Short answer: How do bicycle hub gears work?
Bicycle hub gears utilize an internal planetary gear system to change the gearing ratio, allowing cyclists to adjust their speed and torque without having to manually swap out external cassette sprockets. Hub gears are controlled by a shifter cable that triggers pawls inside the hub shell, selecting different ratios according to the position of the rider’s shift lever.
Step-by-Step Guide to How Do Bicycle Hub Gears Work
Bicycle hub gears are an essential component of any bike geared for commuting, touring, or cycling in areas with varying degrees of incline. These gears can be incredibly useful in enabling riders to switch between different speeds and gear ratios without having to shift the chain manually.
But how do these gears really work? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take a closer look at bicycle hub gears and explain the inner workings of this crucial element of modern bikes.
Step 1: Understanding The Basics
The first thing you need to know is that hub gears consist of an internal set-up that allows changes in speed without affecting your pedaling cadence. Instead of adjusting the tension on your chain via Derailleur-style systems by moving it across sprockets placed around loosely on top-to-bottom cogs fixed onto rear wheel axle linearly called ‘cassette’, a much more complex mechanical arrangement sits within the hub itself.
In simple terms, there are two gear types: internally geared hubs (IGH) like Shimano Nexus/Alfine or SRAM I-Motion; or externally geared hubs like Rohloff Speedhub where all changing takes place inside the sealed unit attached directly onto spokes creating lower tire clearance allowing smaller wheels & frames Low Rider Bags typically used for touring purposes besides fairly expensive Maxxis Big Apple tyres providing cushioning benefits when using luggage-carrying panniers.
Both function based on planetary gearing principles revolving around solar system-like configurations of sun-spoke/wheel sets arranged putting them against planetary cogs rotating their position as directed back-and-forth controlled movements partaken from coated steel cables right into shifter controls on handlebars themselves passing through hollow tubes connecting lever mechanisms bits near grips holding them rather firmly just beyond brake levers plus other addons such as bells lights adjustible rests drink bottle accesories etc so everything stays easily reached making riding more enjoyable safe and efficient!
Step 2: Learning About Kinds of Hub Gears
Now that you understand the general concepts behind hub gears, it’s time to learn about different types. There are a few major kinds:
1. Nexus/Alfine type: These internally geared hubs tend to span an eight-speed range living inside concentric shell tubes installed either on rear wheel-center or on front-wheel equivalent maintaining desired ratios gearbox built-in moving freely resulting in highly efficient maintenance & greater resistance against moisture/seize clog-ups ideal for daily commuting duties environmental conditions notwithstanding.
2. Rohloff Speedhub: This is an exclusive premium version requiring cylindrical-shaped shells enclosing all 14 planet sets each containing multiple gear positions developing up-to incredible engine-running-kind capabilities making this internationally acclaimed innovative kind much more costly aimed at touring pro adventurous riders embracing advanced engineering and high performance with ease-of-use while exercising finesse necessary for longer-duration challenges passing through tough terrains carrying added weight on their bikes.
3.Enviolo : Enviolo divides its gearing options into two main categories – manual (Mech) shifting and automatic Shiftless systems taking care comprehensively of your bicycles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bicycle Hub Gears: Your Ultimate Guide
Bicycle hub gears are an innovation that has revolutionized the way cyclists ride and maintain their bicycles. These internal gear systems have grown in popularity because they offer several advantages over traditional external derailleur systems. They provide smoother shifting, greater durability, less maintenance, and easier operation – all making them a popular choice among avid cyclists.
We put together this ultimate guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about bicycle hub gears and help you decide if it’s time to switch from your old chain-driven system.
1. What is a Bicycle Hub Gear?
A bicycle hub gear is simply an internal gear system located inside the rear wheel hub. This system features multiple speeds or ratios for cyclists to choose from by simply changing gears with a shifter on the bike’s handlebars; thus, allowing riders to pedal at a comfortable pace regardless of steepness or terrain.
The benefits of these types of gears go beyond just having more options: using fewer parts means that they require far less maintenance than other systems like derailleurs or chains! Additionally, many people find them much easier to operate than those pesky types!
2. How Does A Bicycle Hub Gear Work?
Hub geared bicycles work differently compared derailleur-based bikes . The main difference being how the chain moves between different sized cogs when shifting between different speeds – For example when faced with hills,
Most bikes use sprockets mounted outside the hubs(cassette), however Internal Geared Hubs (IGH) uses planetary gearing mechanisms inside the sealed housing in its place.
