Cycle Gears

[smoothpebble]

I'm interested in getting hub gears for my bike, which currently has derralieur (sp?). However, the hub has only 7 gears, as opposed to the derralieur 18 - but then, I've never really thought a bike needs 18+ gears, as long as a smaller number covers the same range. But that's the problem: how can I find how the two systems compare in terms of range? Would the upper and lower limits be the same?

[Pinotage]

For true off road cycling hub gears are a lot better. With derailliers the low chain gets snagged in grass and twigs, it gets mud and grit fould up in it whereas with a hub its enclosed and clear of obstructions.

[smoothpebble]

Thanks for this Pinotage - that's interesting - I never would have thought MTBs would use hub gears - I'm surprised there's the range (i.e. low enough gears) for off road - do you know anything about the range of gears/speeds covered by both systems?

[FTVS]

My hubby has just bought a Trek with hub gears as the maintenance on his derailler gears was just too much per year. He says this bike is faster than his previous.

[smoothpebble]

Thanks FTVS - do you know what kind of hub it was (make/gear number?)

[fly258]

I have been a fan of hub gears for a long while. I also have a Trek with a Shimano 7 speed hub gear and integeral brake. The gears are perfect for normal road work but a lower gear or two would be better for off road use. I am contemplating fitting a double ring on the front, one for normal use and a lower one for steep hills and off road. This would give 14 gears in total. Bearing in mind that if a bike is fitted with 18 derralieur gears then at least two of them should'nt be used. The good points about hub gears are the maintainence (virtualy nil) and realiability (very good)and the fact you can change gear instantly without having to pedal. The down side is the weight and the cost. Try this http://www.sheldonbrown.com/internal-gears.html for more info

[smoothpebble]

thanks fly - that's really useful.

[fly258]

Your welcome smoothpepple. If you are concidering a bike with hub gears I think you will find it rather expensive to have them retro fitted rather than buy a bike with them fitted as standard. Last time I looked the hub alone was �100. Well worth it in the long run tho' IMHO