A journey to the end of the earth. The nearest bike shop? Hundreds of miles away. If you’re diving headfirst into a self-supported cycling adventure, there’s one thing you’ll want from your drivetrain : reliable shifting performance with zero maintenance hassle. With their sealed design, gearbox systems are renowned above all for their durability. But how big are the differences between different systems? We’ve put the Pinion Smart.Shift and the Rohloff SPEEDHUB with SternShift through the wringer to find out. Both are fully electric and yet fundamentally different.
Minimal maintenance, zero issues with wear and tear, and still no breakdowns? This sounds like every bikepacker’s dream, the idea of the perfect long distance bike… but is it actually possible? To find out, we tested two top-tier bikes: the Falkenjagd Aristos R Rohloff Gravel and the Rennstahl 853 PI Gravel. Both combine a belt drive and an electronic gearbox system – yet the technology behind them couldn’t be more different.
At the heart of the Falkenjagd’s rear wheel lies the 14-speed Rohloff SPEEDHUB, upgraded with the SternShift system to enable electronic shifting. Meanwhile, the Rennstahl relies on a Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox, which is integrated into the bottom bracket, and also comes with its own app, thus offering some exciting additional features. Two approaches that seem similar at first glance but reveal crucial differences in the details. It’s time to find out what’s hiding inside these gearbox housings!
What Is a Gearbox Drivetrain for Gravel Bikes, and What Are the Different Approaches?
Anyone with even a passing interest in bikes has come across a conventional derailleur drivetrain at some point in their lives: chainrings at the front (single or multiple) and a cassette at the rear, all connected by a chain. Depending on the selected gear, the chain runs more or less straight across the sprockets and requires regular oiling, cleaning, and replacement.
Gearbox drivetrains, on the other hand, don’t rely on conventional sprockets, using internal gears instead. The entire shifting mechanism is sealed within a casing – the gearbox – similar to the system used in cars. This design keeps the intricate mechanics well-lubricated and protected from dirt, water, and the elements. Inside the gearbox, the input power is either stepped up or down. In simple terms, one crank revolution is converted into multiple rear-wheel revolutions (overdrive, with a gear ratio > 1) or into less than one rear-wheel revolution (underdrive, with a gear ratio < 1).
But where is this sealed unit actually positioned on the bike? There are two possible locations, as the drivetrain must interrupt the power transmission to operate:
- At the crankset, where the rider’s pedalling power is transferred to the chain– like with the Pinion Smart.Shift. This setup provides a centralised weight distribution, with no rotating mass, resulting in a well-balanced bike between the front and rear wheels. However, the Pinion gearbox cannot be retrofitted, as it is integrated into the bike frame itself as a structural component.
- In the rear hub, where power is transferred from the chain to the rear wheel– this is the approach of the Rohloff SPEEDHUB. While this design introduces additional rotational mass at the rear wheel and shifts more weight to the back of the bike – making the rear-end disproportionately heavier – it does allow for retrofitting. With the right adapters and horizontal dropouts, it’s relatively straightforward to add a hub gearbox to an existing bike.
The Rohloff SPEEDHUB is a rear hub gearbox with 14 precisely tuned gears and a 526% gear range. The Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox, on the other hand, offers a broader range of 568%, which, depending on the model, is divided across up to 12 gears. Our test bike, however, relies on the more compact C1.9i version, which features just nine gears but is usually retailed with the 12 gear transmission.
Both systems can be paired with either a low-maintenance belt drive or a conventional chain, and also allow for shifting while stationary – a handy feature when you’re fully loaded and need to get moving on a steep climb. Thanks to the sealed design, the numerous shafts and gears are protected from water and dirt, which,according to the manufacturers, makes them extremely low maintenance. But where there are advantages, there are also drawbacks. What makes these two systems so special? What do they do better than a traditional derailleur setup, and where do they fall short? We’ve got all the answers.
