Is the Rohloff Hub worth the initial outlay?

 
The Rohloff hub is sublime. If you are thinking of getting a long-term touring bike, then there is no alternative.
 
We can fit them to most bikes.
 
The price will depend on the rim chosen and the amount of other work needed, so will be from £1000 to £1700. The bike pictured above is for sale.
 
We promise to use spokes of the correct length and lace it up the proper way.
 
Amazingly, there are a few disadvantages to the Rohloff. It is very expensive, but worth the money. It is slightly heavier than a derailieur system of similar range, but not much. It does make noises, more in some gears than others. Apparantly these noises stop after a few thousand miles.
 
If you don't need a gear range of 526%, then get a 7 speed. For commuting the Rohloff is overkill.
 
If you want to know what is inside one, look at this.
 
We can report that Dr. Colin Guthrie has now ridden his Rohloff equipped Norwid about 5000 miles (in six months (really)) and has worn out one chain and chainring and eight brake blocks. The Marathon Plus tyre on the rear wheel is showing signs of wear. All the grease was washed out of his pedals. The Rohloff is working well, apart from one incident where it went into a no drive position between 7 and 8.
Colin has broken almost every bike part possible, including the only two Longstaff trike axles ever to fail, so this is yet another testimony to the phenomenal quality of this hub.
For further info visit Rohloff