forum. I sincerely hope that brownbs was not offended by my reply and that he will comtinue to contribute to the forum.
Regards
Ashley
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I wouldn't be too concerned Ashley. Those Kiwis are a pretty resilient lot - provided that you don't make fun of their accent. [:D]
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Thanks LowFlyingHawk. Going back to the Rohloff / drops thread, although I am unsure about the smaller diameter bars, it looks to be a reasonable compromise - a Rohloff drop bar specific shifter would be ideal.... failing that the Thorn is an elegant solution that could allow the fitting of shock absorbing tape, such as Marsas, making a nice comfy ride.
However, I agree with the comment by Team Triplet though, that it is nice to have a handlebar bag - it's always comforting on a long ride to know that you have a bag of goodies within arms reach!
Happy Riding.
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I made up a little stub the same diameter as the bars which clamped on the bars next to the stem.
It pointed downwards and outwards - by around 30 degrees as I remember - putting the standard shifter a short reach from the dropped position and not too fat from the tops.
I only stopped using it because the (custom) frame is a bit long and I have swapped to mountain bike bars.
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I have wanted a rohloff hub with drops for years but on the advice of Robin Thorn I tried the comfort bars for my adventure sport.
While I miss my drop bars very much (2 positions including extensions instead of three, less variations within basic positions) I agree with him that lots of the advantages of the Rohloff hub are lost if you do not have constant access to the gear changer.
IMHO there is not a perfect solution for drops + Rohloff yet.
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Hi,
Going back to an earlier point made by brownbs@xtra.co.nz on this thread some months ago, I recently met a long distance cyclist in Laos who had a triple chainring set-up up front and a Rohloff hub for a total of 42 gears. Said he loved it. He's put about 30,000km's on the hub with absolutely no problems, except broken cables twice.
Incidently he had something like Modolo Yuma handlebars but I didn't even think to look close enough at the gear changer, but I'm fairly sure it was built in neatly to the bar. I think I would have paid more attention if it was conspicious but everything looked very neat. His bike was built around an old Trek frame. He had it heavily modified to his own needs. Also he couldn't have praised the hub more highly.
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My cycling accomplishments are limited in two major ways: (i) my genes and (ii) the likelihood that I will only cycle on American soil. I also have an ardent love for technology which is manifested in all kinds of ways, including carbon-fibre handlebars. In spite of these handicaps, I enjoy a good fast-paced ride and a fair number of brevets/audax rides. The reason for this post is that I am planning to build an audax bike around the Rohloff hub, and I am still trying to decide how to mount the shifter.
My latest problem (one on a very long list) is that I am not willing at this point to use so-called comfort bars. I much prefer drops for a variety of reasons (e.g., multiple hand positions and aerodynamics). I also attach a small handlebar bag on occasion. This means that it is unlikely I will mount the Rohloff shifter in the way it was originally designed -- on the bar next to the grips.
I think the Thorn headset spacer/accessory bar is a nifty idea, and likely the method I will use. I also came across a bar-end adapter from HUbBub (http://www.hubbub.com/store/proddetail.asp?prod=HUROHL) but this seems to create a problem relative to the cable runs. It is also overpriced at USD$55.
Is there anyone on this board using either the Thorn mount or the HubBub adapter? If so, what has been your experience? Lastly, because I am somewhat open minded in spite of my wife's opinion to the contrary, has anyone successfully mounted a handlebar bag to a comfort bar with the Rohloff shifter? If so, to what extent does the bag interfere with your shifting?
Thanks for your help...
PS - Is anyone using "moustache" bars? (see http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/handlebars_stems_tape/16027.html)
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I thought I would reply to my prior post, in the interest of bringing closure to the questions I posed: (i) the bike is being used primarily for brevets and audax events/training; (ii) I decided to use the Thorn headset spacer/accessory bar to mount the shifter; (iii) I am right handed, so the shifter is on the right side; (iv) my cycle computer is on the left side; (v) this leaves my handlebars free to mount a bag if needed for longer rides; (vi) I am not sure how to mount a cue sheet holder, as it obstructs my reach to the shifter; (vii) the location of the shifter makes it very easy to use -- my only objection besides the cue sheet mount is that the location makes it impossible for me to shift while climbing out of the saddle, something I enjoy with Ergo shifters.
I greatly prefer drops to so-called 'comfort bars' due to: (i) greater variety of hand placement options; (ii) aerodynamic improvements and leverage for riding into the wind; (iii) perceived increases in stability when riding in the drops at speed (e.g., +50mph on Colorado descents); (iv) ability to grab the brake hoods while climbing; (v) option to mount a handlebar bag for long events.
There you have it. Please feel free to disagree with any or all of my observations. This is simply what works for me.
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Important note: I used a 0.5cm spacer between the Thorn accessory bar and my stem. My stem is flipped to provide no additional height extension (e.g., -18 degrees, I can flip it if additional height is needed later). This provides enough room for my fingers to fit between the shifter and the handlebar, but I have thin fingers. Judge the spacing yourself to determine your needs. Also, the Thorn accessory bar functions as a 1.5 (?) cm spacer. Be sure to consider the cumulative effect of this when determining length of your fork tube and the height of your stem/handlebars.
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I've been using a Rohloff on my tourer with drop bars since about 2001. I have a web page showing the setup at http://www.users.on.net/~njpayne/bikestuff/rohloff/.
I've never tried the shifter on flat bars but I'm quite satisfied with the setup I have.
