Originally Posted by
SkinGriz
I’ve looked at a couple threads today.
I used the search here. (Not so helpful)
I’d like to learn about Internal Geared Hubs.
Why aren’t they more popular? Do they work OK? Do they have gear oil that gets changed?
I’m ok with being sent links.
Thank you.
+ Can use a full chain guard.
+ Can shift while stopped.
+ For tire diameters smaller than 20" (like a Brompton), can provide needed overdrive gears for reasonable top speeds (impossible with external gearing alone).
+ No derailleurs.
- More difficult to repair, difficult and expensive to find rebuild service even in large cities, at shops that don't you'll hear "you'll need a new hub/wheel" (about same cost as service).
- Large diameter seals required for disassembly don't seal out water well; In rainy environments, requires annual teardown and lube with marine grease at about $100 each time. In fact, you'll need this at initial purchase if you want the hub to last.
- Limited gear range.
- Heavier.
- About 5% friction loss in planetary gears (unless all locked and direct drive, there is usually one gear where this is the case, on 3-speed IGH it's usually 2nd gear).
- Some have many tiny bearings instead of fewer larger ones, and these seem less durable for heavy loads such as touring.
- More expensive to replace.