Hub gear

Fahrradteile

A hub gear is a closed gear system that is integrated into the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle. Unlike the widely used derailleur gears, where the chain is moved over various gears, the hub gear allows gears to be changed by internally adjusting gears within the hub. This design protects the gear mechanism from environmental influences such as dirt and moisture, resulting in a longer service life and reduced maintenance. Hub gears offer a fixed number of gears, which can vary depending on the model. They are particularly popular on city and touring bikes because they offer a clean, low-maintenance and reliable gear shifting experience.

What is a hub gear?

A hub gear is a type of gear used in bicycles. It is located in the hub of the rear wheel and allows the rider to change the gear ratio of the wheel to adapt the bike's performance to the road conditions.

A hub gear consists of a number of pinions arranged around the hub of the wheel and a shifting mechanism that selects the pinions. The pinions are different sizes, which means they provide different gear ratios. The larger the pinion, the greater the gear ratio, which means the wheel turns faster when the rider puts in the same amount of pedal effort.

How does a hub gear work?

A hub gear consists of a number of pinions arranged around the hub of the rear wheel and a shifting mechanism that selects the pinions. Shifting is done either by a lever on the handlebars or by turning a handle on the handlebars. This type of transmission is also called a planetary transmission. It consists of a sun gear and several planet gears arranged around the sun gear. The sun gear is attached to the input axle of the transmission and rotates when the input power (eg a motor or pedals) is transferred to the transmission.

When the rider operates the shifting mechanism, a mechanism called a shift arm moves inside the hub and selects the desired pinion. The pinion that is selected determines the gear ratio of the wheel. The larger the pinion, the larger the gear ratio, meaning the wheel turns faster for the same amount of pedaling effort the rider puts in.

Which is better: derailleur or hub gear?

Hub gears tend to be lower maintenance and more durable than derailleur gears because they have fewer moving parts. They are also better protected against dirt and moisture, making them particularly suitable for city bikes and bikes that are often used in bad weather or on rough roads.

However, derailleur gears usually offer a larger number of gears and allow for finer gear ratios, making them more suitable for road bikes and mountain bikes where frequent gear shifting is required.

Advantages of hub gears:

No chain that needs maintenance
Shifting is generally more precise and smoother than with derailleur gears
Lower maintenance costs
Less wear on chain, pinion and sprockets
Better protection against dirt and weather influences

Disadvantages of hub gears:

Usually more expensive to purchase than derailleur gears
Narrower gear range (fewer gears)
Heavier and more voluminous than derailleur gears
Often requires special tools and knowledge for repair and maintenance.

Previous article E-Bike cornering light

Elektroroller vs. Fatbike E-Bike – welches Fahrzeug passt besser zu Dir?
In den letzten Jahren hat sich die urbane Mobilität stark verändert. Immer mehr Menschen steigen auf elektrische Alternativen um – sei es aus Umweltbewusstsein, wegen der steigenden Spritpreise oder einfach aus Freude an der Bewegung.
Doch wenn es um die Entscheidung zwischen Elektroroller und Fatbike E-Bike geht, scheiden sich die Geister. Beide bringen dich schnell, umweltfreundlich und leise von A nach B – aber sie tun es auf völlig unterschiedliche Weise.
Mini-Akku-Kompressoren: Kompakte Power für unterwegs
Wer regelmäßig mit dem Fahrrad oder E-Bike unterwegs ist, kennt das Problem: Ein platter Reifen kommt immer ungelegen. Doch während klassische Handpumpen mühsam sind und oft wenig Druck liefern, bieten elektrische Mini-Pumpen eine komfortable und effiziente Lösung. Die kleinen Akku-Kompressoren passen in jede Fahrradtasche, sind schnell einsatzbereit und machen das Nachpumpen fast zum Vergnügen.
Walchensee Radtour – Traumhafte Ausfahrt im bayerischen Voralpenland
Die Walchensee Radtour gehört zu den schönsten Routen im bayerischen Voralpenland. Kristallklares Wasser, eindrucksvolle Bergpanoramen und idyllische Badeplätze machen die Strecke zu einem echten Erlebnis – egal ob mit E-Bike, Gravelbike oder Mountainbike. Von Geretsried aus erreicht man den Startpunkt schnell und kann direkt in die Natur eintauchen.