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Bicycle Internal Hub Gears; Benefits and Disadvantages?

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BuffaloStache:
I've seen a lot of talk here on MMM about Internal Hub Gears (IHG) on bicycles: Dutch bicycles, NuVinci hubs, Shimano Nexus 7-speed hubs, Sturmey Archer, etc. However, I've never found a thread that was a comprehensive list of pro's and con's for this gear shifting method. It seems that the people who use them are all for them, but rarely talk about the disadvantages.

Does anyone use both a IHG and regular derailleur bicycle, and can compare/contrast the differences? I'm intrigued with IHG's, but want to learn more about them before I attempt to refit one of my current bikes or anything like that. I've read the advantages/disadvantages section of the wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hub_gear), but I'd love more insight from someone who uses both.

For those of you that may not even know what an IHG is, this is a vintage video explaining how they work.

ixtap:
I have a three speed on my folding bike. I love the operational aspects.

However, the difference between the speeds is minuscule. There is definitely a difference between first and third, and a couple of hills that I cannot get up in third, but my max speed is probably 8mph, maybe 10mph. Of course, the 20" wheels don't help.

BuffaloStache:

--- Quote from: ixtap on September 25, 2017, 03:13:47 PM ---I have a three speed on my folding bike. I love the operational aspects.

However, the difference between the speeds is minuscule. There is definitely a difference between first and third, and a couple of hills that I cannot get up in third, but my max speed is probably 8mph, maybe 10mph. Of course, the 20" wheels don't help.

--- End quote ---

Do you think an IHG bike is inherently slower? or is that solely because of the tire size?

ixtap:

--- Quote from: BuffaloStache on September 26, 2017, 03:44:22 PM ---
--- Quote from: ixtap on September 25, 2017, 03:13:47 PM ---I have a three speed on my folding bike. I love the operational aspects.

However, the difference between the speeds is minuscule. There is definitely a difference between first and third, and a couple of hills that I cannot get up in third, but my max speed is probably 8mph, maybe 10mph. Of course, the 20" wheels don't help.

--- End quote ---


Do you think an IHG bike is inherently slower? or is that solely because of the tire size?

--- End quote ---

I think I would do a lot more research before buying another bike, but would likely still settle on a seven gear IHG.

Askel:
Note: I have never owned an IGH or spent significant time riding one.  But I think they're cool because:
-lower maintenance! Parts are less exposed to the elements
-works with belt drive for even lower maintenance
-no chain slack so you can run chain guards
-no fragile derailer hanging out there in the breeze

But I've never pulled the trigger on actually buying one because:
-friggin expensive.
-Really, the maintenance isn't that bad and a good excuse for a beer. You still have cables to adjust and chains to lube with an IGH anyway.
-When things go wrong, they go wrong in much harder to fix ways.
-Swapping wheelsets is a pain or very expensive

I might still get one someday just because I'm a total bike nerd and it would be fun. But there seems to be very little advantage there for the price.

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