Folding Bike Gearing Maintenance

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Maintaining your folding bike gears

Smooth shifting requires regular attention. Maintenance differs significantly between hub gears and derailleur systems. This guide covers both types, common problems, and how to keep gears shifting reliably.

Hub gears vs derailleur gears

Hub gears (Sturmey Archer, Shimano Nexus, Alfine, SRAM)

Internal mechanism inside rear hub. Sealed from environment.

Advantages:

  • Protected from dirt and water
  • Low maintenance
  • Can shift while stationary
  • Long life with minimal attention

Maintenance needs:

  • Cable tension adjustment
  • Annual internal service
  • Cable lubrication

Derailleur gears (Shimano, SRAM external systems)

External mechanism moves chain between sprockets.

Advantages:

  • Wide gear range available
  • Lighter weight
  • Easy DIY maintenance
  • Lower repair costs

Maintenance needs:

  • Regular cleaning and lubrication
  • Frequent adjustments
  • Cable and component replacement
  • More attention required

Hub gear maintenance

Internal hub gears are largely sealed but need attention:

Cable tension adjustment

Correct tension ensures crisp shifts:

  1. Shift to middle gear (usually 2nd or 3rd)
  2. Check indicator alignment (varies by hub model - consult manual)
  3. Adjust barrel adjuster on shifter or hub until aligned
  4. Test shift through all gears
  5. Re-check after test ride

If shifts feel sluggish or gears crunch, tension likely needs adjustment.

Cable lubrication

  • Apply cable lubricant to cable housing every 3-6 months
  • Work lubricant in by shifting through gears
  • Wipe excess
  • Reduces friction, improves shifting feel

Annual professional service

Hub internals need periodic servicing:

  • Internal lubrication (special hub oil required)
  • Bearing inspection and adjustment
  • Wear assessment
  • Requires special tools (not typical DIY job)
  • Cost: £40-80 typically

Usage tips

  • Shift while pedalling lightly (reduces internal stress)
  • Avoid forcing shifts if resistance felt
  • Do not backpedal under load
  • Can shift while stationary (advantage of hub gears)

Derailleur maintenance

External derailleurs need more frequent attention:

Chain cleaning (weekly or after wet rides)

  1. Wipe chain with dry cloth to remove surface dirt
  2. Apply degreaser (or diluted washing-up liquid)
  3. Scrub with chain cleaning brush
  4. Rinse and dry thoroughly
  5. Apply fresh lubricant (wet lube for UK)
  6. Wipe excess lube (prevents dirt attraction)

Clean chain = smooth shifting and extended component life.

Derailleur adjustment

Basic cable tension:

  1. Shift to highest gear (smallest sprocket)
  2. Pedal and shift down
  3. If slow to shift: add tension (turn barrel adjuster anticlockwise)
  4. If chain overshoots: reduce tension (turn clockwise)
  5. Make small adjustments (quarter turns)

Limit screws (if derailleur misaligned):

  • High limit screw (H): prevents chain overshooting smallest sprocket
  • Low limit screw (L): prevents chain overshooting largest sprocket
  • Adjust only if chain falls off sprockets
  • Requires more technical knowledge (consult manual or professional)

Component inspection

Check regularly for wear:

  • Chain: Replace every 1,000-2,000 miles (sooner if stretched). Use chain checker tool.
  • Sprockets: Teeth should be uniform, not pointed. Replace when chain skips under load.
  • Cables: Check for fraying, especially at cable ends. Replace if worn.
  • Derailleur hanger: Should be straight. Bent hanger causes poor shifting.

Common gearing problems and solutions

Gears skipping under pedal pressure

Causes: Worn chain, worn sprockets, incorrect cable tension

Solutions:

  • Check chain wear with gauge (replace if stretched)
  • Inspect sprockets for wear (pointed teeth indicate wear)
  • Adjust cable tension
  • Replace worn components

Slow or difficult shifting

Causes: Cable friction, dirty chain, incorrect tension

Solutions:

  • Clean and lubricate chain
  • Lubricate cables
  • Adjust cable tension
  • Replace old cables

Chain falling off (derailleur)

Causes: Misadjusted limit screws, worn chain, bent derailleur hanger

Solutions:

  • Adjust limit screws
  • Replace worn chain
  • Straighten or replace bent hanger (professional job)

Hub gears crunching or slipping

Causes: Incorrect cable tension, worn internal components, needs service

Solutions:

  • Adjust cable tension carefully
  • Professional service if adjustment does not help
  • Internal wear requires professional repair

Tools and supplies needed

Basic maintenance kit:

  • Chain cleaning brush (£5-8)
  • Degreaser or bike-specific cleaner (£8-12)
  • Chain lubricant (wet lube for UK, £8-15)
  • Clean cloths
  • Allen keys for derailleur adjustment

Advanced tools:

  • Chain wear gauge (£8-15)
  • Cable cutters (£15-25)
  • Chain breaker tool (£10-20)
  • Screwdrivers for limit screw adjustment

Total basic kit: £30-50. Pays for itself vs shop visits.

Final gearing maintenance advice

Smooth gears = enjoyable riding. Regular cleaning and lubrication prevent most problems.

Hub gears: Low maintenance but require annual professional service. Cannot skip this.

Derailleurs: Need frequent attention but easy DIY maintenance. Weekly cleaning for commuters.

Replace worn components promptly. Worn chain damages expensive sprockets. Prevention cheaper than repair.

Related: Full servicing guide | Gearing systems explained