Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on September 25, 2014 at 5:10pm

The thing is you have to do it at least once or several times a week if you want to keep your bike in good order (I am assuming you leave your bike outside most of the day).  For me I find it really is the chain that suffers. If I consistently cleaned the bike I wouldn't have this issue. I'm less concerned with the aesthetics of the bike.  

I also have the Shimano Nexus internal gear system.  Whatever the tradeoffs in  performance are, maintenance is pretty much non existent and you have no cleaning to do on the back sprockets.  Highly recommended at least for a commuting bike (I have a road bike with external gears).

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on September 26, 2014 at 2:29am

Ignore cleaning and maintenance on a internal hub, especially a Shimano one, and you are going to be pretty disapointed in the long run...

They should actually be serviced regularly.  The Shimano ones need an occasional oil bath and you need to make sure they are always full of a high quality grease on the drive side.  If the grease washes out and the bearings start to corrode or gall it will ruin the hub shell and turn the hub into junk.

jolondon30 said:

The thing is you have to do it at least once or several times a week if you want to keep your bike in good order (I am assuming you leave your bike outside most of the day).  For me I find it really is the chain that suffers. If I consistently cleaned the bike I wouldn't have this issue. I'm less concerned with the aesthetics of the bike.  

I also have the Shimano Nexus internal gear system.  Whatever the tradeoffs in  performance are, maintenance is pretty much non existent and you have no cleaning to do on the back sprockets.  Highly recommended at least for a commuting bike (I have a road bike with external gears).

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Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 26, 2014 at 6:04am

It's not too hard to remove and clean the sprocket along with the chain and pulleys.  I wouldn't want to mess with internal stuff which would require even more tools, time and mess to keep working.

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Permalink Reply by Josh L. on September 26, 2014 at 4:15pm

thanks..I remember reading that when I got it a few years ago but uptown bikes told me a few weeks ago they didnt' think any maintenance was needed. As I recall the grease you use is important...shimano sells special grease. Anyone in town service these?
notoriousDUG said:

Ignore cleaning and maintenance on a internal hub, especially a Shimano one, and you are going to be pretty disapointed in the long run...

They should actually be serviced regularly.  The Shimano ones need an occasional oil bath and you need to make sure they are always full of a high quality grease on the drive side.  If the grease washes out and the bearings start to corrode or gall it will ruin the hub shell and turn the hub into junk.

jolondon30 said:

The thing is you have to do it at least once or several times a week if you want to keep your bike in good order (I am assuming you leave your bike outside most of the day).  For me I find it really is the chain that suffers. If I consistently cleaned the bike I wouldn't have this issue. I'm less concerned with the aesthetics of the bike.  

I also have the Shimano Nexus internal gear system.  Whatever the tradeoffs in  performance are, maintenance is pretty much non existent and you have no cleaning to do on the back sprockets.  Highly recommended at least for a commuting bike (I have a road bike with external gears).

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on September 26, 2014 at 4:56pm

If the hub is a yearish old or has seen lots of wet weather or winter use I would not agree with that.  Shimano does make a special grease and lube for them but I think the best thing for the bearings is the very sticky marine grease that will resist wash-out.  I know Boulevard does good work on those but really any shop should be able to take care of it for you.  I can also do it if you messagfe me.

jolondon30 said:

thanks..I remember reading that when I got it a few years ago but uptown bikes told me a few weeks ago they didnt' think any maintenance was needed. As I recall the grease you use is important...shimano sells special grease. Anyone in town service these?
notoriousDUG said:

Ignore cleaning and maintenance on a internal hub, especially a Shimano one, and you are going to be pretty disapointed in the long run...

They should actually be serviced regularly.  The Shimano ones need an occasional oil bath and you need to make sure they are always full of a high quality grease on the drive side.  If the grease washes out and the bearings start to corrode or gall it will ruin the hub shell and turn the hub into junk.

jolondon30 said:

The thing is you have to do it at least once or several times a week if you want to keep your bike in good order (I am assuming you leave your bike outside most of the day).  For me I find it really is the chain that suffers. If I consistently cleaned the bike I wouldn't have this issue. I'm less concerned with the aesthetics of the bike.  

I also have the Shimano Nexus internal gear system.  Whatever the tradeoffs in  performance are, maintenance is pretty much non existent and you have no cleaning to do on the back sprockets.  Highly recommended at least for a commuting bike (I have a road bike with external gears).

• ▶ Reply