04/11/2023
Maintaining your bicycle's components is crucial for ensuring a smooth, efficient, and long-lasting ride. When it comes to the highly engineered Rohloff SPEEDHUB, proper lubrication is paramount. Despite its sophisticated internal workings, changing the oil in a Rohloff hub is surprisingly straightforward – a task that any cyclist can confidently undertake. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for a successful oil change and introduce you to Rohloff's dedicated chain lubricant, helping you keep your drivetrain running like clockwork.
It's vital to note that for optimal performance and to preserve your warranty, you should only use Rohloff's hub oils. The manufacturer recommends an oil change every 5,000 kilometres or annually, whichever comes first. Adhering to this schedule ensures the internal gears remain perfectly lubricated, minimising wear and maximising the hub's renowned durability. The process is designed to be accessible, requiring just a few specific tools and a methodical approach. Let's delve into the details.
- The Essential Rohloff SPEEDHUB Oil Change
- Understanding Rohloff Chain Lubricant
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rohloff Maintenance
- How often should I change the oil in my Rohloff SPEEDHUB?
- Can I use any bicycle oil or motor oil in my Rohloff hub?
- What is the purpose of the cleaning oil in the Rohloff Oil Change Kit?
- Do I need to extract all the oil during the change?
- How much new oil should I put into the Rohloff hub?
- Is Rohloff chain lubricant suitable for all types of bicycle chains?
- How does Oil of Rohloff protect my chain from water?
- Why is it important to balance the air pressure after injecting oil?
The Essential Rohloff SPEEDHUB Oil Change
Performing an oil change on your Rohloff SPEEDHUB is a relatively quick and clean operation, especially when you have the correct kit and follow the instructions precisely. Rohloff has made this process incredibly user-friendly, breaking it down into a clear, three-stage procedure: rinsing, extracting, and refilling. For this task, you will need the 'Oil Change Kit' (Rohloff article #8410). This comprehensive kit typically includes a syringe, a filler tube, cleaning oil, SPEEDHUB oil, and a brand-new oil drain screw. In addition to the kit, ensure you have a 3mm Allen key and a clean cloth readily available. Remember, cleanliness is key to preventing contaminants from entering the hub.
Preparation and Rinsing Stage
- Position the Wheel and Remove Drain Screw: Begin by rotating your bicycle's wheel so that the existing oil drain screw is facing directly upwards. Using your 3mm Allen key, carefully remove this screw. Set it aside, as you will temporarily refit it later in the process. This upward position prevents any immediate oil leakage when the screw is removed.
- Prepare Cleaning Oil for Injection: Unscrew the cap from the cleaning oil bottle included in your kit. Insert the filler tube firmly into the bottle, then attach the syringe to the other end of the filler tube. Slowly draw the entire contents of the cleaning oil bottle into the syringe. If your bicycle is equipped with disc brakes, it's a good practice to protect the disc rotor from any potential overspray or drips using your clean cloth. Oil on disc brakes will severely compromise braking performance.
- Inject Cleaning Oil and Balance Pressure: Carefully screw the filler tube into the SPEEDHUB shell. Aim for approximately three turns – just enough to secure it without overtightening. Now, slowly and steadily inject the entire contents of the syringe (the cleaning oil) into the hub. Once injected, wait a few seconds, then draw back approximately 25ml of air into the syringe. This crucial step helps to rebalance the internal air pressure within the SPEEDHUB. Without it, the hub's sealing could be compromised or internal pressures could build up. After balancing, remove the filler tube. Take the old oil drain screw you set aside earlier and refit it into the hub, tightening it lightly into position.
- Perform the Rinsing Process: This is where the cleaning oil does its job. The actual rinsing occurs by rotating the bicycle's cranks both forwards and backwards. Simultaneously, you should be shifting between gears #3 and #5. Continue this process for approximately three minutes. This action distributes the cleaning oil throughout the hub's internal mechanisms, dislodging any old, contaminated oil and wear particles. This rinsing can be conveniently completed either while the bicycle is mounted in a repair stand or by taking a short, gentle ride.
