Is internal gear hub worth it?
One of the main advantages that internal gear hubs have over derailleurs is that they require less frequent maintenance. Once your internal gear hub is set up, you can ride for thousands of miles without touching it. Derailleurs, on the other hand, require a bit of regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
How long do internal gear hubs last?
More reliable: With Rohloff Speedhubs, riders can often do around 100,000 km before they need replacing, but more budget-friendly options such as the Shimano Nexus can go around 15,000km before they need replacing. For the average rider, the internal gear hub will last a lifetime with proper maintenance and care.
How do you maintain internal hub gears?
Clean the inside of the hub shell. Apply grease to the bearings and clutch rollers. I also inject 3cc or 4cc of the special Shimano oil (ice cream topping) between the gears before putting everything back together. Reinsert the cartridge and wipe off the excess grease.
How does an internal hub work?
Internal-gear hubs work on the principle of “planetary gearing.” Thus, the wheel turns 3 times for every 4 revolutions of the sprocket, lowering the gear by 25%. Middle Gear has the sprocket still driving the gear ring, but the gear ring drives the hub. Thus, the drive is direct.
Why are 3-speed bikes more expensive?
Your initial purchase of a 3-speed bike may be more, just because internal gearing systems are more complicated and more expensive. These highly engineered designs come with many small parts, which means standard repairs may set you back more than you’d pay with a 7-speed bike.
Why use an internal gear hub?
Here are other reasons to consider using an internal hear hub on your bicycle: One of the greatest advantages of an internal gear hub is that all the moving components essential for shifting are fully contained in a sealed unit which is the hub. This means that they are 100% protected from dirt, water, grime, road salt, debris, and the like.
How reliable are internal gear hubs?
Internal-gear hubs are more reliable than derailer systems, and require much less maintenance. The step-up ratios of their top gears make oversize chainrings unnecessary on small-wheel bicycles. Unlike derailers, internal-gear hubs can shift at a stop, very nice in stop-and-go urban traffic.
How does an internal gear hub work?
Internal gearing is so called because all the gears involved are hidden within a wheel hub. Hub gears work using internal planetary, or epicyclic, gearing which alters the speed of the hub casing and wheel relative to the speed of the drive sprocket. They have just a single chainring and a single rear sprocket,…
Is an internal gear hub right for You?
Internal gear hubs are excellent for bicycle touring or commuting- Many expedition bicycle tourists choose to ride with an IGH for more peace of mind. Commuters like them for the same reason. There is simply less to worry about in terms of maintenance and repairs.