Internal gear hubs don’t need to be adjusted as frequently as derailleur gears, but this doesn’t mean they are maintenance free. Like any other moving part they require periodic maintenance to ensure a long, trouble-free lifespan. The good news is that it’s often a straightforward job and that 12-18 months is fine for most commuters.
Different types of Internal Gear Hubs
There are several different brands and types of internal gear hub (IGH). Shimano makes 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11 speed hubs. All are fairly straight forward to maintain. Sram makes a range of gear hubs from 3 to 9 speed with which are more variable with respect to reliability and serviceability. The old 3 speed Sturmey Archer hubs are bombproof and require very little attention. Newer Sturmey Archer’s are prone to being problematic. And finally, there is the pinnacle of IGH technology, the touring-spec Rohloff. The Rohloff is a 14 speed oil-based hub that functions quite differently from the Shimano 11 speed. It is more robust than the Shimano and as a result better suited to touring.
Servicing requirements for IGHs
Broadly speaking, grease based internal gear hubs will require cleaning out, inspecting and re-greasing about every 12-18 months.
The grease inside this hub used to be white. It was long overdue for a clean and regrease.
Shimano 5 to 8 speed hubs need an ‘oil bath’ every 12-18 months to keep the internals lubricated. Shimano Alfine 11 speed hubs get the oil changes via a port on the outside. We try to keep most common hub seals in stock so we can replace them if you are having leaking issues. Get in touch if you are having leaking issues and quote the hub model and we can see if we have the right seals in stock.
We recommend replacing the shift cables periodically or at the first sign of mis-shifting on any IGH (other than Rohloff hubs). This is critical because on most hubs the shifter controls the alignment of all of the planetary gears and a damaged or lagging cable can prevent the elements inside from aligning properly, leading to damage and accelerated wear. Rohloff’s control their indexing between gears in the hub rather than the shifter so this is less of an issue with the Rohloff. A damaged or lagging shift cable in a Rohloff will just feel nasty but isn’t causing any damage.
We’re stoked to welcome @bassi.bikes and their “Hog’s Back” model from Montréal to Off Course Bike Shop! 🇨🇦
Operating out of C&L Cycles’ two small shops in Montréal’s Plateau since 2009, Bassi bikes are designed to be practical, functional and good looking. All models are made to fit wide, comfy tires, fenders, a rack or two and plenty of water.
The Hog’s Back is a true all-road loaded touring bike and comes loaded with all the features you’d expect.
Available in two colours, Fauve or Noir, and a full run of sizes.
Check out Robbie’s rad new @wilde.bikes Dark Star!✨
Perfect for all sorts… cruising around, bikepacking and getting shreddy! Featuring parts from our favourites, Wolf Tooth, Shimano, Vittoria, Ritchey, SQ Lab, PNW & WTB 🤝
Wilde Dark Star XL Frameset Wolf Tooth Premium Headset Ritchey Comp Trail Stem SQ Lab 3OX 16deg Handlebar PNW Loam Grips Wolf Tooth Seatpost Clamp Ritchey RL1 Seatpost WTB Rocket Fusion Form Saddle Shimano Deore XT 1×12 Groupset Shimano Deore XT M8200 Wheelset Vittoria Mezcal Trail 29 x 2.6” Tyres Shimano GR400 Pedals
Rommel was super keen on a Fools Gold @surlybikes Midnight Special, so we put one together with a neat build kit to suit his needs✨ Perfect for long day rides, gravel and travel 🗺️
Taryn’s SOMA Buena Vista custom build is a beauty✨
We worked closely to bike fit data to ensure that it’s both classy and comfortable, each component and measurement carefully considered. We’re so happy with how this build came together and the smiles upon pick-up only helped to confirm it!☺️💚
SOMA Buena Vista Disc, Olive Green Velo Orange Grand Cru Headset Velo Orange Headset Spacers – Brass & Polished Ritchey C220 Classic Stem Velo Orange Granola Bar Oury Blue Lug Special V2 Grips Ritchey Classic 2-Bolt V2 Seatpost Brooks B17s Saddle Blue Lug YMC 3 Bolt Crankset SimWorks Tiny Bubbly Pedals, Bronze Edition Shimano CUES U8000 Shifting and Stopping Velo Orange Voyager 650b Rims SimWorks Host Raw Brass Nipples DT Swiss Competition Spokes DT Swiss 350 Rear Hub Schmidt SON 28 Dynamo Front Hub Schmidt SON Edelux II Front Dynamo Light Schmidt SON Rack Tube Mount Rear Dynamo Light Pelago Commuter Stainless Steel Polished Rear Rack Pelago Commuter Stainless Steel Polished Front Rack, Medium Rene Herse 650b x 48mm Juniper Ridge Tyres Velo Orange 650b x 58mm Smooth Alloy Fenders
Hey folks, If you’re looking to get some work done before the Xmas/New Year break, jump on over to our bookings page (link in bio) or get in touch with the shop via phone or email ✌️
Formerly named Commuter Cycles, Off Course Bike Shop is Melbourne's destination store for Commuting, Touring and Adventure Cycling. Surly Bikes, Kona, Salsa, Tumbleweed, Wilde & Pelago and Australia's largest range of Bikepacking gear. Come visit us in the heart of Brunswick, or browse over 6000 bikes, parts & accessories in our online shop and get them shipped to your door post haste.
Off Course acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Brunswick, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging, as well as to all First Nations’ communities in Australia.
Gates CDX Rohloff Splined SprocketPrice range: AUD$170.00 through AUD$200.00
Ergon GP2 Lock On Grips for Rohloff/NexusAUD$70.00
Rohloff Cable Manager Kit – 5201AUD$10.00
