Finding The Right Gear Transmission

The ideal gear to match every pace

When considering the purchase of a new electric bicycle, it is always preferable to prioritize the best components, good comfort, and, probably above all, reliability. Therefore, we typically look for a robust frame, high-quality brakes, and smooth suspensions.

Whatever plans and expectations, you will find the perfect gear among the Riese & Müller E-Bikes.
The options can be classified into two primary hypotheses:
The traditional derailleur, the world's most widely used gear system;
The internal gear hub, which eliminates the derailleur and cassettes, opting for a single drive unit in the form of a steel chain or a more contemporary carbon belt drive.

A CONTEXTUAL CHOICE

Both options are excellent in their respective niches, although - beyond the technical details - the choice rellies in four perspectives:
1. What compromises we are willing to make in terms of maintenance;
2. The terrain where we will ride most often;
3. How familiar we are with the shifting game;
4. Our own ratio of quality/price regarding the components themselves.

The gear system plays a crucial role in any bicycle, whether conventional or an E-Bike.
Our context will dictate the chosen gear system, and this applies to E-Bikes as well.

DERAILLEUR

For those who enjoy changing gears, the derailleur is the ideal choice.

This classic system is the regular option commonly found in bicycle shops, and most likely, everyone who has tried riding a bike has used a derailleur system. After years of refinement, current options offer faster and more responsive transitions.

The derailleur system is accompanied by a steel chain that connects the traditional cassette system with the pedaling force. The greater the number of cassette wheels, the wider the gear scope.

Touring models may include 10 or 11 speeds, such as the Shimano Deore or Shimano Shadow+. However, some bicycles can surpass this number, with long-distance options easily covering 20 or 40 speeds!

DERAILLEUR - gears

As we have a variable system, we can fully profit the torque. So, it is common to find a derailleur with sports models for mountain or grand touring.

Because here we have a wider range of gears, there is a need to train how to accurately use the derailleur. Most relevant, shifting requires pedalling, something that demands practice.

The wrong gear can compromise the E-Bike behaviour, especially taking into account the engine's torque. For example, by going up with lower gear than it is supposed to, we will force the engine to provide increased support that can seriously damage its components. Bearing in mind the idea is to take advantage of the gear game with the motor mode assistance, it is most important.

DERAILLEUR - Maintenance

Another point to consider is the maintenance of the derailleur.
With frequent speed changes during demanding sports sessions, there will be significant wear on the components. The cassette wheels will degrade over time, and the steel chain may either break or jump out of place, requiring manual adjustment (perhaps with oily hands in the absence of tools). The road vibrations and typical adventurous usage of the E-Bike can also lead to some broken parts.

Inevitably, a visit to a bike shop would be necessary to replace worn components. Riding a bicycle with faulty components is not advisable for obvious reasons. While derailleur components are generally more affordable, the simple logic applies: the better the system, the higher the quality of its components, and the less maintenance they will require.

internal HUB GEARS

Hub gears have gained immense popularity due to their low maintenance requirements and easy, highly comfortable operation.

Unlike the derailleur gear, the shifting process doesn't involve moving the chain but occurs within the hub situated in the middle of the rear wheel. This closed system ensures the gear is consistently protected from moisture and dirt.

This gear type also enables the use of a modern, lightweight, and exceptionally quiet carbon belt drive, such as the one from Gates. Carbon belts, lasting at least 30.000 km, endure frequent rides through mountains and across countries. They are relatively silent, require no oil or grease, weigh less than steel, and last four times longer than a regular chain. While the belt is more challenging to replace, considering its longevity, it can be more cost-effective in the medium to long term.

"Easy" and "intuitive" are commonly used to describe how an internal gear hub works, making gear changes as simple as adjusting the handlebar wrist mechanism up or down.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - Enviolo 380

Instead of lots of complex gearing and components, the Enviolo 380 uses rotating and incline-adjustable balls that are positioned between two discs. This makes it easy to shift while stationary.

