Speedub.Nate @ MTBR schreef:Thursday (September 20th), Aktiv Radfahren, a German magazine, announced Rohloff's plans for what they are referring to "Speedhub09."
http://www.radfahren.de/modules.php?nam ... e&sid=3100
So much for the rumored "metric pound" (500g) of weight loss. Instead, Rohloff is aiming for a 18% reduction, or approximately 300g.
1736g is the weight of the current base hub -- no accessories or disc brake options included -- compared to the proposed weight of ~1400g for the new unit. (You can view my Speedhub Weight Worksheet to see a weight breakdown of a complete installation).
Part of the weight loss will come in the form of an overall size reduction. With current hub flange diameters spanning 100mm, the suggested 20% change will result in a hub closer to 80mm. This will likely allow for 3x lacing, and though it doesn't affect mountain bikers, recumbent and folder Speedhubbers will likely appreciate more breathing room when constructing their 20" wheels.
The big surprise is the increase to a 580% gear range, equivalent to a 27-speed setup running an 11-32 cassette. This is shy of the 623% gear range a 34-tooth cassette fetches, but is a large step beyond the current 528%, which best approximates the range of a 24-speed setup running an 11-30 cassette.
Gearing steps will remain evenly spaced, but will increase ~1% from the current 14% jumps.
Restrictions will be made against use with tandems, or other "hard core" applications, but no word of a projected mileage-limited lifespan or rider weight limit, as I've heard earlier.
The magazine story makes a vague reference to a new shifter, though I'm interpreting it to be a redesigned twist shifter, and not the trigger shifter so many have been anticipating.
Rohloff hopes to have the demonstration hub in hand for Eurobike 2008 (September), and release if for sale in 2009.
No price projection was given, leaving the previous rumor of a 30% increase hanging.
My presumption is the current hub will remain in production, given the strength limitions implied by the tandem and "hard core" restrictions.