Are internal gear hubs better?

With an internally geared hub you can shift gears while stationary. Unlike a traditional derailleur system, you don’t need to be pedaling to change gears. This can be great for riding in stop and go city traffic and can also make it a lot easier to down shift on a steep uphill.

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 also aren’t as efficient as derailleur gears. However, the efficiency of hub gears tends not to deteriorate, and may even get better as the hub wears in.

How do internally geared hubs work?

Internal-gear hubs work on the principle of “planetary gearing.” Thus, the wheel turns 3 times for every 4 revolutions of the sprocket, lowering the gear by 25%. Middle Gear has the sprocket still driving the gear ring, but the gear ring drives the hub. Thus, the drive is direct.

Are Sturmey Archer hubs good?

The classic Sturmey-Archer AW hub is the most reliable gear-shifting mechanism ever made, and rarely needs anything more than a bit of medium-weight oil every so often. 95 percent of shifting problems on 3-speeds are related to the control cable or the shifter.

Is a Rohloff worth it?

According to independent testing, Rohloff hubs are just as efficient as a derailleur drivetrain at transferring the power from your pedals to your rear wheel (~95% efficiency). In the mud, they would presumedly be even more efficient!

What is internal gear?

Internal Gears are gear teeth generated in the internal diameter of a cylinder while external gears have the gear teeth generated on the outside diameter of the component. Internal gears are used in planetary gear box applications, but can also be applied in other situations.

Which are best hub gear or derailleur?

Most hub gears have a smaller range than derailleur gears: the difference between top and bottom gear is narrower. A 3-speed hub is fine on flatter or rolling terrain but can be hard work on hills. A 7-, 8- or 11-speed hub is a better bet there.