With the Enviolo gear hub, you always ride with the perfect gear ratio without any gaps between shifts, because through an infinite number of gears within a gear ratio range of 380 %, shifting is a very smooth process. Its simple operation with the rotating handle on the handlebars means that the perfect gear can be selected intuitively.

Thanks to the lack of gear jumps, the riding comfort is markedly increased compared to conventional gear changes.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - Enviolo automatiq

The automatic shifting version, Enviolo automatiq, offers enhanced comfort.

We can choose our preferred pedaling rate, and the system automatically selects the right gear and shifts. This ensures a relaxed experience, even on inclines, without exerting yourself. It provides increased convenience by allowing the gear system to decide which gear is better suited according to the pedalling cadency, pedal pressure and bicycle overall speed.

After brief interruptions, like stopping at traffic lights, the system automatically shifts back to the optimal gear. You have the flexibility to adjust the pedal frequency at any time through the Bosch E-Bike display and external control unit.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - Nexus-8

Nexus 8-speed hub gears, equipped with coasting, are effortlessly operated using a convenient twist grip on the handlebar. Known for their reliability, these hub gears are low-maintenance, making them ideal for riders who prefer minimal gear maintenance.

Shifting is possible even when stationary, and some models come with a coaster brake function for added safety in various riding situations.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - ROHLOFF SPEEDHUB

La crème de la crème belongs to the ROHLOFF internal gear hub system, with 14 shifts.

This speed hub has no match to how fast we can change shifts. According to the German manufacturer, we get a 520% superior performance mechanically wise. Because it is a closed system, the parts are secluded from mud, dust, rain and other hazards. There are no exposed points. It is advisable an oil change every 5000 km, a procedure that lasts (usually) no longer than 10 minutes.

Overall, ROHLOFF internal gear hub can last up to 100000 kms of usage, till the system begins to show signs of retirement. It can be paired with a carbon belt drive, as the nature of an internal gear hub involves a simple belt unit.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - ROHLOFF E-14 SPEED

The electronic Rohloff E-14 gear links the mechanical Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed gear hub to the eShift function of the Bosch E-Bike system – an electronic gear shift activation unit.

An ergonomic switch with two buttons - one to increase gears, another one to reduce replaces the twist shift grip and gear cables. You can now shift gear in less than 200 ms – and that’s with a 526 % gear ratio.

Multi-shift mode simultaneously shifts 3 gears in a single sequence, while the auto-downshift function automatically returns the gear to your individually selected starting gear when the bike comes to a standstill. Especially when teamed up with the Gates Carbon Belt Drive, the E-14 makes full use of its advantages.

INTERNAL GEAR HUB - ROHLOFF - Shifts

An added advantage is the capability to make multiple shifts simultaneously.

According to the brand, there's a consistent 13.6% ratio between shifts, ensuring predictability and control. When shifting to the desired speed, the system preselects the next one, preventing hiccups or failures, with an efficiency of around 95/98%.

Gears are switched using a two-cable system that pulls in different directions as needed. They are indexed to the internal gear hub, eliminating the need for adjustments. These shorter cables, compared to other internal gear hub systems, can handle stronger wheels, making them ideal for grand touring or a more adventurous style of riding.

However, the noise it produces, especially between gears 1 and 7, is impossible to ignore. What may be more bothersome is the price, as it is by far the most expensive gear system on the market. It adds weight to both the wallet and the bike itself, with its 500 grams (almost two Shimano XLT). Nevertheless, it's essential to consider that weight is usually not a significant concern when riding electric bicycles.

find the one who suits you

In summary, the choice of gear systems boils down to the convenience factor.

Do you prefer a simpler solution, easy to ride, or are you seeking a more comprehensive solution to meet specific demands? For some, the adventure lies in controlling the smallest details of how the E-Bike behaves, while others find joy in a simpler, carefree riding experience.

Fortunately, there is room for everyone!

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