Rohloff 500/14 CC Wheel Torque Setting

[StuntPilot]

I have searched the forum and looked up the Rohloff Speedhub manual.

Can anyone confirm the correct torque setting for the Rohloff 500/14 CC (quick release type)? I understand that over tightening can damage the bearings.

Also can anyone suggest a small reasonably priced torque drive or set (not a workshop sized one)?

[rualexander]

Surely as its the quick release version, then torque doesn't come into it?
Clamping pressure maybe, but not sure how you'd measure it.

[StuntPilot]

Yes, its the quick release version (as opposed to the solid axle) but I should have mentioned that I have Pitlock skewers fitted so that necessitates the tightening of the Pitlock nut.

Sorry! I should have explained that 

[Danneaux]

Hi Richard!

I too faced this question and decided to investigate it a bit firsthand.

Using some deformable torque-rating strips leftover from my auto-shop days, some spare dropouts from my framebuilding supplies and some math, I confirmed to my satisfaction that an internal-cam (sometimes referred to as "enclosed") hub quick-release can generate pretty hefty compressive clamping loads. For another take on this, http://bikeeng.blogspot.com/2009/02/quick-release-force.html

It's easy to confirm end-loaded "pressure" from a quick-release can compress a threaded quick-release axle; that's why I've found it is best to adjust q/r wheel bearings while clamped in spare drops or with some sort of leeway; under pressure, I've found threaded axles compress like springs a few mils and can squash the cones tighter into the bearings. All-thread axles compress more than solid axles in my experience. Unless there is a non-deformable thrust-washer between cartridge bearings to transfer force, they too can be end-loaded by a too-tight quick-release.

When my Nomad arrived, I checked the Thorn-supplied external-cam quick-release on the rear hub. It was set so the q/r faces contacted the drops with the lever set at 90º. This has since proven ideal for my needs, keeping the hub secure in the frame while allowing the Rohloff hub to turn freely. Please note, external-cam q/rs develop considerably less clamping pressure than internal-cam versions cetris paribus (other factors being largely equal). See: http://sheldonbrown.com/skewers.html ...and... http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/angryasian-death-to-crappy-quick-release-skewers-36417/

The external cam q/r works to advantage by helping avoid over-clamping of the Rohloff axle and bearings. Thorn's use of vertical rear dropouts/frame ends reduce need for high clamping tension because the axle cannot slide forward as can happen with ramped dropouts.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Dan. (...who still owns two of Grant Petersen's hand-brazed Bridgestone dealer's countertop quick-release demonstrators)

[Danneaux]

I should have mentioned that I have Pitlock skewers fitted so that necessitates the tightening of the Pitlock nut. Sorry! I should have explained that

Ah, posted before I checked the prior reply, Richard.

Given the Pitlock's much smaller thread-clamping diameter (a q/r axle rather than a hub axle), you should be fine following Pitlock's clamping recommendations. Keep in mind, Pitlocks have been known to break when overtightened. This probably prevents the Rohloff bearings from receiving excessive compressive loads, but is not an ideal solution. 

Best,

Dan.

[julk]

I have Pitlock skewers with my Rohloff Thorn.

Pitlock recommend a tightening torque of 5 - 10 Nms, specifically a max of 7 Nms for Rohloff quick-release axles.

This is easy to get with a torque wrench, sadly accurate ones are not that cheap.

Without a torque wrench Pitlock recommend, after correct assembly,
• Tighten the coded nut by hand with the PIT key
• Then use a tool to fasten the nut by 1 to 1.5 additional turns (I would reckon that is 1 turn for a Rohloff).

I hope this helps.
Julian

[Andre Jute]

A small, relatively inexpensive torque wrench kit good for most of the modern bike range is made by BBB. I bought mine used at a bike shop: it was in the field kit of their racing team and I made them an offer they couldn't refuse to let me have theirs rather than wait for one to be ordered. Here's a new one for sale:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-btl-73-torqueset-torque-spanner-set/

The Shimano SJS sells looks amazingly similar but doesn't go down to the 2Nm of quite a few Rohloff settings:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-pro-3-15-nm-torque-wrench-set-prod25639/

My BBB has served me well. It works for everything to do with the Rohloff, and the front hub, and all threads cut into ali, or components fitted by ali bolts, everything between 2Nm and 14nM (given from memory).

I keep a sheet of all the torque settings on my bike in the case with the torque wrench.

You need a bigger torque wrench for tightening crank bolts and so on, high torque items. For this, don't scorn the old-fashioned swinging pointer analogue devices, and you don't need to pay for the Park name either: a Draper is much cheaper and works as well. It's a pity you can't get those for low-torque applications like the Rohloff.

[StuntPilot]

Dan and Julian

Thanks for the info. Yes, I have found a reference too that states 7Nm with the skewer-type Rohloff hub. Interesting to know that hand-tightening then 1 - 1.5 turns should be appleid to the Pitlock nut to obtain the correct torque. Useful to know on tour without the torque wrench present!

I have been running the Pitlocks by tightening by hand then half a turn with a hex key or spanner. The wheel did not fall off during the summer tour! It is good to know that I have not been over tightening the Pitlocks with the Rohloff which is good to know.  

[StuntPilot]

Andre - was typing while you posted! Yes, I have found the BBB Torque Set and it looks a handy piece of kit for setting the torque on both the Rohloff and SON Dynamo. By Googling around it looks like the BBB set can be found a bit cheaper on some sites.

I have also found the Madison set that looks remarkably similar ...

http://www.madison.co.uk/products/cycling/tools-maintenance-repair/multitools-torx-hex-wrenches/torque-wrench/