How Do Internal Gear Hubs Work?

Our components are designed to be integrated with the Shimano family of advanced internal gear hubs, including 3-speed, 7-speed and 8-speed. Shimano's internal gear hubs are an advanced gearing technology, whereby all the gears are fully enclosed within the rear hub of the bike. These hubs are called planetary gears - much like the tranmission in a car - giving a wide range of gearing in a very compact space. So unlike chain bikes that have fully exposed (external) sprockets and derailleurs, internal gear hubs compress all of this gearing into a compact, highly efficient cylindrical component inside the rear hub. This internal gear hub integrates seamlessly with our components to create incredibly smooth gear shifting and rapid speed changes. Shimano’s internal gear hubs require very little maintenance and are lifetime sealed and lubricated to safely protect them from dirt, debris and damage.

These gear hubs are operated using a single shifter on the right side of the handlebar. For our chainless bicycles, shifting is controlled using Shimano's twist shifter or rapid fire shifter. For road bikes, the Versa integrated shifter-brake lever mounts onto the right side of the drop handlebar.

Wide, Versatile Gear Range

Internally geared hubs offer a wide range of gearing without external derailleurs and chain tensioners. Think about it – how many gears do you really use? Shimano’s internal gear hubs merely spread out the gears for you, giving you tremendous gear range with fewer gear changes for faster speed transitions. This means you can better respond to changing terrain and unexpected road conditions. In addition, you can change gears on an internal gear hub at any time – while pedaling, coasting, or even at a complete stop! Since the gear changes don't require you to move the chain around a bunch of chainrings and sprockets, you'll never drop your chain, and your pedaling will always be smooth and efficient.

Internally Geared Bikes Are Easier to Maintain

Internal gear hubs are sealed and lifetime lubricated, so they are inherently low maintenance. Which means little effort is required on your part to keep your bike running at peak efficiency, regardless of weather or riding conditions. Compared to chain bikes, internal gear hubs can go much longer without maintenance or adjustment so they can operate more efficiently, more consistently. In fact, internally geared bikes can easily be maintained at home without requiring special tools or knowledge.