Alfine11 di2 versus Rohloff speedhub internal hub gears

[@simonchetwynd]

1 Year update. Rohloff now has over 4000 miles on it. No problems at all with it. Oil changing is easy, identical process to the Alfine - you just screw a syringe and tube in to the drain hole, pull a vacuum and the old oil comes out. After 600 miles the colour of the used oil was frightening, but much cleaner at 3000 miles, wearing in process I guess. Wear on rear sprocket is quite high due to its small size, it's difficult to decide when to replace it. Alfine lasts longer as it has more teeth. I went for biggest size Rohloff do on the replacement and upped the front sprocket to suit. Headphone socket and plug works on the Alfine but is a little unsightly and fiddly. Need to cable tie it on so weight of connector bouncing about doesn't pull the cables or go into the spokes. I waterproofed it with cling film. Rohloff is fitted to a Cotic Roadrat. I added a cheap chain tensioner to the horizontal drop outs to make it easier to adjust the chain. Still don't like the rotary shifter on the Rohloff. Very easy to miss gears and it quite slippery when trying to change gears in the wet.

[@andrewallen9918]

Rohloff will soon release an electronic shifter; I realise it's not out yet and initially only for Bosch e-bikes but looks like it would improve the shifting if they decided to offer it to standard bikes.

[@alexmorgan3435]

My Rohloff has performed faultlessly in the 2 years I've had it and has over 10,000 miles on it now. It is just run in. The shifting is super smooth and I don't get miss shifts. Also no broken or loose spokes. All good.

[@milordroy5088]

Instead of the cling film and headphone socket, maybe consider this and Velcro "tie" to keep it secure against the frame when in use? www.amazon.com/MUYI-Waterproof-Connector-1-5mm-Terminal/dp/B01A6LTK44/

[@krollpeter]

I dislike all rotary shifters, regardless the brand. I prefer lever shifters.

[@petesig93]

I have been riding a Rohloff on my touring bike for 30,000kms. Maintenance needs are minimal - tension the chain with the EBB, replace the oil in the hub every 5,000kms, change the chain when it wears out.. I have worn through 3 chains and changed the chainring and sprocket once. BTW, any comments about oil-leaks are often misguided. Check Rohloff's specs - if all the oil should leak out there will still be enough oil adhering to the internal cogs to take you through to the next oil-change. If there are too many drip incidents, refill with 15ml rather than the allocated 25ml. Rohloff acknowledge that the 25ml is overkill and you will get oil drips and seepage; the minimum oil refill required is 12ml. With a 15ml fill I get no drips and much less seepage.

[@mustaphasanina9715]

Peter Signorini n

[@theArkit3cht]

Thank you for the great review. Man, your idea for the headphone connector is a fantastic idea! Seriously.

[@2233golf2]

Great video...,about the Rohloff hub I can say that I bought a bike with Rohloff hub in 2002 and it never failed.....I sold this bike at 21.000 miles- and the new owner is now at about 33.500 miles- the Rohloff still works like a charm.Rohloff needs an oil change a year when used a lot.

[@zacharykondas9787]

Thank you for the video! you really convinced me on the Alfine even though it has those reliability issues I think I can make a quick release connector like you were talking about.

[@isbemorph]

thanks for the honest review, basically its a fairly new hub, yet it has issues. I only had a good experience with 3speed hubs, they work and are easy to service, now i'm after 7-8speed but i think i'll pass on it, and get standard dirty greasy messy derailleur.

[@felixcat9318]

Good to see that you're going to rework the motor connection to ensure that the component is able to be reused.

[@nishanbaev]

Thank you! It was very interesting and useful.

[@alexmorgan3435]

I can see the Di2 Alfine changes a lot quicker but my Rohloff is pretty slick and quick. It has never skipped gears in 2000 miles. I oiled the inner cables with chain saw oil before I slipped them in. Rohloff is more agricultural in sound, but it's reliability is miles ahead of the Alfine. And the Rohloff hub doesn't leak.

[@mickoholland1]

Simon, On the Di2 if you give the end connector a slight squeeze with the pliers (not very technical) it will improve the connection a bit. I've been doing that with mine for a few years, works no bother

[@2_DEEP_THINKING]

thanks! it would be nice to hear you talk about the chain vs belt...

[@Bikejon]

You could use a JC41 junction box inline and disconnect the cable there. It may still wear but the junction box has two extra ports to use and is a lot cheaper than the motor unit. The box is designed to be tucked away internally so may need extra weather-proofing for this use.

