Why the Shimano Nexus 8 is Considered the Best Internal hub Bike Gearing

Introduction: The Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal gear hub is widely regarded as one of the best gearing systems for bicycles, particularly for urban commuting, touring, and casual riding. Its popularity stems from its reliability, ease of use, low maintenance, and versatility. Here's an in-depth look at why the Shimano Nexus 8 is often considered the best bike gearing system.

Key Features:

1. Internal Gear Hub:

• The Nexus 8 is an internal gear hub, meaning all the gearing mechanisms are enclosed within the rear hub. This design protects the gears from external elements such as dirt, water, and debris, significantly reducing maintenance and increasing longevity.

2. Range and Efficiency:

• Gear Range: The Nexus 8 offers a wide gear range, suitable for various terrains. Its 8-speed configuration provides sufficient options for climbing hills and maintaining speed on flat surfaces.

• Efficiency: The internal hub is designed for smooth and efficient shifting, ensuring minimal energy loss and consistent performance.

3. Maintenance:

• Low Maintenance: One of the standout features of the Nexus 8 is its low maintenance requirement. Unlike external derailleur systems that need frequent adjustments and cleaning, the Nexus 8's sealed design means less wear and tear and fewer tune-ups.

• Durability: The enclosed system protects the gears from the elements, leading to longer-lasting performance and reliability, even in harsh conditions. Using a Nexus 8 hub for 20 years with no issues at all would not be uncommon.

4. Ease of Use:

• Smooth Shifting: The Nexus 8 offers smooth and reliable shifting, even under load. This makes it user-friendly for riders of all skill levels.

• Shift While Stationary: One of the unique advantages of the Nexus 8 is the ability to shift gears while stationary. This is particularly useful in urban environments where stopping and starting at traffic lights is common.

5. Aesthetics and Integration:

• Clean Appearance: The internal hub design results in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance, as there are no external derailleurs or exposed gears.

• Chain Line: The consistent chain line provided by the Nexus 8 reduces chain wear and increases drivetrain longevity.

6. Versatility:

• Urban Commuting: The Nexus 8 is ideal for urban commuters who need reliable, low-maintenance gearing for daily use.

• Touring: Its durability and wide gear range make it suitable for touring and long-distance riding, where reliability and ease of use are paramount.

• Recreational Riding: Casual riders benefit from the simplicity and user-friendliness of the Nexus 8, allowing them to focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about gear adjustments.

Road Bike & Mountain Bike use: It is not typical for internal hubs to be used on Road and Mountain bikes. However, some cyclists love the benefits of the Nexus 8 enough that this hub has been used on all types of bikes.

Comparisons to Other Gearing Systems:

1. Derailleur Systems:

• Maintenance: Traditional derailleur systems require more frequent maintenance and adjustments. The Nexus 8's enclosed design reduces the need for such upkeep.

• Durability: Derailleur systems are more exposed to damage from impacts and environmental factors. The Nexus 8's internal hub is more robust and less prone to damage.

• Shifting: Derailleurs can struggle with smooth shifting under load or when stationary. The Nexus 8 excels in these areas.

2. Other Internal Gear Hubs:

• Shimano Nexus 7: The 7-speed version offers similar benefits but with a narrower gear range. The Nexus 8 provides a wider range, making it more versatile. • Rohloff Speedhub: The Rohloff offers more gears (14-speed) and is highly regarded for its performance, but it is significantly more expensive and heavier. The Nexus 8 strikes a balance between performance and affordability.

Conclusion: The Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal gear hub is considered one of the best bike gearing systems for several reasons. Its low maintenance requirements, durability, ease of use, and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of riders. Whether you are an urban commuter, a long-distance tourer, or a casual cyclist, the Nexus 8 provides reliable and efficient performance, making your riding experience more enjoyable and worry-free.