Converting to a Rohloff hub

Conversions are one of the most common requests we get: you want a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 in a bike that has a derailleur or another hub gear. Most frames can be converted, but which hub version and which mounting it takes is decided by your frame.

What decides which hub you need?

Dropouts and axle. Horizontal dropouts take only the bolted-axle TS version. Vertical dropouts take the quick-release CC or the TS. A frame with a 12 mm thru-axle takes the A12 system — which needs a dimensional check first, see the article on the pre-conversion check.

How the torque is taken up. The hub braces against the frame when you pedal. That can be done with the long torque arm on the chainstay, through the disc brake mount (the OEM2 axle plate for an IS mount, the PM axle plate for Direct PostMount), or with the OEM axle plate on frames with Rohloff OEM dropouts.

The brake. A rear disc brake needs the DB version, which always has external shift actuation (EX). The lighter internal actuation needs a cable stop on the frame at least 240 mm from the rear axle — and cannot be combined with a rear disc brake.

Chain or belt. With a chain, most frames work; sliding dropouts, an eccentric bottom bracket or a chain tensioner keep the chain tight. A Gates belt drive needs a frame that opens so the closed belt can be fitted, and the rear triangle must be stiff enough.

Axle width. For fat bikes there are the XL (170/177 mm) and XXL (190/197 mm) versions.

The versions are described in detail in SPEEDHUB versions.

How it works with us

1. Send photos of the bike, the rear dropouts and the hub area through the contact form, and tell us what you have in mind.
2. The check. We check the dropout spacing, the brake mount, the torque support mounting points and the chain or belt line.
3. The estimate. We tell you which hub version and which extras you need, and what it costs — see Estimates and costs.
4. The build. We order the exactly fitting version, lace the wheel, fit it and set up the shifting.