The Hard Facts: Technical Data – Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i vs Rohloff SPEEDHUB with SternShift
| Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i | Pinion Smart.Shift C1.12i | Rohloff Speedhub Sternshift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of gears | 9 Gears | 12 Gears | 14 Gears |
| Gear range | 568 % | 600 % | 526 % |
| Gear steps | 24.3 % | 17.7 % | 13.6 % |
| Easiest gear | 1.82 | 1.82 | 1.47 |
| Hardest gear | 0.32 | 0.3 | 0.28 |
| Weight | ca. 2,000 g | ca. 2,100 g | ca. 1,850 g |
| Maintenance interval | every 10 kkm / 1x per year | every 10 kkm / 1x per year | every 5 kkm / 1x per year |
As shown in the chart, the biggest differences lie in the 5 fewer gears on the Pinion system, despite its overall higher gear range compared to the Rohloff. This is achieved through gear steps that are approximately 10% bigger, resulting in bigger gaps between gears with each shift. Pinion’s lowest gear is also around 20% lighter, with a ratio of 1.82. For context, this is even easier than a 52-to-30 gear ratio, which is fairly common on MTBs and provides a ratio of 1.73. Rohloff, on the other hand, opt for a slightly higher top gear. This means you can keep pedalling powerfully at higher speeds, which makes it better suited for top-end performance. In terms of weight, the Pinion system is about 150 g heavier. However, it’s worth noting that the integration with the frame also plays a crucial role. Due to differences in construction and frame materials, it’s hard to make an exact comparison. For Rohloff, horizontal dropouts are typically sufficient, and there are also several adapter plates available. When it comes to maintenance, Pinion have the edge with recommended service intervals of 10,000 km – double that of the Rohloff – which can be a significant advantage for high-mileage riders.
Rohloff Speedhub with SternShift and Pinion Smart.Shift in Detail
Rohloff Speedhub with SternShift in Detail
At the core of the SternShift system is the 14-speed Rohloff SPEEDHUB hub gearbox. Normally, this hub is operated mechanically using a twist shifter – a mechanism that wasn’t popular with many cyclists and struggled to find a proper place in the drop bar segment. On top of that, the system required two separate cables for shifting, adding to the complexity. This is where Hans-Hermann Herms, an innovative mechanical engineer, stepped in with a clever solution.
The SternShift system is an electronic shifting upgrade for the SPEEDHUB, which was developed by Herms product development. The name “Stern” reflects its location – it’s mounted directly on the rear thru-axle. The idea for SternShift came out of necessity: using a brake-shift lever setup to operate the SPEEDHUB, with its long and heavy shifting action, was awkward and even dangerous. Herms experienced a near collision with a lorry because the long and stiff shift movement made it hard to avoid steering input during gear changes. To solve this issue, Herms spent three years developing an electrified shifting system.
While Rohloff already offer electronic shifting for e-bikes with their E-14 system, no equivalent solution existed for analogue bikes – especially none for gravel bikes, where the typical twist shifter isn’t compatible with flared handlebars. SternShift bridge this gap, pairing the reliable Rohloff SPEEDHUB with modern electronic actuation. At the heart of the SternShift system is a robust servo motor mounted on the rear thru-axle. This motor drives a set of internal gears that transmit shifting commands to the SPEEDHUB. A waterproof cable connection links the motor to the handlebar-controls, and can be easily disconnected when removing the rear wheel.
On the handlebar of the Falkenjagd titanium bike, two micro-switches are neatly mounted on the inside curve of the drop bars. These switches are subtle and tactile but provide minimal haptic feedback – something that may become an issue when wearing thick winter gloves. The right button shifts to an easier gear, while the left shifts to a harder one. If you prefer the opposite logic, you can simply swap the connectors in the stem. Additional shifter options are available for Campagnolo Chorus, TRP Hywire, and flat bars. On the tested Falkenjagd bike, the battery is seamlessly integrated into the titanium stem. Alternatively, the cable and battery can be mounted externally underneath the stem.
