Is it possible to use road-style brifters with an internal gear hub?

Asked by: Becky Miller

How do I convert my internal gear hub?

Quote from video: Let's talk about how to convert your bike to an internal geared hub. First check your frame for compatibility. Before searching for wheel options make sure your frame has a horizontal dropout.

What is better hub or derailleur?

Derailleurs are more efficient– In optimal conditions, derailleurs have slightly greater mechanical efficiency than internal gear hubs. Depending on the models and conditions, derailleurs are about 2-10% more efficient. This is because the system uses fewer gears to transfer energy from the pedals to the rear wheel.

How do Alfine gears work?

Instead, the sealed Alfine employs an oil bath—like a car’s transmission—which can be drained through a port. Fresh oil can be injected with a special syringe. The whole system spins around a stationary axle that has three pawls—spring-loaded, wedge-shaped pieces of metal.

How do hub shifters work?

Quote from video: Power is introduced via a sprocket revolved of course by the chain. If the sprocket could be made to turn the planet cage and the gearing were connected to the hub.

Are internal gear hubs heavy?

Internal-gear hubs tend to be heavier than derailer systems, and are slightly less efficient in some gears. On the other hand, an internal-gear hub’s direct-drive middle gear can be more efficient, as there is no drag from derailer pulleys. Most internal-gear hubs cannot have a quick-release axle.

Are hub gears any good?

Generally, hub gears have a long-life span and are usually maintenance free. The advantage of a hub gear is that you can shift gears when stationary. Hub gears allow you to change the gears from top to bottom whilst motionless, which is useful for urban riders who want to change gears at traffic lights.

Are Sturmey Archer gears still made?

‘A’ and ‘F’ family hub gears



Sturmey-Archer’s most widely known product is the AW wide-ratio three-speed hub gear, introduced in 1938 (though patented in 1936) and still in production in a substantially modified form as of 2018.

What is a 3 speed hub gear?

Three speed hubs use a planetary gear system to achieve a gear ratio between the sprocket and the wheel. In this gear system the sun gear is fixed in place while the planet carier is rotated. This causes the planet gears to rotate which in turn causes the ring gear to rotate. The rider selects a speed using a shifter.

Why do gears have hubs?

Hub gears completely avoid the danger of collision with the spokes and wheel-collapse that derailleur systems can suffer. Hub gears can change gear ratios when the rear wheel is not rotating.

Which is better Shimano Alfine vs Nexus?

The two main differences compared to Alfine 8 seem to be the exterior finish, which is better on the Alfine, and the braking options. Both can use rim brakes, Nexus 8 Premium can use roller brakes, while Alfine can use disc brakes. AFAIK the coaster brake Nexus hubs are/were the “ordinary” version with plain bearings.

Are Alfine gears any good?

Our review



The Alfine hub gear is the upgraded counterpart to Shimano’s successful Nexus hub. It’s smoother, has a higher-quality feel and looks to be robust enough to go for years. There’s a certain beauty about internally geared hubs; they might be heavier but the bonus is their easy-to-live-with nature.

What is a Shimano Nexus hub?

Shimano Nexus is a brand of bicycle components which includes products such as epicyclical gear hubs, cranksets, shifters, brake levers, hub brakes, hub dynamos, and a CPU for automatically changing gears.

How do internal hubs work?

Internal hubs work on a planetary gear system, similar to those found in automatic car transmissions. A central Sun gear is orbited by a smaller set of planetary gears. That system sits inside a larger gear ring called an annulus. All three elements can drive the wheel, creating three different gear possibilities.

Are 3 speed bikes good?

A 3-speed bike is a great option. It gives you more choices and more flexibility than a single-speed bicycle, but it doesn’t reach anywhere near the many options of seven, 21, or even higher-speed bikes. With a 3-speed bicycle, you can tackle riding uphill, downhill, and flat terrain.

What is internal gear hub bikes?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

Which is better Shimano Alfine vs Nexus?

The two main differences compared to Alfine 8 seem to be the exterior finish, which is better on the Alfine, and the braking options. Both can use rim brakes, Nexus 8 Premium can use roller brakes, while Alfine can use disc brakes. AFAIK the coaster brake Nexus hubs are/were the “ordinary” version with plain bearings.

How does a 3 speed hub work?

Three speed hubs use a planetary gear system to achieve a gear ratio between the sprocket and the wheel. In this gear system the sun gear is fixed in place while the planet carier is rotated. This causes the planet gears to rotate which in turn causes the ring gear to rotate. The rider selects a speed using a shifter.

Is a 3-speed bike good for hills?

Q: Is a 3-speed bike good for hills? Yes, a 3-speed bicycle is a great choice if you’re riding a route with hills. The different gear options will allow you to adjust for inclines, downhill rides, and regular flat terrain.

How do I adjust my 3-speed internal hub?

Quote from video: And we're going to go ahead and loosen. This at that point we can take this barrel adjuster and twist counterclockwise. And that'll start to move the indicator.