Since Planetary Gears rotate around central body(Sun Gear) not anchored sheath(right), which forms high reduction values(compared tensioned drive-trains).
3.Are You Limited To Shifting In An Orderly Fashion On A Bike With A Hub Gear System?
Not at all!. One overlooked benefit offered by hub gear shifts is their versatility- offering riders who need or prefer smaller step-up/down changes in cadence with smooth and responsive shifts. This is because unlike the derailleurs where shifting past one speed is while you’re still pedaling, Hub Gears allows for a smoother transition between gears without the grind or clicking sounds accompanying abrupt gear movements.
4. Are Hub Gear Bikes More Expensive Than Traditional Derailleur-Based?
Yes, since they have additional parts inside their hubs making them more expensive than traditional system bikes to make initially. However in long run, they may end up being cheaper due to low maintenance requirements as compared to that required by externally exposed systems.
5.What’s A Good Number Of Speeds To Aim For In A Bike With Hub Gears?
For most riders 3-8 speeds will fit all commuting & leisure needs adequately as each ratio offers an easy increment of resistance per shift relative to its previous ratio which makes for a better experience over longer commutes or cross-country rides on varied terrain.
6.How Durable Are These Internal Geared Systems Compared To External Ones?
Internal geared hub lifespans are generally longer since all components
Top 5 Must-Know Facts About How Do Bicycle Hub Gears Work
Bicycle hub gears have been around for more than a century now, and they remain increasingly popular among cyclists due to their versatility, durability, and reliability. They differ significantly from the regular derailleur system, but how exactly do bicycle hub gears work? In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 must-know facts about these fantastic pieces of engineering.
1. The principle behind bicycle hub gears
Hub gear works on an entirely different principle compared to the traditional derailleur system. Instead of using mechanical cables to move the chain between multiple sprockets or cogs in the drivetrain cassette/wheel-set mechanism situated along the right-side stays of bikes frame; Hub gearing operates all internally within its namesake – the rear wheel’s “hub.” Inside is a series (usually five) of intermeshing planetary/differential cog systems that engage with specific sets of internal teeth.
The cyclist engages each set by turning his or her gear shifter accordingly. With no exposed parts other than these tapered cogs visible through tiny gaps in rear axle internals shared via separate hubs where some include hydraulic disc brakes offering three-speed range selections being discernible rubber coated dial numbers applied logically atop handlebars enabling one-hand shifting so riders can experience seamless interval changes on good flat stretches as well as steep terrain hill climbs easier than ever before.
2. Smooth Shifting: Effortless Functionality
Unlike another commonly used form of bike transmission technology-the common derailed-type components-which often requires heavy pedaling efforts when trying like-for-like adjustments across various inclines/road gradients/stops frequently encountered workouts – bicycles featuring internally geared shifters rather transition seamlessly through selectable ranges without hesitation freeing energy expenditure for pure cycling power desired outcomes during rides irrespective fitness levels or age groups regardless if gym-based training does not get done satisfactorily beforehand!
3.Low Maintenance Cost & Easy Cleaning
One advantage that sets hub gearing apart from others is it entails considerably less maintenance as there’s no need to lube multiple exposed sprockets or deal with an exposed chain slapping around the rear wheelset, which eventually accumulates dirt. With hub gears’ intricately enclosed workings inside the sealed sub-assembly, only occasional oiling is necessary for proper operation and long life within daily commuter use-style cycling.
Cleaning bicycles that employ hub gearing also easier than those equipped with derailleurs where frequent stoppages prove tedious wasting precious workout time while cleaning plus reducing longevity resulting from increased wear-n-tear mechanical abuse causing parts failure due constant accidental misshifting seen in non-wheel set based transmission technologies more often than you think.
4. Different Gear Ranges
Hub gears offer a range of speeds between three to eight differing according to manufacturers’ design features but typically consisting of five selectable options making it simple yet efficient enough for most riders whether they’re going on leisurely rides through residential areas around inexperienced cyclists or hitting rugged backcountry roads/exercise workouts over steep hills/mountainsites amongst pro endurance exponents seeking excellence performance gear ratios meeting their specific