Extraction Stage
- Position for Drainage and Allow Settling: Once the rinsing is complete, remove the old oil drain screw once more. Screw the filler tube back into the hub shell. Now, rotate the wheel so that the filler tube and the attached syringe hang vertically downwards. It's important to leave the wheel in this position for approximately 15 minutes. This allows ample time for the oil mixture (the old oil mixed with the cleaning oil) to collect at the very bottom of the SPEEDHUB, ready for efficient extraction. Patience here ensures you remove as much of the old, contaminated oil as possible.
- Extract Used Oil Mixture: Slowly and carefully extract the oil mixture from the SPEEDHUB using the syringe. The exact quantity you extract will naturally vary, typically falling somewhere between 25ml and 50ml, depending on how much residual oil was in the hub initially. For safe and responsible disposal, transfer this used oil into the now empty cleaning oil bottle. This ensures it can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner at an appropriate waste facility.
Refilling Stage
- Clean Syringe and Prepare New Oil: Before refilling with fresh SPEEDHUB oil, it's essential to clean the syringe thoroughly. Pump it repeatedly with air to expel any remaining cleaning oil or contaminants. This prevents cross-contamination of your new, clean oil.
- Load Syringe with Fresh SPEEDHUB Oil: Take the bottle of fresh SPEEDHUB oil. Give it a good shake to ensure the oil is well-mixed. Remove the cap, insert the filler tube, and carefully draw the entire contents of the bottle into the syringe.
- Inject Fresh Oil and Rebalance Pressure: Rotate the wheel once again so that the oil drain screw opening faces upwards. Screw the filler tube into the SPEEDHUB shell. Slowly and steadily inject the entire contents of the syringe (the fresh SPEEDHUB oil) into the hub. Just like with the cleaning oil, after a few seconds, draw back approximately 25ml of air into the syringe. This action is crucial for rebalancing the internal air pressure levels within the hub, ensuring optimal sealing and preventing pressure build-up. Once complete, remove the syringe and filler tube from the SPEEDHUB.
- Finalise and Clean: The oil change process is now nearing completion. Take the brand-new oil drain screw provided in your kit and fit it into the hub. Tighten it securely, but do not overtighten, as this can damage the threads. Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe down the area around the oil drain screw and any parts of the hub that may have come into contact with oil. This leaves your hub clean and ready for many more kilometres of smooth riding.
Quick Reference: Rohloff Oil Change Steps
For a handy overview, here's a summary of the oil change process:
| Stage | Key Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation & Rinsing | 1. Position wheel, remove old screw. 2. Load syringe with cleaning oil. 3. Inject cleaning oil, extract 25ml air, refit old screw lightly. 4. Rinse via pedalling/riding for 3 mins (gears 3-5). | Protect disc brakes. Balance internal pressure. |
| Extraction | 5. Remove screw, fit tube, hang wheel down for 15 mins. 6. Extract used oil, transfer to empty cleaning bottle. | Allow time for oil to collect. Dispose responsibly. |
| Refilling | 7. Clean syringe thoroughly. 8. Shake SPEEDHUB oil, load syringe. 9. Position wheel up, inject new oil, extract 25ml air. 10. Fit new drain screw, clean hub. | Ensures no cross-contamination. Balance internal pressure. |
Understanding Rohloff Chain Lubricant
While the Rohloff SPEEDHUB is a sealed unit, your chain and other drivetrain components still require regular lubrication. Rohloff extends its commitment to quality and performance to its chain lubricant, 'Oil of Rohloff'. This product is far from a generic chain oil; it's a meticulously developed solution designed to complement the high standards of Rohloff's hub technology and provide superior protection for your chain.
Developed in partnership with a leading German lubricant manufacturer, Oil of Rohloff stands out for its environmental credentials. It is an environmentally friendly and easily biodegradable chain lubricant, produced using over 90% renewable resources. This commitment to sustainability means you're not only maintaining your bike but also minimising your environmental impact. However, its benefits extend far beyond its green profile.
Key Characteristics of Oil of Rohloff
Oil of Rohloff is based on a high-performance synthetic oil, which forms the foundation for its exceptional protective qualities. This base oil is enhanced with special additives that work synergistically to deliver outstanding chain protection and longevity. Here's what makes it a superior choice:
- Incredibly Pressure Resistant: Bicycle transmissions, especially under hard pedalling or climbing, exert immense pressure on the chain. Oil of Rohloff is engineered to withstand these extreme forces, maintaining its lubricating film even under the most demanding conditions. This prevents metal-on-metal contact, significantly reducing wear on chain links, sprockets, and chainrings.