The SternShift system is designed to work with a hub dynamo, which maked it an excellent choice for self-supported bikepacking trips far away from civilisation. The hub dynamo in the front wheel charges the shifting battery while riding and powers the bike’s lights at the sametime. According to Herms, even during night rides with lights on, the shifting battery maintains its charge level. However, from experience, it’s not recommended to start a night ride with a nearly empty battery. For external charging, a magnetic cable is included, which connects to a discreetly integrated charging port on the stem. The internal battery is capable of supporting up to 1,000 autonomous shifts or around 200 km of riding. A small LED on the shifting unit indicates the battery status for 10 seconds when the trigger was pressed:
- Green: 30–100 %
- Yellow: 10–30 %
- Red: 0–10 %
Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i in Detail
Pinion take a fundamentally different approach to shifting compared to Rohloff. Instead of managing gear changes in the rear hub, Pinion’s gearbox is positioned centrally in the bottom bracket area – similar to a mid-drivee-bike motor. Installing the Pinion system requires a special frame design, which naturally adds some extra weight. On the Rennstahl steel gravel bike, there’s a mounting plate in the bottom bracket area, similar to those found on e-bikes. However, here it’s used to secure the sealed gearbox unit. Inside, two shifting cams manage the nine gears of the C1.9i, providing the different ratios.
The Smart.Shift technology – indicated by the “i” suffix in the name – represents Pinion’s fully electronic shifting system, which was developed from the ground up and is not a retrofit solution. This is evident in how seamlessly it integrates with the bike. The TRP Hywire brake/shift levers feel familiar, with ergonomics that are slightly reminiscent of Shimano. Shifting is done exclusively via the right-hand lever, where two stacked paddles control gear changes: the front paddle shifts to a lower gear, while the rear shifts to a higher gear. If you prefer a different configuration, you can customise the button assignment through the Pinion app.
The app also offers two unique features:
- Start.Select: This allows you to define a starting gear that is automatically engaged when you stop – perfect for stop-and-go situations
- Pre.Select: This mode creates an almost semi-automatic riding experience. You set a target cadence, and the system adjusts the gear while rolling to match your speed. The result? You’re always in the right gear when you start pedalling again, with no manual input needed.
The battery is discreetly hidden inside the frame and powers an impressive 20,000 gear shifts – equivalent to around 100 hours of runtime, according to Pinion. Even on long tours, the battery is unlikely to run out of power. After approximately 80 km in testing, the battery still showed 96% charge. Charging takes less than three hours and can be done easily with a power bank using a proprietary charging cable that plugs directly into the gearbox. However, this setup isn’t as elegantly integrated into the frame as the magnetic charging port of the SternShift system, and requires you to carry the specific cable with you on long trips. The charging port is located on the bottle cage mount and covered by a small rubber cap for protection.
The Rennstahl 853 PI Gravel on Track – Testing the Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i
This steel gravel bike boasts a slim, sporty look, with a black paint finish and red accents to match the red Tune hubs. Typical for a steel bike, the frame relies on a sleek, understated design language with clean, simple lines. The only exception is the bulky Pinion gearbox at the centre of the bike, but this is balanced by the minimalistic rear triangle, without a derailleur or cassette.
Riding uphill, the Rennstahl 853 PI Gravel Bike feels perfectly suited for long-distance rides, with a relatively upright, comfortable pedalling position that ensures a relaxed posture. At the same time, the high front-end creates a welcoming cockpit that feels natural and accommodating. Adjusting the gearing to suit the gradient is absolutely a piece of cake: while engaging reliably in any situation, the gears “rattle” slightly – the typical noise of straight-cut gears – which is most noticeable in the lightest four speeds. Whether you’re riding, pushing hard under load, or standing still, the gears shift smoothly with a simple click of the trigger. The smallest of the nine gears is very low, making steep climbs a breeze. Fully loaded with bags and luggage? Not a problem. Adding a cargo trailer? Why not! The bike’s long-distance comfort is a perfect match for such challenges. The optional Brooks saddle provides excellent seating comfort, while the 50 mm Schwalbe G-One Bite tires strike an ideal balance of compliance and grip.
However, depending on the gradient and your preferred cadence, you might find yourself switching back and forth between two gears, without finding that sweet spot somewhere in between. This is due to the relatively large but evenly spaced gear steps of 24.3%. For those who find these steps too wide, Pinion also offer a 12-speed version. For high-speed descents, though, you’ll never run out of gears. Even at speeds of 45 km/h and beyond, the gearing allows you to pedal with power.
