Electronic Rohloff Shifting: SternShift Conversion in Our Workshop

We have enjoyed the Rohloff Speedhub for years: 14 gears, an enclosed gearbox and straightforward everyday use. On bikes with drop bars, however, the traditional twist shifter has often been a compromise. This is where SternShift comes in.

The system shifts the Rohloff electronically. Freely positioned buttons replace mechanical shift cables, whether on drop bars or a flat handlebar. Depending on the setup, power comes from a hub dynamo or the integrated battery, which can be recharged via USB. The Speedhub itself remains in place.

We have already retrofitted SternShift several times in our workshop. What we like about it: the shift controls are where your hands naturally rest, and a neatly arranged cockpit no longer needs a twist shifter.

Conversions for other bicycle brands too

Your bike does not have to be a HILITE. We also assess Rohloff-equipped bikes from other manufacturers and fit SternShift where the technical setup is suitable. The axle plate is now less of a restriction: according to the manufacturer, SternShift has supported the other Rohloff axle plates since August 2026. Even so, we check each bike's hub, frame, power supply and installation requirements beforehand.

Important: according to the manufacturer, SternShift is intended for conventional bicycles, not e-bikes, tandems, cargo bikes, racing or riding with a trailer. We therefore do not promise a conversion before we have assessed your specific bike.

What changes when you ride

• Shifting at the touch of a button: your hands can stay in their usual position, especially on drop bars.
• A tidy cockpit: the buttons can be positioned to suit the handlebar and your preferred controls.
• No mechanical shift cables: the usual problems with dirty or stiff shift cables are removed.
• Your Rohloff remains a Rohloff: the gearbox inside the hub is not replaced; only the way it is controlled changes.

What we check during installation

The conversion involves more than bolting on a box. We check the Rohloff version and frame, plan the position of the buttons and cable routing, install the shifting unit and carefully adjust the system. We then test the shifting on the workstand and on the road.

The power supply is also part of the plan: with a hub dynamo, SternShift can receive power while you ride. Without a dynamo, the internal battery is charged via USB or a power bank as needed. We discuss which solution suits your bike before the conversion.

Your Rohloff conversion at HILITE

1. Introduce your bike: send us a few photos of the hub, dropout and handlebar, together with the main details about the bike.
2. Discuss the setup: we assess suitability and discuss the buttons, power supply, work involved and price.
3. Conversion in Basel: bring your bike to us or arrange shipping with us beforehand. We install, adjust and test the system.
4. Start riding: you receive your bike back with an explanation of the controls and charging.

Would you like electronic shifting for your Rohloff? Email info@hilite-bikes.com, call +41 61 508 73 45 or use our contact form. We will give you an honest assessment of whether SternShift is useful and technically suitable for your bike.

Image: SternShift / Herms Produktentwicklung. Further technical information is available from SternShift.