What would you do?
We started this bike packing tour around Sjælland, Denmark on this older tandem bike. Unfortunately yesterday’s stage came to a stop at Tisvilde/Helsinge, when the hub (internal gear type) on our back wheel jammed, which we think are internal parts that failed. Buut it’s the weekend now and mechanics are closed. We would really need the bike up and going again, and we appreciate any help. Maybe if you know anybody else with an old 26” single/3speed hub gear speed wheel just laying around would be so helpful <3
by Spronked
7 Comments
You got some tools to try opening it up? Otherwise try local Facebook marketplace.
I’m guessing by when you say “jammed” that it doesn’t coast anymore.
Sometimes the pawls in the hub get stuck open or closed. This happens when the oil becomes less viscous.
One thing you can do is try to shake them loose so they spring back. I’d give it a good whack by dropping the wheel on the ground. Turn the wheel maybe 30 degrees, do it again, etc.
I’ve had this on the road in the winter (-25c) and have gotten my bike back in motion.
Try the least invasive step first: flood it with lube or WD40 and see if it starts working again. It’s possible the grease inside is old and crusty and the internal parts are just seized. While not a long-term solution, it may get you going again until you find a shop that can give it a proper cleaning and lube.
It’s a sturmey archer hub. It is sensitive to proper adjustment of the gear mechanism. Try loosening the cable to the hub and tighten it again to the right tension.
i unfortunately cant help and wish you all the luck.
but i just wanted to say this is the coolest thing i have ever seen
Did you try r/bikewrench ?
Try tensioning the shifter cable.
I use a friction shifter with a similar sturmey archer gear. If the tension is wrong, it kind of falls in between gears and doesnt do anything anymore.
Hope this helps🫡