Hub gears

There are several different types of gear systems that can be found on bicycles, and the hub gear is a popular variant. Unlike derailleur gears, the components of the hub gears are not visible, but hidden in the rear hub. Another variant is the bottom bracket gear system.

What are hub gears?

A hub gear system consists of a wheel hub with integrated gears located in the rear hub of a bicycle. Due to its location inside the wheel hub, the gear system is well protected from external influences. This means that this system is relatively impervious to water, frost and dirt, so maintenance is very low. Normally, maintenance will require only application of a care product.

How do hub gears work?

The hub gear system is designed around the planet gear. Most planet gear systems have the following main components:

• hub axle with sun pinion (gear wheel)

• sliding clutch

• driver

• planet pinion

• sprocket

• gear ring

• clutch housing

• compression springs

• freewheel

How do I shift with hub gears?

Shift by operating the gear lever. In contrast to derailleur gears, where the sprockets and chain wheels must be in motion during shifting, and you can therefore only operate them while pedalling, the hub gears can be operated while stationary or freewheeling. In other words, you shift when the power flow is interrupted.

This is practical in many situations, for example, when you have to stop at a traffic light and then want to start in a lower gear. On the road, it is important to look ahead as you ride because you can only shift gears 'in neutral', i.e. when you stop pedalling, or when pedalling with little power (deceleration pedalling). On hills, this can be a problem.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hub gears?

Although a hub gear has many advantages (ease of operation, maintenance, cleaning), there are also a few disadvantages that should be noted:

Advantages of hub gears

• well protected from external influences

• can shift when stationary

• generally uses simple grip shifter

• can have back-pedalling brake or freewheel

Disadvantages of hub gears

• gear ratio cannot be changed

• not a good choice for sporty riding

• repairs are more expensive

How do I set up my hub gears correctly?

With the 3-speed gear shifter, adjustment is usually done using a small shifting chain on the rear wheel, which tightens the gear cable. With 5 or 7-speed systems, there will generally be an adjusting screw that tightens the cable. The exact procedure will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best thing to do is consult your user manual or ask your specialist dealer to set up your hub gears optimally.

Are hub gears better than derailleur gears?

The biggest advantage of the hub gear system compared to derailleur gears is that all sensitive and moving components are protected in the hub housing. This makes this system easier to maintain than derailleur gears; your gears do not get dirty as quickly and they are protected from outside influences. As to the question of whether hub gears are better for you than derailleur gears, the answer depends on what kind of cyclist you are. Sportier riders are better off choosing derailleur gears. For those who find the simpler operation and shifting while stationary more important, hub gears are ideal.

Which hub gears are the best?

Which hub gears are the best for you depends on your needs and what you look for in a gear system. There are now excellent and technically advanced hub gear systems available from Shimano and Enviolo that are particularly recommended for e-bikes.