Gilles Berthoud Drop bar rohloff changer and thorn rohloff changer drop bars.

[macspud]

For those of you that are interested in a Rohloff but prefer drop bars, on page 5 of the 2012 Nomad II catalogue there is the following:

"Recently, the French engineer, Gilles Berthoud has introduced a shifter which will work on drop bars.
This shifter is manufactured in 3 sections, which can be manoeuvred around the bends of drop bars and assembled in situ.
Gilles worked in close collaboration with Rohloff, who have given their approval for its use."

"Stop Press"

"We have had our own DROP BARS made for Rohloff.
Look how close we've managed to get the GB shifter to the stem!
This creates sufficient room "on the tops" for a comfortable hand position."

They look very good and I'm sure will interest many with drop bars as a preference.

Regards,

Iain.

[NZPeterG]

Yes this is making me look at going back to Running a Rohloff Speedhub.
Love riding with Drop Handlebars and have find the gear charge a pain as only can fit onto a 22.2mm bar.
I started making a gear charger it mount under the bar's but switch to STD gear's to lighting up My Bike for riding in Africa with Tour d'Afrique this year!
I run a Rohloff for 6+ years
Pete..

[keleher]

I'm looking at this as well, but why did thorn make a new handlebar? Won't the new shifter fit on most standard handlebars?

For instance the Nitto Classic 115?

[Danneaux]

why did thorn make a new handlebar? Won't the new shifter fit on most standard handlebars?

Hi Pete!

If I understand Thorn's reasoning correctly, the new handlebars will allow the GB shifter unit to slide closer to the stem than would be possible with regular handlebars (probably through a narrower than usual center ferrule or bulge).

Most drop 'bars have a swelling/bulge/ferrule in the center where the stem clamps. This would have a larger outside diameter than the rest of the handlebars, and might well prevent the GB shifter from sliding as far left as it needs to free up maximum grip space on the 'bar-tops with the shifter installed.

So...yes, the GB shifter should fit on most standard handlebars. No, it would not fit as far left toward the stem on those standard 'bars as it would on Thorn's bespoke models. I think.

FWIW, some shop-mechanic friends in Europe with firsthand experience are a bit skeptical the GB unit is as fully-developed as needs be (they were vague on details when I asked them), but I have the impression it is still be best solution at present for those wishing to use drop 'bars and Rohloff hubs together.

Best,

Dan.

[kwkirby01]

I visited Thorn recently and was impressed with how smooth and well engineered the GB shifter appeared to be. The only downside was the exposed cabling.
Kevin