What a hub gear is
Most multi-speed bikes use a derailleur, where the chain moves between sprockets you can see. A hub gear, also called an internal gear hub, hides the gearing inside the rear wheel’s hub. The chain usually runs in a straight line between one front ring and one rear sprocket, and a single shifter changes the gear inside the hub.
Hub gears are common on city, commuter and utility bikes. The main appeal is simplicity: the mechanism is enclosed, which keeps it away from dirt and rain, and the chain does not need to move sideways. The exact design, number of gears and care needs vary by make and model, so treat this as general information and follow your manual.
How they feel different
- One shifter. There is typically a single twist grip or lever, with numbers or marks showing the current gear.
- No front shifting. You never need to worry about the front ring, and cross-chaining is not a concern in the same way, since the chain stays straight.
- Larger steps between gears. Depending on the hub, the jump from one gear to the next can feel bigger than on a derailleur bike. That is normal.
- Fewer total gears in some cases. The range may be narrower than on a bike with many sprockets, which is fine for flat towns and easy rides, but you might feel it on long climbs.
Understanding the basics of how bike gears work still applies: an easy gear helps with starts and hills, and a harder gear suits speed.
Shifting while stopped
One handy feature on many hub-gear bikes is that you can change gear while standing still. That makes junction stops easy. As you slow down, you can select an easier gear and then pull away comfortably, or select it once stopped. This is one reason people like hub gears for stop-start city riding, and it helps with the routine of starting from a stop on a bike.
Not every internal hub behaves in exactly the same way, and some prefer a slight pause in pedal pressure when moving between certain gears. The manufacturer’s instructions say what is allowed for your model. If the guidance is unclear, a bike shop can tell you.
Ease the pressure as you shift
Even though a hub is enclosed, it is generally kind to ease off the pedals for a moment while you change gear, just as with other systems. Pushing hard through a shift can produce a clunk, strain the mechanism or cause the hub to slip. The easy approach is to relax your push, press or twist the shifter, and then resume pedalling once the gear has engaged.
For many hubs, you do not need to keep pedalling forwards while shifting, but a gentle easing of pressure is good practice. Again, check what the maker recommends.
Choosing gears
The same everyday habits apply:
- Select an easier gear before a hill, stop or junction.
- Look for a cadence that feels comfortable rather than grinding a heavy gear.
- Make single-gear changes at a time while learning, and notice how each one feels.
You will probably find that three or four of the gears get most of your use. If you are curious about the rhythm side, see the piece on pedalling cadence.
Care and maintenance
Hub gears usually need less frequent attention than exposed drivetrains, but they are not maintenance free. Chain tension, cable adjustment and occasional servicing can all affect shifting. General tips:
- Keep the chain clean and lightly lubricated, as you would on any bike.
- If a gear slips, will not engage or makes a grinding sound, stop riding it hard and have it looked at by a shop.
- Do not try to open the hub yourself. Internal parts are intricate and best left to people with the right tools and experience.
- Some hubs have a service interval in the manual. Follow it.
Adjustment of a hub shifter often involves aligning marks or a cable setting, which is something a shop can do quickly if you are not sure.
Limits to keep in mind
Hub gears are often a little heavier than derailleur setups and may feel slightly less efficient to some riders, though the difference is not usually important for everyday riding. If you plan very long or very hilly rides, check that the range of gears suits you. Hub gears also tend to be well suited to riders who value convenience and low fuss over a very wide spread.
Practice
On a flat, quiet, traffic-free place, wear a helmet and ride slowly. Practise changing gears at different points: while rolling, while easing off the pedals and, if your bike allows it, while stopped. Find which gear is best for pulling away, and remember it. After a few tries, you will know the sounds and feel your hub makes when everything is working properly.
Results differ between models, so use this as general guidance and check your own bike’s instructions.