If you prefer to simply coast downhill, the Pre.Select feature in the Pinion app comes in handy. This setting ensures that the gears shift up automatically as the speed increases – without any input required. When you start pedalling again, you’ll always find yourself in the right gear for the previously set target cadence, without experiencing that awful “spinning out” sensation. For our test, a cadence of 75 rpm proved to be the sweet spot, delivering enough pedal resistance to get you ready for a sprint when needed. Manual shifting, of course, is always an option too, and overruns the smart feature.
Another clever function of the Pinion app is Start.Select, which automatically engages a predefined starting gear when you come to a full stop. However, this feature didn’t win us over. When you stop and the automatic system shifts down, the crank noticeably “sags” slightly with each downshift. For instance, if you come to an abrupt halt in 9th gear, the system clatters down five gears to reach the predefined 4th “start gear.” However, not only does this feel odd but also produces a significant amount of background noise. In combination with Pre.Select, however, it is barely noticeable, as the gearbox already shifts the gears down when coasting or braking to a standstill and stays at the defined starting gear. If Pre.Select is activated, Start.Select is also active.
The Pinion system might not excel in terms of weight, but the ‘care-free’ approach and digital conveniences make it a natural choice for touring bikes and commuter bikes like the Rennstahl.
Tipping the scales at approximately 2 kg, the Pinion C1.9 Smart.Shift gearbox isn’t making the 13.5 kg Rennstahl bike any lighter. However, the bulky gearbox is positioned low and centrally within the frame, which results in a low centre of gravity – right where you want it! This provides a noticeable sense of stability and smoothness on descents but also demands more effort on climbs. You are not going to win any hill climb races with the Rennstahl, but that’s not its purpose anyway. Instead, the Rennstahl 853 PI Gravel bike is built for robustness, comfort, and versatility, which makes it a virtually indestructible riding companion. And with service intervals of 10,000 km, the gearbox is practically maintenance-free.
The Falkenjagd Aristos R Rohloff Gravel on Review – How Does the Rohloff 14-Speed Hub Harmonise with SternShift?
After testing the Rennstahl bike with its Pinion gearbox, we swung a leg over the 12.6 kg Falkenjagd Aristos R, which comes equipped with a Rohloff hub and SternShift shifting system. This bike is incredibly-well equipped, and has just about everything you could want for daily use and long-distance tours: a kickstand, rear pannier-rack, and lights powered by a hub dynamo. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have mudguards, which would be the icing on the cake for a bike of this kind, especially in the wet, dark season. Despite being fully loaded with accessories, the bike maintains a sleek and elegant appearance. The frame, stem, and pannier-rack are all made of raw, unfinished titanium. Not only does this reduce the system weight but also makes the bike nearly indestructible, as titanium is exceptionally strong and resistant to corrosion – perfect for its intended purpose as a travel and endurance bike.
The Falkenjagd places you in a comfortable yet noticeably sportier riding position compared to the Rennstahl. The slightly flared carbon handlebars, add a touch of radnessand invite you to power through sprints in the drops. Adding to the bike’s exotic charm is the even rarer SternShift system, discreetly mounted on the rear axle. The shift paddles on the handlebars are so slim and unobtrusive that it might take some time to memorise their position, especially when wearing gloves, as their haptic feedback is minimal. On the other hand, the TRP Hylex RS brakes are highly ergonomic and grippy, with the perforated levers ensuring excellent control. They perform reliably, even on fast descents, and don’t dade or fail under sideways pressure.
But how does the Rohloff shifting feel? When stationary, gear changes are lightning fast, accompanied by a high-pitched whir from the motor. Each shift takes just 150 milliseconds, giving you exactly that amount of time to ease off the pedals slightly to allow the next gear to engage smoothly. This brief interruption in pedalling force is essential for Rohloff hubs, even with electronic actuation. Shifting to higher gears on descents is no problem either, but on steep climbs, Rohloff rookies may struggle to engage an easier gear at first. If the shift doesn’t work on the first attempt, you can find yourself in a frustrating loop – stuck in a high gear, losing speed, and unable to apply enough power to pedal properly. The key to overcoming this: spend time on flat terrain getting used to the short “pause” required for shifting under load. Once mastered, it becomes second nature. Multiple gear changes at once are smooth and easy at high speeds and on descents, but they’re trickier to execute when climbing due to the force-pause requirement.