Hubbub in the US now manufacture an adapter which is very similar to what I made, except that theirs uses the same internal expanding clamping mechanism as a normal barend shifter.
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Hello,
maybe it´s too obvious, so no one talks about it, but for those who don't know, there is a new shifter for Rohloff that fits on any dropbar (regular diameter). Norwid also uses them meanwhile but they don´t mention them on their homepage...
Here http://www.mittelmeyer.de/html/produkte.htm is everything about the new shifter.
Bye, Gunnar.
[:)]
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All the drop bar changers appear to me to be second rate attempts. Isn't it about time a proper usable changer was made to fit 3T morphe drops? As soon as they are available I have every intention of purchasing a Rohloff tourer.
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dear bikepacker, just have a look at this, http://212.227.38.137/web/aktiv-radfahren/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=812&imgid=1522&subtopic=120&photonr=4 it works and fits on your morph, so you can get one...
even the problem with the brake cable is solved!
cheers, gunnar
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Hi there
For some time now, I've been considering buying a Van Nicholas Titanium Touring bike with Rohloff Hub gear. Though up until now i have been concerned by the lack of drop bars on any of the rohloff bikes i've looked at. It seems they don't do a Rohloff specific bike with drop bars, and I don't fancy getting into the ingenious adaptations and strategies others have used in order to accommodate the Twist shifter onto a drop bar bike. Also I would prefer flat bars anyway for touring, as I prefer a posture that allows a better view of surroundings (which is why after all, I am particularly interesting in cycle touring!!). I have been looking for a flat bar/bar end combination that I could tape up which would give me the maximum possible hand positions. I was planning on going for the Ergon GP1 grips with a long L shaped bar end, but wasn't really satisfied. However I need not worry for today I have discovered the answer I seek: http://www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk/external/1/products/highres/te2924.jpg
This is perfect! It has plenty of places to fit the shifter, plenty of comfortable hand positions, and I think a shape which would cater for my type of touring. So it seems I have finally found my answer... next question, where to put those brake levers...
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Hi Velo Child
Welcome to the list,
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...lack of drop bars on any of the rohloff bikes i've looked at.
SJS Cycles can supply both the Raven Tour and the Raven Sport Tour in both drops or flat configuration. They have two versions of the frame to accommodate this. Attentively and with funds permitting I pretty sure they could also deliver an EXP (road) with drops as these are all built to order.
I ride a Sport Tour with drops. I ride it every day to work and I also ride on the weekends. The shifter location doesn’t cause ANY problems in use but I admit it doesn’t look as 'sorted' as it might. If you would normally go for a drop handlebar bike I would think carefully about switch to flats - just because the Rohloff shifter doesn't look pretty on drops.
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This is perfect! It has plenty of places to fit the shifter
Unfortunately the shifter can only be mounted in one position on this bar (2 if you count the both left and right hand sides) The shifter will not pass around any bend so it can't be mounted on the forward extensions. I still like the look of the H'bar , the large angle of back sweep on the final portion should make it nearly as comfortable as my drops :-)
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Hi there, cheers for this informative reply Stutho, I wasn't expecting any response thinking that this thread was dead, but thanks.
And thanks for letting us know about some of the curious facts about the Rohloff shifter, I may consider getting a bike with drops since you've displayed that the two are compatible. However the primary mission of this bike is for expedition, on and off road, so I think some variety of flat bars, or if not entirely "flat," some sort of upright, steady position bars, would be the most ideal.
I have never ridden with drop bars, although I see their significant benefits. Even on my touring road/commuter bike I use bullhorns with an adjustable stem that changes the position from super-speedy aerodynamic accelerator, to leisurely laid back tourer. As the primary aim of my expedition riding is to discover and get the best view of many terrains, I aim to achieve a meercat like stance, which allows for the best all round visibility. However, I envy the range of hand positions that drop bar users have, hence my search for some sort of "best of both worlds" solution.
Titec's H-bar offers a lot of good options, and probably the best i'll get until cycle manufacturers start to consider the less conventional (and less commercially profitable) needs of the touring/expedition cyclist. Incidentally, I was probably gonna place the shifter on the lower part which extend towards the rider from the main handlebar. These sections of the bar would be where my hands would be most of the time, so the shifting should be quite fluent and intuitive. The brake levers I would wrangle round the "bar-end" shaped pieces on the top till the levers were parallel with the stem.
Anyway i've written a bit of a tome on this subject now, which is slightly off topic, so i'll leave you guys to it. I'm off to another forum to debate the pros and cons, and problematic compatibility issues of the H-bar!! [8D]
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Originally posted by Velo Child
until cycle manufacturers start to consider the less conventional (and less commercially profitable) needs of the touring/expedition cyclist.
post script; This generalisation refers to brands such as Specialized, Cannondale, et al, who still don't have anything approaching a convincing tourer, yet alone expedition bike, in their huge range of Road and MTB platforms; The "less conventional" are those cyclists -they do exist- who aren't obsessed with speed, adrenaline, lap times, and shaving body hair to improve efficiency. -From reading the informative and inspiring Thorn website, and looking at their products, I can say that they were not one of the manufacturers that I was referring to in the generalisation. In this day and age of throwaway £2500 bikes and disappearing rack fittings, they are truly refreshing. And if I wasn't intent on buying a titanium frame, I would be purchasing one of their, large range of, quality touring and expedition bikes.