Shift Happens: Rohloff & Pinion vs. Traditional Derailleurs

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is how the Rohloff internal gearhub and the Pinion gearboxes compare to a standard derailleur setup. Here’s the in-depth review and comparison you’ve been waiting for.

Before we start, it’s important to mention that it would be nearly impossible to compare all the different sprocket combinations and groupsets. So here, we’ll focus on the setups we use at Nua Bikes compared to the most common conventional derailleur setups.

At Nua Bikes:

• Luna & Silice Rohloff → 55T front / 20T rear

• Kensho, Luna & Silice Pinion → 32T front / 24T rear

• Roure & Terra Rohloff → 50T front / 20T rear

• Roure, Terra & Drac Pinion → 32T front / 30T rear

  
  

We used www.gear-calculator.com to analyze gear ranges, comparing both climbing and descending gears as well as how evenly gears are spaced. We compared Luna, Silice and Kensho Rohloff and Pinion setups to Shimano GRX 1x12 setup with 40t front chainring and 10-45 cassette. The Roure, Terra were compared with 36T chainring with 10-51 MTB cassette and the Drac was compared to Shimano XT setup with 32T chainring and 10-51 cassette.

1. Nua Luna & Silice Rohloff vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: Top table depicts Rohloff setup, the bottom table depicts Shimano GRX setup

Rohloff setup: One extra climbing gear without sacrificing top-end speed. Even gear distribution, meaning smooth transitions between shifts.

Shimano GRX: Gear jumps become wider in the high gears, making shifts feel less natural.

Takeaway: Rohloff gives smoother, more consistent performance with extra climbing ability.

2. Nua Kensho, Luna & Silice Pinion C1.12 vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: Top table depicts Pinion C1.12 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano GRX 1x12 setup

Pinion C1.12: Two extra low gears plus one extra high gear. Even gear steps for smooth riding.

Shimano GRX: Limited range, with noticeable gaps between the higher gears.

Takeaway: Pinion C1.12 offers more usable gears for both climbs and speed.

3. Nua Kensho, Luna & Silice Pinion P1.18 vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: top table depicts Pinion P1.18 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano GRX 1x12 setup

Pinion P1.18: 636% gear range compared to Shimano’s 450%. Two extra climbing gears, two extra descending gears, and very small, evenly spaced increments.

Shimano GRX: Narrower range and bigger jumps between gears.

Takeaway: P1.18 is the gold standard for range and smoothness.

4. Nua Terra & Roure Rohloff vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: top table depicts Rohloff setup, bottom table depicts Shimano GRX setup

Rohloff setup: With 50T/20T sprockets, ideal for touring and bikepacking we get similar gear range to Shimano GRX setup, but the gears are evenly spaced providing smoother increments between gears.

Shimano GRX: 36T chainring with 10-51 (MTB) cassette for comparison. Larger gear jumps, less smooth shifting.

Takeaway: Rohloff excels for loaded climbs and long-distance reliability.

5. Nua Terra & Roure Pinion C1.12 vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: Top table depicts Pinion C1.12 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano GRX 1x12 setup

Pinion C1.12: Two extra climbing gears without losing top speed. No big gear leaps.

Shimano GRX: Noticeable big jumps between higher gears.

Takeaway: Pinion wins again for versatility and smoother shifting.

6. Nua Terra & Roure Pinion P1.18 vs Shimano GRX 1x12

Note: Top table depicts Pinion P1.18 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano GRX 1x12 setup

Pinion P1.18: Extra climbing gears, extra top gear, perfectly even steps.

Shimano GRX: Narrower range, less consistency.

Takeaway: P1.18 dominates with efficiency and range.

7. Nua Drac Pinion C1.12 vs Shimano XT 1x12

NOTE:  Top table depicts Pinion C1.12 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano XT 1x12 setup

Pinion C1.12: One extra climbing gear and one extra top gear.

Shimano XT: 32T chainring with 10-51 cassette. Narrower range.

Takeaway: Pinion C1.12 is more versatile for trail riding.

8. Nua Drac Pinion P1.18 vs Shimano XT 1x12

NOTE:  Top table depicts Pinion P1.18 setup, bottom table depicts Shimano XT 1x12 setup

Pinion P1.18: Huge gear range, smooth steps, extra gears for climbs and descents.

Shimano XT: Wide gaps and less overall range.

Takeaway: For mountain terrain, P1.18 is the clear winner.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Rohloff & Pinion Excel

• Maintenance: Enclosed systems mean minimal upkeep, unlike derailleurs that require frequent cleaning and adjustments.

• Durability: Rohloff and Pinion are built to last 100,000+ km. Derailleurs wear faster and are prone to damage.

• Shifting: Both allow shifting while stationary — perfect for traffic lights, technical climbs, or stop-start riding.

• Clean aesthetics: A single chainline and no derailleur makes for a sleek, quiet, and damage-resistant setup.

• Trade-offs: Rohloff and Pinion are heavier and slightly less mechanically efficient than derailleurs, but for most riders, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Summary

When comparing derailleur setups with Rohloff internal hubs and Pinion gearboxes, a clear pattern emerges: Rohloff and Pinion consistently offer wider gear ranges, more evenly spaced steps, and extra gears for both climbs and descents. Beyond the numbers, they provide smoother shifting, less maintenance, and unmatched reliability.

• Rohloff: Ideal for touring, bikepacking, and gravel riding, with a balance of range, simplicity, and proven durability.

• Pinion C1.12: A versatile all-rounder with excellent climbing gears and smooth distribution.

• Pinion P1.18: The ultimate gearbox with the widest range and smallest gear steps — perfect for riders who want the very best shifting experience.

  
  

Compared to derailleurs, both Rohloff and Pinion bring peace of mind, fewer mechanical worries, and more consistent performance — whether you’re commuting, climbing mountain passes, or pushing the limits off-road.

Thinking of your future dream bike? Send us an email to contact@nuabikes.com and let's discuss how we can bring your dreams to life.