For those with prior Rohloff experience, the ease and speed of SternShift will be a welcome improvement. Realistically, the Rohloff system has always been a challenge for use on drop-bar bikes without aftermarket solutions – unless you’re willing to mount the original twist shifter onto your gravel bike. But let’s face it, not only would you get arrested by the fashion police, but also miss out on basic ergonomics and handling logic. SternShift, by contrast, is a true game-changer, making Rohloff’s Speedhub fully suitable for gravel and drop-bar bikes.
Compared to other Rohloff systems for drop-bar bikes, like the ‘Gebla’ box, SternShift feels like a small revolution.
Now for the reality check: During our test, the SternShift system suffered a mechanical failure in the connection between the shifting device and the Rohloff hub, due to a simple and easily correctable fault in the assembly of the control box. SternShift has already taken measures to ensure that shifting events of this kind can be ruled out. This once again makes clear that electromechanical systems on bicycles are always a trade-off between safety and performance. Mechanical control of the Rohloff via a twist grip would be virtually fail-safe, but anything but ideal for a gravel bike: The electronic controls of the SternShift allows you to fully exploit the advantages of modern gearboxes, delivering exceptional shifting precision and speed. That’s why electronic shifting is the key, especially if gearboxes are to keep up with modern derailleur systems. If the electronics are making trouble on the road, it doesn’t matter which electrical shifting system you use – troubleshooting becomes a guessing game and even the most trivial cable connection can cause a breakdown.
Rohloff with SternShift vs. Pinion Smart.Shift: Which System Is Best for Which Usecase?
Our Rennstahl test bike with the Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i offers a mature, reliable system that shifts effortlessly in any situation. With double the oil change interval, it’s well-suited for long-distance riders, and the app adds a few smart shifting features on top. The trade-offs? It’s slightly heavier, has bigger gear steps, and bosts an e-bike-like look in the bottom bracket area.
On the other hand, our Falkenjagd test bike, featuring the Rohloff Speedhub and SternShift, represents an exciting innovation in the Rohloff universe. Developed by mechanical engineer and inventor Hans Herms, the SternShift system refines the Rohloff Speedhub with electronic actuation. This exclusive upgrade pairs perfectly with the Falkenjagd titanium bike, and blends seamlessly into the overall design. Even when occasional electronic challenges may arise, SternShift’s good support and the continuous development of the technology ensure that this system remains one of the most reliable and high-performance solutions for Rohloff-equipped gravel bikes. That said, the integration of the Rohloff hub with the SternShift system, dynamo hub, and lights makes for a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed setup for early adopters. But there’s a catch. If something goes wrong, the system is so niche that only a handful of people worldwide could help you get back on the road. The short pauses required to shift under load take some getting used to too, but seasoned Rohloff users will already be familiar with this characteristic.
Conclusions about the Falkenjagd and Rennstahl Gearbox Gravel Bikes with Rohloff and Pinion Shifting
What did we take away from this gearbox concept comparison? Maintenance-free operation, no wear and tear, and protection against the elements– these are the main arguments in favour of gearbox drivetrains. Both the Rohloff Speedhub and Pinion Smart.Shift have their place in the cycling segment, and are well-suited to a specific group of riders who want to focus on riding without worrying about frequent maintenance. Ultimately, these bikes are technology flagships and clear proof that electronic shifting is rapidly advancing in every area of cycling!
| Pinion Smart.Shift C1.9i | Rohloff Speedhub Sternshift | |
|---|---|---|
| Wear | Virtually wear-free | Virtually wear-free |
| Gear range | Wide gear range of 568% | Wide gear range of 526% |
| Maintenance interval | 10,000 km oil change interval | 5,000 km oil change interval |
| Weight distribution | Central centre of gravity | Heavy/sluggish rear end |
| Battery life | Long battery life | Constant charging via hub dynamo |
| Connectivity | App connectivity | – |
| Gears | 9 gears: large gear steps | 14 gears |
| Compatibility | Only compatible with specific frames | For OEM dropouts/via adapter |
| Usability | Familiar brake/shift lever combination | Lack of feedback from the triggers |
For more info, visit 1bike4life.com, pinion.eu and sternshift.de or rohloff.de.
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Words & Photos: Julian Schwede