[@daytriker]

A simple fix for the freezing cable problem is to put transmission fluid inside your housing. I have been running my Alfine 11 with tranny fluid for the past 2 years & it shifts smooth as silk. I'm sure the Rohloff is a fine piece of kit but at more than twice the cost of the Alfine & not being able to get the same Gear Spread was enough to convince me that the Alfine was the better buy. It might not last 20 years like the Rohlly but replacing it will still leave money in my bank account.

[@daytriker]

Just an update. I have now had my Alfine 11 for roughly 7 years & at a guess around 10,000 kms since I ride about 1500 per year on my recumbent trike. Last Summer I developed a shifting problem since I had leaked out some transmission fluid from transporting my trike with the back wheel folded. Turns out I did most of my 3 day trip without any or barely any fluid in the hub. I sent it in for evaluation & it needed $20. in parts plus flushing & servicing. The hub expert who worked on it advised me that the problem was swollen seals from the ATF & advised not using it since it will attack some rubber or plastic parts in the hub. So after a good flush, service with new seals & installing Shimano oil I am still riding with this same $700. hub after 7 years plus I was able to get it serviced in Canada. No overseas shipping or months of waiting. No complaints at my end for the Alfine 11

[@GeoffTV2]

Thanks for a great review of these two hubs. I was surprised that one aspect not mentioned is the price of the two systems. A quick Google search reveals that I can get the Shimano 11 speed for £280-£330 and the Rohloff 14 speed for £760-£1200. That's a pretty massive price difference. The huge price of the Rohloff will put some people off even if it is the better system.

[@Mexximillion]

I have my hands on both atm, the internal components of the Alfine are cheap. Mine is making horrible noises in 2nd gear while not engaging the gear, to the point where I don't dare using it. (No point anyways as it just won't engage) The Rohloff I got 2nd hand with an entire (brilliant) Stevens bike attached to it for 850€ is now 10k km later (20.000 total now) never gave me any reason to disassemble it. Everything still works as on day 1. I'd never buy an Alfine again. Cheaply made, no joy.

[@philhunt1442]

Alfine with Di2 setup will be roughly 700

[@PsyCandyGames]

Thanks, Simon. Very informative review.

[@kurnaikent]

This is great thanks! Can you do a video on how on the basics of the Rohloff? E.g., how to put the wheel back on (non-belt drive), how to retrofit a Rholoff to an existing derailleur bikes and what you should consider?

[@bgalloway7199]

Di2 wires, always use the tool that should be provided to you. You damage the connectors by disconnecting by just your hands. Shimano is very explicit about this, your bike shop should tell you this, any competent bike mechanic would.

[@MentalistCaldwell]

Wow. Great review. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@ed0078]

Well done. Very informative.

[@manilafixedgear2312]

What would a comparable gearing be to line up with a regular compact 34-50 chain set and a 32 Cassette?, I am building up a bike for a very long tour and I am split between converting over to a internal gear hub or just running it with a regular group set. My concern is the low range, I hit 18% climbs on the regular locally and my riding style is high cadence 90-100 when climbing, I certainly want enough gear for ever I may face, esp fully loaded. Longevity is a concern regarding an internal hub but I think it is the best option as it cuts down on possible mechanical issues due to no mechs and only one cog but all be it when they do go wrong it could very well be game over or a long wait for parts to be shipped.. Regards

[@canyoneagle]

Nice video - very informative. Out of curiosity - have you tried waxing your chain rather than using conventional lube? In my experience, a waxed chain provides a much cleaner drivetrain.

[@23fm]

Really informative, thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@NewYorker79924]

Very interesting video . . thanks for making it available. Sadly the Rohloff is soo much more expensive. At least now I am informed.

[@rdkuless]

Can you use the Surly U (dual side) axle hitch for the trailer with either of these..? I have a SRAM DD3 with a clickbox and it won't allow anything being attached to the right side axle..

[@Gromitdog1]

18 months is old? Its just getting broken in.

[@Jerry_from_analytics]

I loved my Alfine8 until I gave it to do the yearly oil(grease?) procedure. It started leaking afterwards and messing with disk brakes. And this is what also deters me from Rohloff or Alfine11+di2 type products: it's just not common enough so you can find good experienced mechanics to maintain it. Which is bit of a bummer.

[@Paganizondaf650]

Oil in an Alfine 8? As far as I know the 8 speed version is just a lighter Nexus 8 and is therefore greased. No wonder the oil is leaking of someone really put oil in it

[@spiritualdeath101]

This is what puts me off both - I have a 7-speed nexus hub gear and it needs disassembling, cleaning, re-greasing and reassembling - exactly what Simon does in one of his videos. Sadly people with these skills don't exist anymore in the UK. Maybe I'll get a workshop one day and have a go myself.

