Riese & Müller models came in three drivetrain options, and the suffix on the model name ("Touring," "Vario," or "Rohloff") tells you which one your bike has. We no longer sell new R&M bikes, but we still service every one we sold, so here's what each option means for you as an owner.
What's a drivetrain? A drivetrain describes the group of components that transfer power from your legs to the wheels. In this case, we're talking about the gears and the shifting mechanisms that are used to switch those gears.
Touring
This means that the eBike model is equipped with a traditional steel chain and external derailleur, a familiar option for anyone who has ridden a bicycle with gears. Touring was the least expensive of the three, though it needs more maintenance than Vario or Rohloff.
Since this system works by a steel-linked chain rotating around a metal sprocket, it is important to properly clean and lubricate the chain every now and then. This reduces the wear and tear (and noise) created by metal-on-metal contact, creates a barrier of protection from the elements, and prolongs the life of your chain.
To learn more about taking care of a Touring drivetrain, check out this article: What maintenance is required for a steel chain? Keep in mind, you can always bring your bike to us or another local bike shop if you'd rather have a professional do it.
Vario
Riese & Müller models that are equipped with an enviolo, an internally geared hub (IGH), have "Vario" at the end of their description. The enviolo is paired with a Gates CDX carbon belt drive (Gates' most durable belt) in place of a standard chain.
The enviolo is a continuously variable transmission (CVT): friction-driven balls inside the hub give you an infinite range of ratios within a fixed span (380% on the enviolo 380). There are no numbered gears and no shift clicks, so you just twist the shifter and the ratio changes smoothly. You can also shift at a stop, so you don’t need to pedal to change gears. Some R&M Vario models use enviolo AutomatiQ, which shifts for you.
The closed system also keeps dirt, debris, and other elements out, so there's little to no maintenance required. However, if you do need maintenance on an enviolo hub, it's best to bring it into a designated service center. Unlike a traditional chain and derailleur setup, there's not much work you can do on the hub or drivetrain without the help of a trained professional certified for Bosch and enviolo systems.
The Gates CDX carbon belt is made of carbon fiber and nylon strands. Since the belt is not made of metal there is no lubrication required and therefore less maintenance. It consists of a solid piece as opposed to the individual links that make up a steel chain.
Rohloff
When Riese & Müller refers to Rohloff, they're talking about the Rohloff E-14 shifting system and the internally geared SPEEDHUB 500/14. The Rohloff drivetrain includes an index gearing system with a 14-gear ratio and electronic shifting with the touch of a button.
Although the gears are internal, they shift similarly to an external derailleur. This hub works specifically with eBikes and has a plus and minus remote located on the handlebars. Another cool feature: The E-14 automatically downshifts to a starting gear (which you can select) when you come to a stop, making it that much easier to start up again.
Rohloff was a popular option at our shop for its wide gear range (great if you ride a lot of hills), ease of use and low maintenance. Unlike the enviolo, though, a Rohloff hub does need an oil change once a year or every 5,000 km (about 3,100 miles), whichever comes first, done by a professional.
The Riese & Müller Rohloff eBikes we sold at Propel are all paired with a Gates carbon belt drive, though a Rohloff can also run a steel chain. We still service them all.