Fixing a flat on a wheel with an internal hub

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Permalink Reply by Josh L. on May 22, 2013 at 10:11am

I have the 8 speed Shimano internal hub.  I meticulously followed a youtube video on how to remove the wheel by following the directions above.  Getting the wheel off wasn't hard.

However I must have screwed it up when I put the wheel back on as the back wheel tightened up and the bike wouldn't move.  

I took all the parts - and at least on the shimano there are about 5 - to Nora at Uptown Bikes who fixed it for $10 or $15.  

It is actually much more difficult than it looks.  I would not try it again given the hassle and I"m a guy who changes wheels/tires with ease. I would bring it to a shop and have them do it if you can.  This obviously could be a drag if I get a flat but all in all I love the internal hub on a commuting bike. Change gears at lights, nothing to get caught, smoother shifting....really wonderful.

Let me refine that previous paragraph. I might try and do it in the future but will take several photos of the cable attached to the hub prior to starting.  The challenge, at least for me, was aligning the sprockets (with red markers) correctly when I was done.  There were really no pieces that come off during the process. When my gears tightened up I actually removed the parts as I was so worried I had damaged something (which I hadn't).

So to summarize, getting the wheel off is easy by following the directions to release the cable. Look for a youtube video for your model.  Putting the wheel back on is the challenge..particularly alignment of the cable and sprockets. If you document what it looks like before you start, and you are mechanically inclined, this is very doable.  I can't imagine doing this on the road though to be honest....

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Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on May 22, 2013 at 10:49am

Thanks a bunch to Doug and Mikey for helping me out at West Town last night!

Dan's instructions were exactly what they showed me but with the added fun of not being able to remove the wheel without first removing the chain tensioner.  Definitely not a repair I'd want to do on the side of the road, but at least now I know how to do it at home.  

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Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on May 22, 2013 at 11:32am

Agreed, A+ advice from a smart shop guy.

I have met Dug a few times and it's great to have an active poster with real skills here.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Allison on May 22, 2013 at 11:37am

yeah, a chain tensioner can complicate the issue (just as drum/roller brakes can). that's why most bikes designed to take an IGH use either horizontal drop-outs, sliding vertical drop-outs, or an EBB for chain tension.

Jamais716 said:

Dan's instructions were exactly what they showed me but with the added fun of not being able to remove the wheel without first removing the chain tensioner.  e.  

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Permalink Reply by natalee on April 10, 2014 at 8:58pm

Realize I'm coming to this party about a year too late, BUT... In case anyone has a Sturmey Archer IGH, this video very helpfully shows you how to remove the rear wheel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUem5XFTtm8) and this video very helpfully shows you how to adjust things when you put the wheel back on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvR0S6lHJ4Q). 

I like Sturmey Archer because you don't really need any other special tools than the ones you would need when fixing a flat on a traditional derailleur. 

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