- Extremely High Slip Characteristic: A high slip characteristic means the lubricant allows chain components to slide over each other with minimal friction. This reduces energy loss, making your pedalling more efficient and ensuring smoother, quieter gear changes. It contributes directly to a more enjoyable and less fatiguing ride.
- Much More Water Repellent: One of the biggest enemies of a bicycle chain is water, which can wash away lubricants and lead to rust and corrosion. Oil of Rohloff is formulated to be significantly more water repellent than conventional chain lubricants. This means it stays on the chain longer, even in wet conditions, providing continuous protection and extending the intervals between re-lubrication. This enhanced water repellency is particularly beneficial for riders in the UK, where wet weather is a frequent companion.
- Fast Biodegradation: Beyond its renewable resource base, the lubricant is designed to degrade quickly in the environment, further cementing its eco-friendly status.
Comparison: Oil of Rohloff vs. Conventional Lubricants
| Feature | Oil of Rohloff | Conventional Chain Lubricants |
|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Synthetic oil, >90% renewable resources | Often petroleum-based |
| Environmental Impact | Easily biodegradable, environmentally friendly | Varies, often less biodegradable |
| Pressure Resistance | Incredibly high, withstands extreme forces | Good, but may break down under high pressure |
| Slip Characteristic | Extremely high, reduces friction | Varies, generally lower |
| Water Repellency | Much more water repellent, stays on in wet conditions | Varies, often washes off faster |
| Additives | Special protective additives integrated | Standard additives for basic lubrication |
In essence, Oil of Rohloff is designed to provide superior lubrication and protection, translating to a longer-lasting chain, smoother gear changes, and a more efficient drivetrain. Using it regularly, especially after riding in wet conditions or after cleaning your chain, will significantly contribute to the overall longevity and performance of your bicycle's transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rohloff Maintenance
How often should I change the oil in my Rohloff SPEEDHUB?
It is recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometres or once a year, whichever comes first. Regular oil changes are crucial for the longevity and smooth operation of your hub.
Can I use any bicycle oil or motor oil in my Rohloff hub?
Absolutely not. You must only use Rohloff's genuine SPEEDHUB oil. The internal components and seals of the Rohloff hub are specifically designed to work with Rohloff's proprietary oil. Using other oils can lead to premature wear, damage to seals, and will invalidate your warranty.
What is the purpose of the cleaning oil in the Rohloff Oil Change Kit?
The cleaning oil is designed to rinse out any old, degraded oil and microscopic wear particles from inside the hub. This ensures that when you refill with fresh oil, it's not immediately contaminated by old residues, maximising the effectiveness and lifespan of the new lubricant.
Do I need to extract all the oil during the change?
While you should extract as much of the old oil mixture as possible, it's normal not to get every single drop out. The process is designed to be highly effective even if a small amount of residual oil remains. The cleaning oil ensures that what's left is harmless.
How much new oil should I put into the Rohloff hub?
The Rohloff Oil Change Kit provides the precise amount of SPEEDHUB oil required for a complete refill. Simply extract the entire contents of the fresh SPEEDHUB oil bottle into the syringe and inject it into the hub, followed by the air rebalancing step.
Is Rohloff chain lubricant suitable for all types of bicycle chains?
Yes, Oil of Rohloff is a high-performance chain lubricant suitable for all standard bicycle chains, whether on conventional drivetrains or those paired with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB. Its advanced properties offer benefits regardless of your specific setup.
How does Oil of Rohloff protect my chain from water?
Oil of Rohloff features enhanced water repellency. This means it forms a durable film on the chain that resists being washed away by rain or splashes, providing continuous lubrication and protection against rust and corrosion even in wet riding conditions.
Why is it important to balance the air pressure after injecting oil?
Balancing the internal air pressure (by drawing 25ml of air back into the syringe) is crucial for the SPEEDHUB's long-term sealing and performance. It ensures that the hub's internal pressure matches the ambient pressure, preventing issues like oil leaks or impaired sealing over time.
By following these guidelines for both your Rohloff SPEEDHUB oil changes and chain lubrication, you'll ensure your bicycle continues to deliver its best performance, kilometre after kilometre. Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of reliability, and with Rohloff's well-designed products and straightforward procedures, it’s easier than ever to keep your ride in prime condition.
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