[@6___________99_____________64]

If you can't find a mechanic.....Become the mechanic !

[@Hubieee]

Try to fasten the nut screw that tightens up the gearhub just to the point where the gearhub doesn‘t move anymore when you shake it slightly. Then fasten the nut screw with the counter nut screw. Also so can try to seal the ball bearing ring of the gearhub with a bit of grease, same on the other side. Also instead of using some 25 ml-ish oil, go more for 15 ml.

[@brianbassett4379]

One is built to last, the other is built to last long enough. Guess which one cost more.

[@winstonpoplin]

Which one? Im new to this scene so i legit would like to know.

[@brianbassett4379]

@@winstonpoplin If you are looking for the best... a Rohloff Speedhub cannot be beaten. I have over 20K miles on mine and much of it under a heavy load and with more than "normal" amounts of torque being applied. During that time the only necessary maintenance has been oil changes and flipping, then replacing the gear due to chain wear. $1600.00+ dollars and worth every penny. Stay safe. - photos.app.goo.gl/wP8vs7T5hLpNjSBX8

[@pibblesnbits]

Great thorough review. Thanks for sharing!

[@bozidarzabavnik5768]

Has anyone tried oil additives to make the oil thixotropic?

[@chrishanford6182]

You've got some great kit Simon, i'm very jealous. I have a Genesis Croix De Fer and I would like to put a Rohloff hub on it to use it to go on a long tour, would you happen to know if this is possible? Belt rather than chain? Hope you can help me with this as you seem to know your onions

[@spiritualdeath101]

Hi Simon. Thanks very much for these wonderful videos - I am planning to modify a standard 26" wheel MTB with a rohloff or an alfine for winter off-road/mud climbing. These hubs seem both excellent options. I do c. 45 miles/week - 50% of this is on steep muddy bridleways - I suspect the Alfine is probably good enough & I don't really need the ultra-durable Rohloff. On another topic. I have a Nexus 7 on my much loved dahon folding bike. I'm looking for a mechanic to re-grease it. Do you know anyone? - I suspect that my local bike shops are not likely to know how to do this. My hub is 6 years old and has done c.2,000 miles. I think the grease is drying out. Thanks.

[@ilikewasabe]

does the 7-8 speed have the same oil leeking issue? im thinking of converting my commuter fixed gear bike to an alfine system though the shimano alfine is fairly new to me

[@lhc7970]

Great review, thanks.

[@mrljgibson]

Needs a hack to sort out those Shimano Di cables, I'm sure they could use something better than that under designed thin mess.

[@RynaxAlien]

What about bearing lifespan of Alfine? Rohloff has replaceable industrial bearings.

[@RadioSnivins]

Love to know what the equivalent derailleur gears for a compact/standard are.

[@petesig93]

The Rohloff has a comparable gear range to an 8 or 9-speed MTB, 520%. The Alfine 11 is narrower at 360%, probably similar to a road bike or hybrid with 2x9 gearing.

[@peterm.7497]

Did you use the Shimano connector tool when connecting and disconnecting the plugs. I just purchased the tool and on Amazon, people are suggestion the tool may prevent issues.

[@peterm.7497]

Good suggestion below -- use an external junction for rear wheel removal.; so as a precaution, I did buy an external junction. I agree, should I need to replace something -- it will be the 30 dollar junction.

[@simonchetwynd]

No I use needle nose pliers, didn't even know Shimano did a tool, and looking at the price on Amazon (£££) can't imagine ever buying it. Squeezing the connectors gets them to work for a short while but they will still fail. My home made external connector box works and avoids the problem but it's not something people should have to do. Shimano obviously took di2 off derailuers and put it on Alfine without thinking it through

[@peterm.7497]

Shimano TL-EW02 Di2 E-Tube Wiring Plug Tool. Thanks for the review.

[@bambiloren]

rohloff is good but its ridiculously expensive.

[@Xerdoz]

09:26 Tell me more about those single Russian women...

[@aaronwhite9522]

Someone needs to clear their cookies.

[@naamangeist7843]

I don't own either one but would think the Rohloff would be quicker to downshift to 1st after an abrupt stop. The Alfine has to be shifted one gear per button press, the Rohloff can be shifted straight to 1st gear with one quick roll of the shift grip. Has this been your experience? I never downshift any of my bikes 1 gear at a time, even at a normal stop.

