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When it comes to performance and reliability, the Birdy Rohloff folding bike – also known as the “King of Birdy” – might just take the crown. But what makes this bike so special, and why is the Rohloff internal gear hub at the heart of its power and versatility?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics of the Rohloff hub, who the Birdy Rohloff is ideal for, and why it’s such a standout option for cyclists seeking the perfect mixture of performance and convenience, especially on long tours.
Features of a Birdy Rohloff
As with other Birdy bicycles, the Rohloff features a fast and intuitive folding system, full front and rear suspension, and a rigid monocoque main frame. The first trait means that the Rohloff is superbly portable and compact. You can store it in your car boot, under your desk, or in a closet when not in use, and you can also swiftly fold it and roll it into buses and trains, making it well-suited as a commuting option.
The full suspension system causes bumps and minor obstacles in the road to feel almost negligible while riding. Due to this, even long rides on a Rohloff feel comfortable and smooth. Coupled with the rigid monocoque frame, which improves the efficiency of pedalling compared to other folding bike frames that fold in half and suffer from flexion, these traits make the Rohloff a versatile bike that performs well when cycling long distances while still being a viable urban commuter bike.
It’s the Rohloff’s unique features, however, that really set it apart as the “King of Birdy”. Its TRP Spyre disc brakes grant riders superior stopping power, enhancing safety and performance, especially when riding downhill or in adverse weather. Over the course of long tours, it’s likely you’ll run into at least one of these challenging conditions.
Its Rohloff internal gear hub (which we will cover in more detail in the following section) has a broad range of 14 gears, allowing riders to tackle both steep ascents and fast, flat roads with ease. Thanks to the Rohloff twist shifter, with a simple flick of the wrist, cyclists can jump up to 8 gears immediately – even when stationary!
This capability is a real game-changer that allows Rohloff riders to have full and precise control over their bike at any moment, and ensures they will never be caught unprepared, no matter what conditions they run into on the road.
What is a Rohloff Internal Gear Hub?
At the core of the Birdy Rohloff is the made-in-Germany Rohloff 14-speed internal gear hub. Unlike traditional derailleur systems, which rely on external components, the Rohloff hub is neatly enclosed within the rear wheel, meaning it’s protected from the weather, dust, and other road conditions. The hub’s main strengths include:
- 14 gears in a compact system: Despite its compact size, the Rohloff hub offers a wide range of gears that can handle various riding conditions.
- Durability and low maintenance: Thanks to being fully encased, it requires only a simple oil change every 5,000 km and is designed to withstand tough weather and riding conditions.
- Switching gears while stationary: Unlike many traditional gearing systems, the Rohloff hub allows you to shift gears without needing to pedal—a game-changer for unexpected stops, rough terrain, and steep climbs.
This internal hub is ideal for cyclists who want the reliability and versatility of high-quality components without the hassle of frequent maintenance.
Who is the Birdy Rohloff best suited for?
The Birdy Rohloff is built for those who are serious about performance and flexibility. Just like other Birdy bikes, its foldable design makes it a good choice for commuters who need a reliable bike that’s easy to store and transport.
However, the demographic who will really find the Birdy Rohloff to be a perfect companion would be cyclists who enjoy long rides and touring, perhaps overseas or during “Round The Island” (RTI) routes. For these riders, the Rohloff offers the reliability and durability they need. The Rohloff internal gear hub’s sealed design ensures that dirt, dust, and weather are kept at bay, allowing them to ride confidently in all conditions for as long as they need.
Here are several reasons the Birdy Rohloff is a top choice for touring enthusiasts:
- Wide Gear Range: As previously mentioned, the 14-speed hub covers a broad range of gear ratios, allowing riders to be well-prepared for a variety of terrain and slope gradients. This will undoubtedly come in handy when cycling long distances, as both steep ascents and flat roads will be encountered.
- Safe Braking: The TRP Spyre brakes and their superior stopping power are extremely useful when it comes to stopping safely and precisely, even in adverse weather or while riding downhill.
- Suspension for Comfort: The Rohloff’s full front and rear suspension system makes it ideal for rough roads and uneven surfaces, and ensures riders can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride over a variety of terrain. On a long cycling adventure, comfort is paramount.
- Extremely Low Maintenance: The Rohloff is extremely low-maintenance compared to other bikes. Its internal gear hub will only require a quick oil change every 5000 km. Long-distance cyclists can breathe easy knowing that this bike will remain reliable and high-performing throughout their tour.
- Compact and Foldable: Even with all these features, the Rohloff remains a compact folding bike. The option to bring the Rohloff on public transport or fit it into a car boot makes it superbly versatile and a fantastic choice for those planning to combine their long-distance cycling with other modes of transportation. This will come in particularly useful for pan-European trips or other such adventures.
Conclusion
The Birdy Rohloff is a folding bike like no other, offering a blend of high performance, durability, and convenience. Whether you're embarking on a cross-country tour or simply commuting in the city, its 14-speed Rohloff internal gear hub ensures that you’re equipped for any challenge, with minimal maintenance required. If you’re looking for a folding bike that doubles as an elite touring bike, the Birdy Rohloff is your answer.
