quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
You seem to have quite a large frame by the pic .... have you had it long and how do you find life with a Rohloff [?]
It is a big bike, I'm a big bloke[
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I think it's the largest size, I gave salesman the dimensions of a bike I had custom fitted and asked for the closest, after a bit of fettling and a change of stem it fits well.
I’ve had it since Dec 04, it’s just coming up to 9,000 miles. I choose the bike and the spec for a very specific purpose. I was commuting 26+ miles a day, some of it along gravel tracks, a lot of it in the dark. I was prepared to pay what it would cost over a year if I didn’t cycle, but no more. It’s fulfilled its function perfectly and so much more. I didn’t think it would be so much fun to ride. It handles like it’s on rails, I can load it up with 4 panniers without it making much difference, it’s pretty capable off road (more capable than the rider, hence the shoulder[B)]) and at all times it’s extremely comfortable. I’ve even used it for a couple of 200k audax rides when my other bike was indisposed, it was a bit slower, but not as much as I would have expected The hub itself has been as faultless as hoped, I’ve done three oil changes and am still on the same chain. I was a bit fanatical at first about chain tension, adjusting it every couple of weeks, since Thorn updated the info in the handbook I’ve been more relaxed about it. I was advised by an experienced Rohloff owner to change the oil as soon as the initial breaking in period was over, it was good advice, it made it very smooth. The noise never bothered me and it’s now quieter than a derailleur in 12 gears.
It’s not my favourite bike, riding to work is not my favourite sort of riding. If I’m ever in need of another fun bike (Unlikely as the one I’ve got should last a lifetime) it would be a Rohloff. Your bike shows what can be done if you decide not to compromise, I like it, though it’s not what I’d choose it’s got me dreaming about what I would.