[@daytriker]

Not correct. The Alfine using the trigger shifter will shift 2 gears per single pull. I'm pretty sure the Rohlly will give your wrist a good work out after a couple of days riding.

[@naamangeist7843]

@@daytriker this comment is 4-years-old and I purchased my Rohloff shortly after this comment and my expectations were on point. Very happy with my purchase.

[@daytriker]

@@naamangeist7843 That may be an old comment but someone reading it would still think the Alfine only makes a single gear change on each trigger pull. So I added the correction.

[@nickwf70]

Having tried both the alfine is faster and easier to use in traffic due to the trigger shifter you can click though 2 gears at a time quite rapidly. The rolhoff requires a little care to be sure it's engaged properly between shifts so I find the alfine easier to thrash around town. However the rolhoff feels more efficient , definitely faster climbing hills.

[@mrljgibson]

Surprised no third party has created electronic shifting for the Rohloff as it is so modular.

[@scottbailey1562]

On the Alfine 11 Di2 just use a longer cable to the shift motor. You can then remove the wheel/hub assembly and subsequently remove the shift motor leaving it's cable attached and place/tie it aside. As for hub prices, yes the Rohloff is 4 or 5 times the price of the bare Alfine 11 hub, but by the time you have bought the battery, bracket, display, shifter switch, junction box and cables, the damage to your wallet looks much more like a Rohloff hit it! My Alfine is absolutely great; no leaks, always shifts spot on.

[@vicgravelrides2]

I Own Both Alfine 11 mechanical and the Rohloff with a Quick release why would you have the nutted version of the rohloff

[@simonchetwynd]

So someone can't steel the wheel without tools

[@alexmorgan3435]

Pitlock locking skewers are what you need. Also with a QR Rohloff hub you need tuggnuts to securely hold the hub otherwise it can slip where as this doesn't happen with an nutted axle Rohloff as you can tighten it a lot more securely. With a QR Rohloff and tuggnuts either side you need an extra long rear skewer as most rear QRs are nowhere near long enough. You need at least 175mm. Pitlock do a universal 200mm stainless steel skewer which you can cut down.

[@Ihwaz13]

The quick release doesn't have enough clamping strength to keep the wheel from being pulled out of alignement in horizontal drop outs.

[@ЕвгенийАрьков-с7р]

Rol off, all fine!

[@HushemFlupskluk]

Icing up probably means it has fatty lubricant. My alfine 8 hub iced up a bit when it was frosty outside because it was fat lubrucant in there. Oil lubrated parts would not ice up like that. Handlebar gears are bad when pedalling hard. You would kick damage the internal gears in one kick. Rohloff still is a very good option because the gears are shorter. I think the Rohloff is alot sturdier then the Alfine 11. I Have been riding an Alfine 11 for 3k KM and I say that Alfine 11 probably does not suit the bike racer very well. I imagine that a Rohloff must feel sturdy vs the Alfine that has a more spungy sensation to it when pedaling. Great compare video keep going ;)

[@simonchetwynd]

The mechanism freezes up because fine ice particles get kicked up by the front wheel onto the mechanism. Also moisture in the cable freezes, expands and jams the cable

[@HushemFlupskluk]

Thanks for replying. Hmm would silicone spray keep the ice off? Anti ice spray?

[@keithjenkins7919]

Spent fortune in Alfine DI2, even the Shimano shop cannot get it to work, crap info on the web, it's like some sort of secret society. This is my first foray away from Campag, never again.

[@santadrax]

How is she? I mean Single Russian Women? ;-)

[@chrishanford6182]

What are you talking about?

[@damianhickey6812]

9.28, top of phone :)

[@santadrax]

yesssss

[@chrishanford6182]

Funny lol

[@enosunim]

Primož Draksler, It is not "she" it is "they" ))) And I would say, be aware. Russian single women are dangerous. Especially, Russian divorced women. ))))

[@dennisduran8500]

On the top of his phone you can see his preference in women 😅

[@alexmorgan3435]

So a pretty good comparison comparing an 18 month old Alfine hub with 4,5k miles on it and a brand new Rohloff hub with 100 miles on it ................. The Rohloff hub is superior in every way. It's like comparing a Swiss, albeit German Swiss, watch with a crappy knock off copy made in China.

[@gabrielgomescunha]

Dude... You are comparing a 200£ (Shimano) hub with a almost 1000£ hub... Are you serious? Plus being dumb enough to use electronic shifter... That's just looking for trouble