FAQ details

Changing gears

All 14 gears of the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 are selectable through one twist shifter, so that in one turn it is possible to change up or down by one or more gears.
The red mark on the twist shifter casing next to the gear numbers informs the user of which gear has been selected. The assembly instructions show the twist shifter being fitted to the right hand side of the handlebars, however, in special circumstances it is possible to fit the twist shifter to the left hand side.
When rotating the twist shifter in the direction of #14, a harder, faster gear is selected. When rotating the twist shifter in the direction of #1, an easier, slower gear is selected.

In contrast to other gear systems on the market, with the Rohloff SPEEDHUB there is no delay between gear selection on the twist shifter and gear change in the hub. The moment the notch can be felt in the twist shifter, the gear has been changed. Therefore a quick and failure free gear change is possible whilst riding and also when stationary.

When changing, gear coupling elements inside the hub must move and when there is more pressure on the pedals it is obvious there is more pressure on these coupling elements resulting in a harder gear change. Whilst stationary or when there is less pressure on the pedals, the twist shifter has less resistance and therefore a lighter gear change is possible. In a situation whereby it is not possible to reduce the pressure on the pedals (e.g. hill climbing), it is still
possible to change gear quickly and smoothly. Simply change gear when the cranks are in a straight up-down position where hardly any pressure is being applied upon the pedals.

Changing gear with the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 with pressure on the pedals is not necessary when being used appropriately. However due to the robust construction of the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 changing gear under pressure is possible and is not harmful to the hub. It is however possible that when changing gears under high pressure the hub could accidentally fall into a neutral gear, this is due to the coupling elements not seating correctly into the next elements and therefore rebounding back. If this occurs the rider could lose
balance and crash. Changing gears under high pressure is at the riders own risk.

Particulars:

If changing up and down slowly or under high pressure between the gears #7 and #8, it is possible to fall momentarily into gear #14.